“Some of my kids were only kids during the school day. When they left the walls of the school, they had so much weight to carry—so many responsibilities—they were surviving.”

As a Teach For Belgium fellow, Ange Raïssa Uzanziga taught secondary school students who ranged in age from 15 to 23. Getting to know them opened her eyes to the systemic challenges young people in marginalized communities face, and reshaped her beliefs about what it takes to thrive in society. Today, as a Policy Officer of the Brussels Parliament, Ange ensures that the voices of children and young people are included in policy and in decisions about how the city is run. In this video, Ange reflects on how the emphasis during her Teach For Belgium training on the idea that every child can learn, no matter their background or current circumstances, continues to influence her today. In her policy work, Ange believes this concept translates to the idea that every person deserves to lead a dignified life—and if this isn’t true, it's the policymakers who have failed. 

Watch the video to learn more about Ange and what she hopes to be true for all children in Belgium, and visit our Network Changemakers page to meet more inspiring alumni.