Young Minds on Explore 6 at the powerhouse of Europe, EU Parliament in Brussels.

“If you want to walk fast, walk along. But if you want to go far, walk together.” – Ratan Tata.

We, the Young Minds on eXplore (YMX) delegates have traveled miles and miles for a life-changing experience that brought us hope for the country by immersing ourselves to the different cultures of the Western world. The two-week trip to the City of Kortrijk, Belgium proved to be a bit too short for us to embrace, yet we managed to learn a lot despite the jam-packed schedule of activities that the Belgians had in store for us.

The warm accommodation of the Belgians hyped up our energy to do the SDG challenge with them despite the cold afternoon weather. We went to different places in the city and learned facts related to the SDGs. The following day, we were welcomed by the Mayor in the hall where they legally and sacredly bind the love of people, the marriage hall. We were oriented on the city’s government system and how ordinary citizens can actively participate in policy making. We then witnessed how the city treats water waste and turn it into clean and potable water in an institution called Aquafin.

IMOG was the next organization we visited. It is an institution supported by the government that treats solid waste and make them useful for generating consumable energy, organic fertilizer for crops, and other related purposes. We explored interesting sites in the city, including the 1302 museum where we learned of Kortrijk’s significantly rich history. We rented bikes from Mobeil that we used for the majority of our trip around the city. We also had the chance to visit organizations that focus on helping people who are financially or personally struggling in finding their purpose and reintegrating themselves back into society.

A lunch at Vork was unique for us because we were served raw beef, interesting-looking vegetables, and rabbit meat by the people who were currently under rehabilitation. Further, the experience in Deel Fabriek was memorable because it provided us an opportunity to plan for potential initiatives for our home city inspired by the recircling principle of the organization. From recircling, we went directly to Bolwerk, sat down and grabbed a drink while getting to know how people there creatively transform junk materials into something new and unique.

There was also a day when we were divided into small groups to visit different organizations. Some of us went to the Youth Farm and Farm for Person with Disability (PWDs), Youth Playgroup, and other organizations with advocacies in helping people attain a better life. In the evening we roamed the city streets to witness the Paasfoor/Fair and a fireworks display by the castles.

Our first Friday there was spent learning about food safety and fair trade. We visited a zero waste shop called Zonder Meer, and grabbed fruits that were considered “expired” yet still edible and safe for consumption at Food Act 13; and understood the fair trade concept as explained by the Oxfam-Wereldwinkels. The day commenced with a radio program guesting at Radio Quindo.

An encounter with the elderly was done by visiting Sint-Josef Elderly Home, where health care for the old-age people seemed like a four-star hotel. We later spent the whole weekend afternoon by playing traditional Belgian games in deBokes, a food house run by people with special needs, and at the park. The first Sunday we had was dedicated for our host family. We had our time with them by doing different activities such visiting Brugge, and even as far as visiting Paris!

The second week started by remembering the unsung heroes during the significant wars in Europe that happened in Belgium, particularly in Yper and other places in West Flanders. We visited the cemetery for war veterans that included a Filipino-born soldier. We also went to a pond that was so peaceful as it was one of the remnants of the bombing that happened during the first World War. Never did we expect walking for what felt like hours in the sand dunes. We also got the chance to observe the 31,313rd ceremonial sounding of the Last Post in Yper that happens every evening at the Menin Gate Memorial.

We spent the middle of the week visiting a public primary and high school in the city. We saw how important education is for the Belgians because they implement a holistic approach for student development. The whole afternoon was spent then at the fair where we enjoyed the different rides and amusements in observation of the Paasfoor Kortrijk. A favorable night was such an experience when we had our dinner in a Cuban restaurant owned by a Filipino family in Kortrijk. Karaoke was the main driver of fun that strengthened our bond as family sprouting from two different nations.

On Wednesday of that week, we got the chance to be in the powerhouse of Europe, the European Union (EU) Parliament! It is located in the capital of Belgium and the capital of Europe, Brussels, where our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal wrote El Filibusterismo. We were lucky enough to pass by the apartment where he wrote the famous patriotic novel. Then we went around Brussels, visited interesting and historic places, and ate the famous Belgian waffle.

The most relaxing day in the trip was spent in the Athena and engaged in the respective advocacy of different school clubs. We enjoyed the innovated mobile storytelling, fine dining, pancake baking, and free hair dressing.

We seized our last day by visiting three organizations. We had a quick look inside their Theatre and felt a nostalgic feeling of entertainment. Then we had a meaningful visit in Tranzit, the youth center in the city. This was the organization where we fully understood the youth participation programs of Stad Kortrijk. That was so different in the Philippines. A quick tour was made around the entire youth center before the discussion on climate took place. We ended the whole trip with a memorable farewell party with the Global Challenge group and host families. Memorable for us since Amber, one of the YMX, celebrated her 18th birthday. We cherished each other as we were about to set apart by making the night very beautiful and joyful. Special thanks to Danny and Sabrina Chicken, the best tasting roast chicken in West Flanders for serving the food in that special evening.

We went home to the Philippines with high hopes and dreams, fueled by our motivation to make great change in our city of Cebu.