Portfolio of Solutions: Belgium
Hello Europe in Action
The Impact Programme in Belgium is an accelerator designed to support high-potential social entrepreneurs in strengthening and scaling their solutions. Recognizing that many entrepreneurs are deeply engaged in day-to-day operations, the programme creates space to step back, reflect, and build sustainable strategies for growth.
Since 2013, Ashoka Belgium, in partnership with Accenture, has provided pro-bono consulting, offering tailored, hands-on support to more than 30 entrepreneurs across sectors including economic development, employment, health, education, human rights, and the environment.
In 2018, Ashoka, together with Accenture and the American Embassy of Belgium, launched the Hello Europe edition of the Impact Programme, focusing on 10 social entrepreneurial organizations working on integration and employment. Through a four-month process of training and mentorship, entrepreneurs worked closely with Accenture coaches and external experts to refine their models, strengthen their strategies, and accelerate their impact.
Beyond individual support, the programme fosters a strong network of purpose-driven actors, enabling peer learning, cross-sector collaboration, and a broader international perspective. The impact of this approach is reflected in the continued growth of participating initiatives, including The Good Lobby, which was elected as an Ashoka Fellow in 2019.
Ecosystem of Solutions
SINGA | Co-founded by Nathanael Molle (Ashoka Fellow) & Alexandra Alden (Singa Spain)
THE PROBLEM
Every year, thousands of people are forced to flee their homes, cities, friends and countries to seek refuge in other countries. After a long and often dangerous journey, these men and women apply for the protection of other states. Unfortunately, even though they had no choice but to leave their homeland, they are rarely welcomed in the countries where they settle. The incoming flight migrants are often perceived as a cost to local taxpayers and as a potential source of social tension or unrest.
THE SOLUTION
SINGA is a community of professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, dancers, singers, students—or, in short, a community of human beings. It brings together people who want to get to know and understand each other better and build a better society. The project develops a sense of community between migrants and local citizens, supporting integration and shifting perspectives. Across Europe, SINGA programmes create opportunities for people to meet, connect, and collaborate.
THE IMPACT
SINGA operates in France, Morocco, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Quebec and recently started in Barcelona. It has connected many people and contributed to shifting perceptions of refugees from being seen as a problem to being recognized as part of the solution.
SPEAK | Founded by Hugo Menino Aguiar (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
There are 258 million international migrants globally. Almost half of non-EU citizens (48.6%) living in the EU are at risk of social exclusion, resulting in difficulties in finding employment, housing, and participating in local culture and social life. Local citizens are often influenced by stereotypes and prejudice, creating fear and distance. There is a lack of opportunities to integrate, understand, and empathise with migrants, leading to tensions between communities.
THE SOLUTION
SPEAK promotes the organic emergence of communities where diversity is valued and cultures are shared in safe spaces. Through peer-to-peer meetings, locals, refugees, and migrants connect via an online platform to share cultural experiences and build meaningful relationships. The initiative creates a sense of belonging, facilitates informal language learning, and provides access to networks, guidance, and support for integration challenges.
THE IMPACT
To date, over 5,700 people have participated in SPEAK events and more than 6,100 have attended language sharing groups. Nearly 50% of participants were internationals. Impact assessments show a 15% increase in participants’ sense of belonging and a 30% reduction in language barriers after 12 weeks.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION NETWORK | Founded by Judy Korn
THE PROBLEM
There is an increase in hate crime from right-wing extremists, often left unaddressed. These conflicts stem from a limited understanding of migrants and their circumstances.
THE SOLUTION
The Violence Prevention Network delivers counselling, training, and outreach programmes across Germany and internationally. It works with schools, communities, and individuals through one-to-one and online interventions. The network plays a leading role in building a pan-European approach to preventing extremism and supporting deradicalisation at the European Commission level.
THE IMPACT
In 2016, the network had 68 staff members delivering workshops, counselling, and training to thousands of people. It advised 123 institutions and implemented adapted violence prevention models, including in Northern Ireland.
SOLENTRA | Founded by Geertrui Serneels (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
Europe’s increasing diversity has highlighted gaps in mental health services for migrants. Many do not feel supported by existing systems, which often lack the cultural understanding needed to address migration-related trauma and integration challenges.
