Meet our Team
Oscar
Co-founder
Mohamed
Co-founder
Khadija
Coordinator Project manager
Layla
Facilitator Trainer Boardmember
Loni
Facilitator Trainer Boardmember
Samuel
Facilitator Trainer
Theo
Project manager
Oscar
My name is Oscar, and I am the co-founder of EdUcAntwerp, a lecturer in social work, youth work trainer, and project manager. I co-founded EdUcAntwerp from the strong belief that all young people, regardless of their background, deserve opportunities to grow, develop themselves, and make their voices heard. My roots lie in youth work, where I spent many years guiding young people through their personal development journeys. I now bring that experience into my work as a trainer and as a lecturer in higher education, where I teach social work with a focus on inclusion and diversity.
At EdUcAntwerp, I work on projects that empower young people through sport, intercultural exchange, and participation. I also train youth professionals in Erasmus+ programmes focused on social and sport-based methods. My strength lies in connecting policy and practice, organisations and young people, always with the aim of creating long-term impact. EdUcAntwerp is a place where ideas come to life and where we work together towards a more just and inclusive society.
Mohamed
My name is Mohamed. I’m a youth advocate, writer, and social impact practitioner with roots in Sierra Leone, raised in Belgium, and now based in the United States. In 2014, I co-founded EdUcAntwerp with Oscar to create spaces where young people from underrepresented communities can connect, grow, and explore across borders.
At EdUcAntwerp, I focus on building inclusive projects that combine education, storytelling, and youth empowerment. My journey started in grassroots sports and social work, including the creation of the women and girls’ division at City Pirates, a football club with a strong social mission. These early experiences shaped my belief in the power of sports, arts, and culture as tools for inclusion and transformation.
Through EdUcAntwerp, I continue to advocate for access to international mobility, especially for those often excluded from such opportunities. Whether through youth exchanges, creative workshops, or long-term partnerships, my goal is to help young people unlock their potential and take an active role in shaping their future.
Everything I do is guided by one core belief: young people deserve not only the space to dream, but also the support to turn those dreams into action.
Khadija
My name is Khadija, and I am the coordinator and projectmanager at EdUcAntwerp. What started as a volunteer role has grown into a career where I can fully express my passion for social impact and youth work. As a qualified social worker with experience in the youth sector, I dedicate myself to creating projects that connect, empower, and inspire young people. My focus is on developing social-sports projects and initiatives that bring together religion and culture. Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of everything I do: I aim to create an environment where young people from all backgrounds feel heard, seen, and valued. These projects are not only aimed at young people but also provide valuable pathways and tools for professionals working with youth.
At EdUcAntwerp, I believe in the power of collaboration and breaking down barriers, both literally and figuratively. Together, we work towards a future where young people not only grow but also make a difference for themselves and for the world around them.
Layla
My name is Layla. I am a social worker with a strong passion for youth empowerment, migration, inclusion, diversity, and youth work. My focus is on creating opportunities for young people to develop essential skills, build meaningful connections, and engage with important social issues.
At EdUcAntwerp, I work as a youth worker, trainer, and facilitator. I design and lead workshops, support participants during international exchanges, and help create safe, inclusive learning environments. Through Erasmus+ programmes and local initiatives, I support young people in exploring themes such as identity, diversity, equal rights, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Being part of EdUcAntwerp gives me the chance to turn my values into concrete action. I believe in the power of non-formal education to inspire growth and awareness, and I’m committed to helping young people from different backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered to shape their own future.
Loni
My name is Loni, and I work at EdUcAntwerp as a youth worker, trainer and facilitator. In my role, I focus on guiding young people and preparing them for future European projects. I have personally experienced several times how valuable and enriching these exchanges can be. That’s why I am very excited to meet new young people and support them in exploring their interests and European citizenship.
At EdUcAntwerp, we believe in giving young people the tools and support they need to grow. Together, we will work on developing the necessary skills and self-confidence so they can make the most out of these experiences.
Together, we create awareness about what young people can contribute to and learn within an international context.
Samuel
My name is Samuel. I’m a personal coach, trainer, and facilitator passionate about helping people grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. My approach combines movement, mindset, and self-awareness to support lasting change from the inside out. I don’t believe in quick fixes, I believe in transformation that starts with who you are.
My work is rooted in a simple yet powerful model: Be. Do. Have.
First, we focus on who you are, your self-image, beliefs, and mindset. Then we build consistent actions and habits that reflect that foundation. The result is a body and life that feel authentic, aligned, and empowered.
At EdUcAntwerp, I contribute as a trainer and facilitator within local and international projects. I guide young people using movement-based learning, reflection exercises, and personal development tools.
Over the years, I’ve led outdoor education sessions, calisthenics, strength games, and Erasmus+ non-formal learning activities. I use movement not just for fitness, but as a tool for connection, insight, and leadership.
Whether I’m coaching one-on-one, facilitating a team-building session, or leading a workshop, my mission stays the same: to help people become the main character in a life they’re proud to live.
Theo
My name is Theo and I am a project manager at EdUcAntwerp. I am involved in the preparation of new applications and offer support during the implementation of ongoing projects. From a shared belief in the importance of youth work, I try to contribute to the meaningful work of the other team members to create greater impact.
At EdUcAntwerp, I focus on supporting projects that engage young people through socio-sports practices and non-formal learning. I believe in the power of movement, teamwork, and positive experiences to foster inclusion, personal growth, and active participation.
