Building Block: Networking—Building Opportunities Together
EVA bxl sees talent being lost in Brussels every day. People with enthusiasm, dreams, and abilities who drop out of school or think it’s not for them. Not because they’re lacking in ability, but because the system leaves them to fend for themselves when things get tough.
Based on that observation, the “Together for a Diploma” initiative was launched. Using the EVA bxl 5i service design methodology, students, advisors, and partners worked together to investigate the barriers that Brussels students face in higher education. What did they find? These barriers are not only academic but also relate to self-confidence, language, practical circumstances, a supportive environment, and a place to unwind.
Five building blocks, one whole
Based on these insights, a support model was developed consisting of five building blocks. Each building block plays its own role, but together they form a single whole. In this article, we’ll explain building block 2: Networking.
What does Building Block 2, “Network Strengthening,” look like?
“I didn’t know there were so many people willing to take the time to brainstorm with me. That really gave me courage.” — Student
“By making students’ networks visible and strengthening them, their capacity also grows.” — Mentor
Why networking?
You never study alone. Yet many students in the “Together for a Diploma” program feel exactly that way. They juggle their studies with work, caring for children, or other responsibilities. Often, they are the first in their family to pursue higher education, know few people who have gone to college, or have a limited network.
As a result, they sometimes miss out on something that seems obvious to other students: people who understand how the education system works, who can offer guidance when questions arise, or who simply say, “You’re doing great—keep it up.”
That is precisely why “Samen voor een Diploma” is strongly committed to strengthening networks. The goal is simple yet powerful: to surround students with people who support them, encourage them, and help them grow.
In this context, networking goes beyond simply making professional contacts. It’s about building a real fan club. . Family members, friends, fellow students, mentors, and others are involved in the process. This creates an environment where students feel supported, even when things get tough.
Building a Network That Empowers
At “Samen voor een Diploma,” networking is more than just practical help. It gives students confidence. They discover that they’re not on their own, that there are people who listen, offer their input, and take steps alongside them.
In the peer network, students find a sense of connection with one another. They share experiences about school, work, family, and motivation. What starts as a chance to get to know one another often grows into genuine support. That sense of connection makes a big difference: you’re not alone when things get tough. That feeling of connection gives you strength.
We start from a simple belief: talent thrives through connection. A strong network not only increases students’ chances of success, but also boosts their self-confidence and resilience.
Who is part of the network?
The network is broad and diverse:
- Students who encourage and support one another
- Mentors who work with students to map out and strengthen their networks
- Family and friends who are involved as supporters
- Professionals and role models who inspire and open up new perspectives
- EVA bxl staff who make warm, safe encounters possible
Everyone contributes based on the same belief: talent thrives through connection.
Custom Connection
Networking is tailored to each student. In these one-on-one sessions, mentors and students work together to strengthen their networks—both today and with an eye toward the future.
In addition, we create opportunities for people to meet:
- Joint training sessions, such as communication that fosters connection, where trust grows
- times when we facilitate the sharing of experiences
- informal activities where students, family members, and friends can get together in a warm and relaxed atmosphere
Networking doesn’t stop after a single activity. It grows along with the student. Sometimes a strong one-on-one relationship develops; sometimes a supportive group forms. Sometimes an encounter unexpectedly leads to a new opportunity. What’s needed varies from student to student, and that’s okay.
Networking works both ways
Students learn from others, but mentors and professionals are also touched and enriched by these encounters. They gain insight into the reality of studying in Brussels, into resilience, and into the talent that flourishes when people are given opportunities.
In this way, not only does the student’s network grow, but so does a broader community that believes in equal opportunities and wants to support one another in achieving them.
Part of a larger whole
Networking does not stand alone. It reinforces the other building blocks of “Together for a Diploma”: mentoring, language support, study spaces, and ambassadorship.
Together, they form a social ecosystem where students not only find support but also a place to belong—a place where you can grow, be yourself, and empower others.
Discover More
Curious about the stories behind “Together for a Diploma”? On the project page and in the podcast of “Together for a Diploma,” students, ambassadors, and mentors share their experiences. Follow “Together for a Diploma” by subscribing to our newsletter!
You can read more about the first building block, Mentorship, here.