Since 2014, Kaat Torfs has represented VIA Don Bosco as well as the NGO sector on the steering committee of Educaid.be. In September 2024, Kaat joined the Brussels-based non-profit organisation JINT, where she serves as director. This provided an opportunity for us to connect and discuss the achievements and challenges of the platform.

What do you think are the platform’s greatest achievements?

I believe Educaid.be has developed significantly over the past decade, becoming a strong brand and a highly experienced and legitimate player in the field of education and training within international cooperation. In my view, the greatest achievement lies in the consistent and coherent organisation of annual thematic conferences. These have evolved from being entirely in-person to fully online editions during the COVID period, and now to hybrid events conducted with high professionalism.

The hybrid format of the conferences allows networking opportunities for those attending in Brussels, while enabling people from around the world to participate and share their perspectives with minimal barriers. Another major achievement is Educaid’s role as Belgium’s representative in the Global Campaign for Education, which is undoubtedly an honour and speaks volumes about Educaid’s credibility as a platform.

What makes Educaid.be unique compared to other platforms or networks?

I think Educaid.be, despite its small structure, manages to achieve a great deal. Whether it’s in the realm of political advocacy—such as drafting recommendations in the context of elections—or addressing more technical issues with the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation (DGD)—for example, our work on joint context analyses or possibly a common strategic framework in future—or creating learning opportunities, it is the same secretariat that successfully delivers these results.

We owe a lot in this regard to Maartje (in the past) and Marije (in recent years), not forgetting Lisse, of course. Hats off to them!

What challenges do you think Educaid.be will face in future, and how should they be addressed?

Like all international cooperation programmes, VVOB and APEFE (co-founders of the platform) risk having their funding reduced in the future. However, the advantage of a platform like Educaid.be, in my opinion, is that it can continue to exist and grow with relatively limited resources.

I therefore believe the future of Educaid is quite promising, as the importance of collaboration and synergy among actors working on similar challenges will only increase. Educaid.be has proven it can transcend the “barriers” of time and space by also offering online events. The "Connect&Learn" webinars, for example, require little time, are highly diverse, and can also be (re)watched afterwards. These kinds of “knowledge snacks” are ideal for inspiring individuals and organisations in the sector and fostering mutual enrichment.

Do you have any suggestions or wishes for Educaid.be’s future and the direction it should take?

I think Educaid can and should continue to grow as a recognised discussion partner and influencer in the political arena. I also see Educaid as a "knowledge hub" for everything related to high-quality, inclusive, and forward-thinking education for all children and young people around the world.

I hope there will be further publications where organisations continue to share best practices on topics such as climate change education, gender equality, education in the digital world, and the link with the labour market, among others. I also hope Educaid continues to dedicate time and space to support the launch and dissemination of UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Reports in an accessible way.

I would also be interested in a conference or project group on global citizenship education. This is traditionally a topic we tend to associate more with solidarity or building support among young people in Belgian schools, and thus it doesn’t necessarily fit within the platform’s objectives—but that doesn’t have to be the case. Something to explore...

Thank you, Kaat, for this rich conversation! We will miss you after so many years with the platform, but we wish you every success and happiness in your new role and hope our paths cross again someday. Within the Educaid.be steering committee, we are delighted to welcome your former colleague, Stéphanie De Ryck, as the representative of VIA Don Bosco and the NGO sector. Thank you, Kaat, and best wishes!