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.
Hannah Leyns believes dedicated teaching and mentoring prepares young people for fulfilling professional lives. Through a partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, her students learned valuable skills that empowered them to serve as inspiring role models in their communities.
Taoufik Amzile applies leadership talents, entrepreneurial experience, and dedication to social change to empower others facing challenges in their professional goals. He has 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.
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.
For Sarah Avci, the arts are a powerful tool for supporting underprivileged women with positive and meaningful experiences. She participated in the IVLP KARAMAH Leadership Exchange Course through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
Sana Afouaiz is the founder of Womenpreneur, a nonprofit dedicated to the empowerment of women through supporting their entrepreneurial ambitions. In collaboration with the U.S.
Embassy in Belgium, she launched a program to support young women in developing their professional careers.
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.
Wietse Van Ransbeeck’s work as a social entrepreneur focuses on supporting people’s right to have a voice in their government. He participated in the 2018 Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship through the U.S. Embassy in Belgium.
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.
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.
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs) and Secondary Educators are post-graduate level academic programs. The institutes consist of a 4-5 week academic residency and a 1-2 week educational study tour to a different region of the United States.
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.