By Lotte Ovaere and Katrien Vandael, UCLL
During the UCLL project weeks, which are focused on social and circular entrepreneurship, student Bent Van Walleghem stood out as a proactive and engaged team member. Working alongside four fellow students, Bent contributed to a dynamic assignment for the UCLL Research & Expertise department, CIMIO (Centre for Impact-Oriented Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship). The team developed a comprehensive communication plan to enhance CIMIO’s visibility and impact, revamped the research group’s website, and conducted a student survey on sustainability awareness. Their work culminated in a series of thoughtful marketing and communication recommendations, tailored to support CIMIO’s mission of fostering innovation in circular and inclusive practices.
The initiative for this assignment lies in UCLL’s Institutional Transformation Acceleration Project (ITAP) which aims to break down traditional silos between research and education. The ITAP fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and empowers students to become changemakers who can tackle complex societal challenges.
Bent’s commitment extended beyond the classroom. He represented his team at an external event hosted by CIFAL Flanders, which is an affiliated centre of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, to engage with stakeholders on the topic of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His participation showcased his dedication to the project and helped bridge the gap between academic work and real-world impact. Bent’s ability to connect with external partners and bring back valuable insights enriched the team’s outcomes and demonstrated his leadership potential in the field of social entrepreneurship.
One of Bent’s most forward-thinking contributions was his recommendation of a future partner for the project weeks: Loods De Nekker in Mechelen. This organisation provides meaningful daytime activities for people with disabilities and others seeking purposeful engagement outside the traditional labour market. Their inclusive approach, ranging from community clean-ups and fitness activities to collaborative projects with local businesses, aligns perfectly with the values of social and circular entrepreneurship. Bent’s suggestion reflects his correct understanding of sustainable community integration and his vision for expanding the impact of UCLL’s initiatives. Commenting on his experience, Bent shared, “My neighbour, Rudolf Luytens, runs a non-profit organisation in which social and circular work come together beautifully. In his organisation, people with disabilities work on processing hospital waste, a strong example of social and ecological engagement.”
By integrating real-world assignments, like the CIMIO assignment, into the curriculum, the ITAP creates a fertile ground for innovation, critical thinking, and social impact. Bent’s journey is a testament to the power of this approach, where students don’t just learn about change, but actively drive it.
