Practitioners help guide the “Together for a Diploma” initiative
Who knows better what adults need to earn a diploma than the people who work with them every day? That’s why “Together for a Diploma” will now give students, mentors, ambassadors, and experts in lifelong learning a central role in a new steering committee.
In late September, the steering committee of “Together for a Diploma” met for the first time. Over the coming years, the group will help set the direction for the movement and oversee the implementation of the policy plan.
“Together for a Diploma” supports adults who want to pursue their dream of getting a degree. Students receive guidance from mentors and can count on a strong network that works with them to find ways to overcome barriers to higher education.
Not about people, but with people
The new steering committee is a logical next step for “Together for a Diploma.” What began as a consultation among project partners evolved into a sounding board group. Today, that group is taking on a more prominent role.
It is noteworthy that it is not only board members and staff who are at the table. Students, mentors, ambassadors, and experts from the education and lifelong learning sectors are also actively participating.
“If you want to provide a sustainable solution to societal challenges, you have to listen to the people who deal with them every day,” says Samen voor een Diploma. “That’s why we consciously choose co-creation.”
A diverse group of dedicated people
The steering committee brings together people with diverse experiences and areas of expertise.
Volunteers will have a voice. Layla Ben Said, Linde Vandeputte, and Pascaline Mbida represent the ambassadors, mentors, and students, respectively.
In addition, the committee includes several volunteer experts with expertise in education, lifelong learning, and sociocultural work: Charlotte Zwemmer, Els Minner, Lise Nackaerts, and Mattie Jacobs.
Sofie De Ridder and Geert Bossaerts are participating on behalf of the EVA bxl board. Ilse Claes, Ine Vos, and Jasmine Emba are representing the “Together for a Diploma” team.
Working Together to Find Solutions
The steering committee monitors the overall direction of the policy plan and contributes ideas regarding opportunities and challenges. Members contribute their expertise and professional networks, identify bottlenecks, and help find solutions.
During the first meeting, the agenda included topics such as mentor involvement, student representation within the organization, and changes in higher education.
The steering committee meets three times a year and maintains close ties with the annual “Together for a Diploma” Forum. There, students, mentors, ambassadors, partners, and steering committee members come together to exchange ideas and develop new initiatives.
The real
work begins now
Now that the first meeting is behind us, the tone has been set. In the coming months, members will delve deeper into specific topics and help shape the future of “Together for a Diploma.”
The next important event is already on the calendar: on December 9, 2026, the Forum will bring together everyone who believes that talent should not be wasted due to missed opportunities.
Because while earning a degree may be an individual effort, creating equal opportunities is something we do together.
Who serves on the steering committee?
Layla Ben Said, former mentor and SvD ambassador
Linde Vandeputte, SvD mentor
Pascaline Mbida, SvD Ambassador
Charlotte Zwemmer, education professional, columnist, and director of quality assurance and educational policy at the Sint-Guido Institute
Els Minner, founder of Room without a roof
Lise Nackaerts, Senior Researcher/Consultant on Lifelong Learning, IDEA Consult
Mattie Jacobs, former chair of EVA bxl and SCVW expert
Geert Bossaerts, Board Member, EVA bxl
Sofie Deridder, Board Member, EVA bxl
Jasmine Emba, Volunteer Coach at SvD
Ine Vos, Initiative Developer at SvD
Ilse Claes, Director of Initiative Development at EVA bxl