In the 1970s, Eduard V.S and Mélanie D.C lived in a slum in Willebroek, Belgium, and he worked in coal mines. Over the course of their lives, they lived in more than 20 different places, had their two daughters placed in foster care, and lost a son.
One day, Eduard read an article about ATD Fourth World and thought it was a movement that could bring about change in the fight against extreme poverty worldwide. He cycled twice from Willebroek to the Fourth World House in Brussels (a round-trip of 70 km) to contribute money in support of the Movement. On his third visit, he asked if it would be possible to start the Movement in his region. In response to his request, the ATD Willebroek Group was created in 1980, with a friend of the Movement who also committed to it, Mia C.
On 17th October 1987, Eduard and Mélanie went to Paris to take part in the first World Day on Overcoming Extreme Poverty and to see the Commemorative Stone.
Gradually, over the years, replicas were installed in various locations, including at the European Parliament site in Brussels in 2002, a replica to which the Willebroek members contributed their reflections. Despite the passing time, the wish to create a replica in their municipality remained firmly in their minds.
Willebroek has experienced much poverty throughout its history, and this poverty still persists today. The town once had many industries and factories where both Belgians and immigrants worked. These factories are now closed.
A petition supporting the creation of the replica, prepared and signed by many people, was submitted to the Mayor, requesting that the replica be installed in the new park opposite the Municipal Library, a place frequently visited by the public. The town verbally committed to installing the replica.
Furthermore, during the 2014 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the artist from Willebroek, Dirk Cortebeeck, led a creative workshop for children and adults. In the following years, he continued to hold a workshop for this day, often in collaboration with the town’s schools. In 2018, after discussions with the Willebroek group members, ideas for the design of the replica emerged. Dirk said, “ There were many ideas, we gave people the opportunity to speak, and it clearly created a connection. It gives the participants confidence. All these proposals continue to resonate with me. ”
The replica represents a large rock that is crumbling, with the first letters of the word “armoede“ (“ poverty“) engraved on its surface. It is a symbol of the will to reduce poverty, until it completely disappears. The stone is accompanied by a plaque made of Corten steel, which gives it a beautiful rusted patina. On this laser-cut plaque is the inscription of the call to action text by Joseph Wresinski, along with the logo of 17th October.
The replica was installed by the technical services staff of Willebroek at the end of May 2019. At the end of June, during the Canal Festival, ATD Fourth World held an information stand to explain the meaning of the replica “An Anchor Against Poverty.” Brochures were placed in the library and other public places around the town. In mid-July, a descriptive panel was placed as the finishing touch. The official inauguration took place on 17th October 2019.