Launch of the BEL-UMOJA initiative – May 16, 2025
Beyond the debates on immigration that mobilize public opinion, it’s a fact that our diverse society has the opportunity to enrich itself with the talents and dynamism of a rising generation of Belgians from the Congolese, Rwandan and Burundian diasporas.
Faced with the challenges of integrating these Belgian compatriots of African descent, and true to its mission of perpetuating bonds of friendship with countries that have shared a piece of common history, URBA-KBAU launched thede facto association BEL-UMOJA on May 16 in Louvain-La-Neuve.
In preparation since the beginning of the year, BEL-UMOJA is an initiative supported by an enthusiastic team to stimulate intergenerational encounters, give a voice to Belgians of African descent who have succeeded in their life journey, listen to the situations they have experienced and reinforce social cohesion and the success of better living together, promoting the harmonious and active inclusion of these citizens; especially from the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi.
The meetings also aim to highlight the career paths of these well-integrated citizens, inviting them to testify as “role models” during a session of interactive exchange and sharing with the young audience.
The first BEL-UMOJA session featured testimonials from Mr. Andy MABIALA, entrepreneur, recruitment expert, board member of MEOGROUP Belgium, and FIFA-approved soccer agent, as well as Dr. Roselyne UWERA – gastroenterologist and pediatrician at St-Luc & Grand Hôpital de Charleroi.
The evening was very lively and spontaneous, characterized by real-life exchanges and spontaneous questions to which the witnesses responded just as spontaneously, giving the evening a content that met everyone’s expectations.
Facilitators plan meetings in various cities at a rate of one meeting per month, with two witnesses each time.