This is the Belgium of today – and tomorrow – told through individual stories of people who inspire us. Their vision for their country embraces diverse ideas, opinions, cultures, races, genders, languages, and religions. They also share a common experience: participating in a U.S. Embassy-sponsored exchange or grant program.
In a March 2019 interview, Sihame El Kaouakibi discussed social entrepreneurship and education as tools for social change. She participated in the 2014 “International Visitors Leadership Program ” (IVLP) sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Pili Verbinnen is a young activist dedicated to bringing positive change in such areas as the environment and education. As a teenager, she participated in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Program (BFTP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Christophe Gueta views his work as a scenographer, or a designer of museum exhibits, as a dynamic tool for educating young audiences about democratic values – a mission he shares with a frequent collaborator, the U.S. Embassy to Belgium.
Imane Bakkioui, a young advocate of interfaith dialogue, has participated in two programs sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Belgium. She has participated in the “Women2Women” program and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
As an academic and activist, Michael Privot believes racial equality is possible through collaboration, open-minded dialogue, and ultimately through legal reform. He participated in the 2013 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
For Caroline Lembe, boxing is not only a challenging sport, but a tool for supporting women’s physical and mental health. She participated in the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Jan Christiaens leads a campaign to teach people with limited access to cheap and reliable transportation to ride bikes and gain new freedoms and opportunities. He participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Fatena Al Ghorra is a poet who believes in building networks that provide support and inspiration to a global community of writers. In 2017, the U.S. Embassy in Belgium nominated her to participate in the “International Writing Residency Program” at the University of Iowa.
The Global Sports Mentoring Program provides one-month mentorship experiences. The experiences focus on empowering emerging leaders to serve their local communities by increasing access to sports and opportunities for sports participation.
KARAMAH’s Law and Leadership Summer Program (taking place in Washington DC) brings together a select group of Muslim women from around the world to learn from each other and from distinguished professors.
The IVLP is a professional exchange program organized by the U.S. Department of State. Current and future foreign leaders from a variety of fields have the opportunity to develop their skills through short-term visits to the United States. Professional meetings allow participants to share their own expertise as well as learn new approaches from their American counterparts. Projects vary in theme and typically include visits to four U.S. communities over three weeks.
Make it your own story!
Are you someone making a difference in Belgium, just like these people? Then we would love to hear from you! Take a look at our U.S. Embassy programs and see which ones will help you do extraordinary things.