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.
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.
Melat Niguisse believes that the arts can empower activists to bring about broad social changes. She participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program through the US Embassy in Belgium.
Kimia Anousheh is a young activist committed to positive social change and to motivating others to join her in that mission. She participated in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Program (BFTP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Jasmine Del Monte is a young activist with an interest in both entrepreneurship and women’s rights. She has participated, in addition to serving as a coach, in the leadership program Women to Women (W2W) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
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.
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.
Jasna Rokegem leads a team that designs clothing to improve the way people live and even communicate with one another. Through support from the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, she participated in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in India.
Hans Maes is a young politician who believes that inspired leadership can help build communities where all members are valued. He participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
The Emerging Young Leaders Award is granted to 10 outstanding young leaders from across the globe. The young leaders selected are given the opportunity to visit the United States for an intensive 2-week program designed to recognize and support their efforts to enact positive social transformation. The program includes an award ceremony in Washington DC, meetings with U.S. government officials and NGOs, and a trip to Austin, Texas to participate in professional meetings with American counterparts.
The sports visitors programs are sports-themed exchange programs that take place over two weeks. The programs include activities and sessions on nutrition, strength and conditioning, gender equity in sport, Title IX, sport and disability, and team building.
The Fulbright Program is the leading international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to better mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. In addition to exchange programs, competitive, merit-based grants are also awarded annually in most fields of study.
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.