THE SOLUTION
Solentra transforms mental healthcare through its PACCT methodology (Psychiatry Assisting the Culturally diverse Community in creating healing Ties). It trains professionals and delivers culturally sensitive, community-based psychological support, particularly for children and families, removing language and cultural barriers.
THE IMPACT
Solentra has supported over 3,000 migrant and refugee children. Its methodology received the 2016 Maselis Prize and was recognised by the International Organization for Migration as one of the top practices across EU member states.
MOBILE SCHOOL / STREETWIZE | Founded by Arnoud Raskin (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
Around 150 million children grow up in unstable conditions without access to education or safe environments. Many develop survival skills on the streets but lack opportunities for positive development.
THE SOLUTION
Mobile School developed an outreach methodology and mobile learning tools to support street educators globally. Through StreetwiZe, it builds on the strengths and resilience of children, shifting the approach from aid to empowerment.
THE IMPACT
Active in 29 countries, with 56 mobile schools, the initiative reached over 76,000 children in 2018. It trained 190 educators and facilitated 163 workshops globally.
TOUCHÉ / RESCALE | Founded by Marjan Gryson (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
Prison systems in Belgium face overcrowding, poor conditions, and lack of rehabilitation support, contributing to cycles of violence and exclusion.
THE SOLUTION
Touché provides psychological support using solution-focused therapy to help inmates manage aggression, set goals, and reintegrate into society through individual and group interventions.
THE IMPACT
The programme has helped transform aggression into constructive behaviour, supporting reintegration and reducing recidivism while fostering empathy and awareness in broader society.
DUO FOR A JOB | Founded by Matthieu Le Grelle & Frédéric Simonart (Ashoka Fellows)
THE PROBLEM
Belgium has a significant employment gap between local citizens and non-European migrants due to systemic barriers, discrimination, and lack of access to networks.
THE SOLUTION
DUO for a JOB connects experienced retirees with young migrants through mentoring relationships, unlocking social capital and fostering mutual understanding.
THE IMPACT
The programme achieved a 74% positive outcome rate, supporting over 1,000 young people into employment, training, or education—twice as effective as public employment services.
MUSLINKED | Founded by Illias Marraha
THE PROBLEM
Muslims face high levels of discrimination in education and employment, limiting opportunities and increasing unemployment rates among minorities.
THE SOLUTION
Muslinked builds networks connecting talent across entrepreneurship, education, and social sectors. It promotes inclusion through events, mentoring, school engagement, and community dialogue.
THE IMPACT
Muslinked has supported over 140 people into jobs and built a network of more than 1,300 members, empowering individuals and fostering entrepreneurship.
REFUINTERIM | Founded by Farah Laporte
THE PROBLEM
Refugees face barriers such as language, documentation, and lack of local networks, making access to employment difficult.
THE SOLUTION
Refu Interim connects refugees with volunteer opportunities to build skills, confidence, and networks, serving as a pathway to employment and integration.
THE IMPACT
Since 2016, the initiative has supported 1,049 refugees across four Belgian cities, helping them develop skills and integrate into the labour market.
THE GOOD LOBBY | Founded by Alberto Alemanno (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
Many people feel excluded from policymaking and lack access to democratic participation, especially migrants and non-citizens.
THE SOLUTION
The Good Lobby democratizes access to power by building civic capacity through training, collaboration, and advocacy tools across Europe.
THE IMPACT
Since 2015, it has trained thousands and built a network of over 10,000 people, supporting NGOs and citizens to influence policy.
BIBLIOTHÈQUES SANS FRONTIÈRES | Founded by Jérémy Lachal (Ashoka Fellow)
THE PROBLEM
Social inequality limits access to education, contributing to school dropouts and lack of opportunities for vulnerable populations.
THE SOLUTION
The organisation provides access to high-quality education through digital tools, enabling remote learning and supporting professional integration.
THE IMPACT
It has mobilized over 100 intellectuals, including 9 Nobel Prize winners, and provides content in 21 languages, expanding access to education globally.