Stories Across Borders

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België
Blankenberge
Stories Across Borders

Real stories from global citizens. Transforming borders into bridges, one story at a time.
🌎🌏🌍

16/04/2026

🏖️Milestone for Stories Across Borders! 🏖️

We are now also officially active in Belgium’s coastal region 🇧🇪

Last month, we had the privilege of facilitating the keynote of Bjorn Accoe at -Jozef Sint-Pieter in Blankenberge, near the Belgian coast line. Moments like these remind why Stories Across Borders was created.

In a world that sometimes feels more divided and inward-looking, we believe in something different:

➡Curiosity about other cultures
➡Learning from new perspectives
➡Thinking long-term about the world we want to build
➡Creating value that goes beyond borders

Because stories shape how we see the world.

So here’s a question for you:
What story do YOU want to bring into the world? 🌎🌍🌏

14/04/2026

Each interaction is a chance to build bridges!✨

In a world where walls are continuously being constructed,
the keynote of kamuntu was a reminder that connection is still a choice.💫

Through words, through stories, through interactions,Bridges are being built between people
A simple but powerful idea that Ben landed:
“Go where you can grow, express, and truly be yourself.”
And above all dreaming of a better world is still free.🌎🌏🌍

Thank you, Ben, for your sharing your well-chosen words.🙌🏻

09/04/2026

🎤 “ slam for peace. Slam to share.”

A voice used not just to speak,but to soothe, to reflect, and to give meaning to what often goes unspoken.
From streets to stories, from silence to expression a reminder that words can heal, connect, and inspire.
Encouraging a generation to think, to express, and to own their narrative.💫

This was Kamuntu at Festival✨

Thank you, Ben, for turning words into something that truly connects!🌎🌏🌍

07/04/2026

Some sessions inform you. Others stay with you.✨

The talk with dra. Naïma Lafrarchi was one of those rare moments that truly reshapes how you think about your future role in society and in organizations.

A powerful reminder stood out: “Words do matter.” Because language doesn’t just reflect reality it shapes who feels included and who doesn’t.

Another key insight: diversity is something we observe, but inclusion is something we do through our actions, decisions, and consistency every single day.🌟

What made this session impactful was the clear message that responsibility isn’t passive. It’s something we live, practice, and constantly question,especially as future leaders. Real change isn’t written in policies; it’s visible in everyday behavior and culture.🌍🌎🌏

Grateful to Heidi Vervaecke and Business en Management Arteveldehogeschool for creating this space, and to dra. Naïma Lafrachi for sharing her experience.🙌

31/03/2026

🎤 Words don’t just sound good they stay with you!

This wasn’t just a keynote by , who is an experienced slam poet. It was a space where thoughts turned into expression and expression turned into impact.✨

In a world that often tries to define and limit us,
moments like these remind us of the importance of owning our voice.

No distractions. No filters.
Just honest, powerful expressions.💫

Thank you Ben for a session that truly made an impact and thank you for the smooth collaboration in giving Ben a stage at the TADA Alumni festival.🌎🌍🌏

19/03/2026

80 curious students + one powerful story = a room full of new thoughts and questions.

About 80 third-grade students of the secondary school Sint-Jozef Sint-Pieter in Blankenberge were immersed in the life of Björn Accoe, director at the non-profit organization Levensvreugde Verblijven vzw and speaker at Stories Across Borders.

Through his powerful and inspiring story, he invited the students of SJSP to reflect on the paradox of today’s world: We have never been more connected, yet at times we feel more divided than ever.

Moments like these remind us why we need bridge builders: people who choose empathy, dialogue, and understanding.
Because global citizenship is not about travelling the world. It begins with radical responsibility: for yourself, for society, and for one another.

Perspectives like these encourage students to think critically, look beyond borders, and grow as engaged global citizens.

A sincere thank you to Björn Accoe for sharing his story and inspiring the students.

17/03/2026

From ‘doenker’ to leader: the transition every pioneer must make.👩🏻‍🎓

Chris Van Lysebetten, founder of Habbekrats Vzw, spoke about pioneering, purpose, and building something that outlives yourself.🍀

What started at a kitchen table with a dream now impacts thousands of young lives.
Because doing nothing was never an option.

Grateful to 180 Degrees Consulting Ghent for the collaboration in organising the inspiring evening.

12/03/2026

An evening of sharp questions,📖 valuable insights, and meaningful conversations at the offices of ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) in Brussels together with .✨

Michel Casselman, General Manager at PMV, took the stage and created an open space for students to engage in an insightful conversation about careers, innovation, and the evolving investment landscape. 💡

Michel shared reflections on his professional journey, the importance of mastering multiple languages, and how curiosity plays a crucial role in navigating opportunities and shaping a meaningful career. 🛫

His perspective on the evolving role of PMV in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation offered valuable insights for students exploring the world of venture capital and economic development.
It was a fantastic opportunity for students to ask questions and gain first-hand perspectives from an experienced leader in the field.👩🏻‍🎓

Evenings like these truly reflect the spirit of Stories Across Borders: connecting people, perspectives, and ideas beyond borders. 🌍🌎🌎

09/03/2026

Marte Greefs shared an inspiring story about leadership and finding unexpected paths forward.💪🏼

Once risk-averse and preferring quiet work behind a laptop, Marte became the first employee at Go Forest, discovering the power of mission-driven impact. That journey later led her to help launch Go Ocean, restoring ocean ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass.

Her key message: there’s always a way forward. Obstacles aren’t the end, sometimes you break through them, sometimes you move around them, but progress comes from continuing forward.

Her personal motto?
“Be the Sunshine.” ☀️
A positive mindset can transform challenges, teams, and trajectories.

02/03/2026

Leadership as a Pioneer 🌱✨

At the Opening Event of 180 Degrees Consulting Ghent eeconsultingghent in Ghent, we explored what it truly means to lead with courage, vision, and impact.

Marte Greefs, Co-Founder & Sea-EO of Go Ocean, shared her journey from being risk-averse to leading an ocean restoration startup proving that pioneering leadership begins with staying true to yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Chris Van Lysebetten, Founder & CEO of Habbekrats, reminded us that real leadership is about creating opportunities and believing in the potential of every young person.

The evening was opened by Hannes Van Cauwenberghe, Co-founder of Stories Across Borders, challenging us to stay curious and keep asking: “Is this really so?”
An evening full of bold ideas, honest lessons, and big dreams ✨✨.

🌎🌍🌏

02/03/2026

This isn’t just a page. 📖
This is a movement to promote global citizenship through real stories.

Follow us now. Coming soon.🌍🌎🌏

Adres

Weststraat 86
Blankenberge
8370

Website

https://www.storiesacrossborders.org/

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