Inventing the Future in 60 Minutes: Belgium’s Changemakers Rise

What happens when you bring together a classroom full of curious minds, a teacher who believes deeply in the power of STEAM, and the g4g philosophy that anything is possible?

In Antwerp, Belgium –> this magic happened!

As part of the EITIC‑EU project, greenlight for girls hosted two back‑to‑back events at the Antwerp International School: 1️⃣ A pilot of our new teacher resource, the Community Changemakers Lab 2️⃣ A full STEAM Ideas Competition where students transformed their ideas into social‑impact solutions

And the results were extraordinary.

Event 1: Community Changemakers Lab — Piloting the Teacher Resource

In just one hour, 30 students (ages 11–14) stepped into the shoes of female inventors and sustainability leaders. Inspired by role models like Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Wangari Maathai, Gitanjali Rao, and Ann Makosinski, they identified real challenges in their community — from energy waste to safe mobility — and designed inventions to solve them.

They brainstormed. They sketched. They prototyped. They pitched.

And they proved that invention doesn’t require perfect tools — only imagination, teamwork, and purpose.

What the pilot showed (from our survey analysis):

• 100% of students reported positive emotions after the session
• 4.03/5 average increase in interest in STEAM careers
• 42% success‑shift among girls imagining themselves in future STEAM roles
• 4.35/5 agreement that women and men are equally capable in STEAM
• Most popular competition theme: Environmental solutions for our planet

One student wrote:

“Anything is possible with an idea.”

Another shared:

“STEAM can help solve real problems in my community.”

These reflections echo exactly why we created this resource — to help teachers spark agency, creativity, and confidence in every learner.

Event 2: The STEAM Ideas Competition — Turning Inspiration Into Action

In the next event held at the school, the next participants took their learning further. Using the EITIC‑EU competition methodology, they formed teams, applied empathy, used ideation cards, and created solutions for real community challenges.

They designed inventions to help families save energy, protect the environment, improve mobility, and support vulnerable groups.

They became social innovators, not just students.

And they demonstrated the core goal of the EITIC‑EU project: moving girls to the top of the Ladder of Inclusion — Agency.

🌟 A Special Thank You

This day would not have been possible without:

David Boynikara

International Teacher extraordinaire, long‑time collaborator with greenlight for girls, and a passionate advocate for girls and young women in STEAM. His leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to inclusive education made this pilot shine.

Antwerp International School

For opening their doors, welcoming our team, and championing experiential learning.

🚀 What’s Next?

The tools piloted in Belgium — including the Community Changemakers Lab — will soon be available for teachers across Europe through the EITIC‑EU project.

Together, we’re building a future where girls see themselves as inventors, leaders, and changemakers.

And these amazing changemakers showed us exactly what that future looks like.