By working together with a dedicated and diverse team, I’m proud to help build opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of young people.
- HIGHLIGHTED -
In addition to our team, EdUcAntwerp is proud to work with a strong group of dedicated volunteers who bring incredible value to our organisation. Their passion, time, and energy help shape our projects and create meaningful impact for young people. Below, we highlight just a few of them but there are more who contribute behind the scenes and in the field every day.
David
My name is David Iboma and I dedicate myself daily to guiding young people in three crucial areas: sports, education, and worldview. Growing up on Linkeroever and having had a professional football career at Antwerp, I understand the challenges faced by young people who don’t always get equal opportunities.
Currently, I work for four different organisations: as a youth worker at Bijbelhuis (a neighbourhood and youth centre in 2060), as education coordinator at City Pirates (a social football club), as representative, networker and bridge-builder at EJV (Evangelical Youth Association), and as a volunteer and project manager at EdUcAntwerp. In all of these roles, my mission is to help young people find a healthy balance between home, school, belief, and sport because there will always be highs and lows, and they need people who support them in making important decisions.
At EdUcAntwerp, I contribute by organising and preparing youth exchanges focused on sports, worldview, and education. I was involved in the youth exchange CuReHa, which took place in September 2024 in Antwerp. I also act as an expert in methods for social sports clubs and associations, sharing my practical experience to help other organisations support young people more effectively.
Through my work with EdUcAntwerp, I contribute to their mission of empowering people through European projects and international cooperation, specifically by creating meaningful opportunities for young people through the combination of sport, reflection, and education.
Rania
My name is Rania, and I am a youth worker at Fleks. My journey with EdUcAntwerp began as a participant, then I grew into a volunteer role, and today I’m proud to be part of the management team. What started as a step far outside my comfort zone has become a space where I can fully express my passion for working with young people.
I still remember how nervous I felt joining my first project it was unfamiliar and a little intimidating. But I’m incredibly grateful I took that first step. It sparked a curiosity in me, and I quickly wanted to experience more of what EdUcAntwerp had to offer. I began managing the organization’s social media, which gave me a deeper insight into how everything works behind the scenes.
As my involvement grew, I was invited to join the management team, where I now help shape and support new projects. This trust has helped me grow personally and professionally, and it continues to fuel my motivation to make a difference.
At both Fleks and EdUcAntwerp, I’m committed to empowering young people by creating safe and inspiring spaces where they can explore, grow, and dream. I believe deeply in giving chances, learning by doing, and building an inclusive, connected future together.
Leander
My name is Leander. I work as a social coach at City Pirates, where I’m responsible for supporting young newcomers with a migration background. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a volunteer and facilitator with EdUcAntwerp, where I help shape and deliver workshops during international projects. Being part of both local and European youth work allows me to support young people in different ways, across borders. My first experience with a European project sparked something in me, it opened my eyes to the value of international learning, intercultural exchange, and personal growth. Since then, I’ve become deeply passionate about creating spaces where young people can connect, share, and grow together.
What I appreciate most about European projects is the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds, explore new topics, and strengthen soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These are experiences that stay with you far beyond the duration of a project. Through EdUcAntwerp, I get to help young people discover these opportunities and support them in stepping outside their comfort zone. Whether it’s through workshops, mentoring, or just listening, I believe in the power of international experiences to inspire confidence and open new paths.
Arvid
My name is Arvid and I hold Dutch nationality. After completing my studies in sports and gaining a few years of work experience, I realised I didn’t want to stay in outdoor sports until retirement. With determination and the right people around me, I went back to school and earned my bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Education.
Following an agreement with my then-partner — “whoever finds a job first, decides where we move” — I ended up in Antwerp. Love brought me here, and love for the city made me stay. Still, I arrived as a stranger: I spoke the language, had Belgian friends, but the system was new. Looking for work felt like searching for a door in a hallway with no signs.
Through volunteering at the City of Antwerp’s sports department, someone eventually asked about my background and that opened the right door. Five years later, I was working in a disadvantaged neighbourhood. Now, I’ve been leading the City Coach programme for over a decade, a project I helped shape from the beginning.
Volunteering opens up worlds, for individuals and for society. In partnership with EdUcAntwerp, I continue to bring movement to the lives of young people, both locally and far beyond. As long as I’m still whistling on my way to and from work, I know I’m exactly where I need to be.
Ilias
My name is Ilias. Since 2019, I’ve been active as a volunteer and facilitator at EdUcAntwerp, where I help develop projects that empower young people mentally, socially, and personally. I also lead my own project in Morocco, supporting children in vulnerable situations.
Through international exchange programs taking me to various countries around the world, I continuously learn and grow. I use these experiences to guide young people on how to stay positive, build resilience, and prepare for real-life challenges.
My personal work focuses especially on children who have grown up without parental support or in communities with limited opportunities. Whether in Belgium, Morocco, or elsewhere, I believe in the power of genuine connection, mentorship, and believing in a young person’s potential.
My mission is simple but powerful: to help young people not just survive, but grow and become a positive force in their own lives and in the world around them.
Sandy
my name is Sandy, a creative and eager-to-learn youth worker at Kras Borgerhout.
In 2024, through Loni, I got in touch with EducAntwerp for an exchange around the AndPeriod project (focused on menstrual wellbeing and period poverty). Not only did the project perfectly match my interests, but EducAntwerp immediately appealed to me as well!
In June 2025, I signed up as a volunteer for the socials! So if you have a fun news item, a great review, a meme, or a photo from your exchange, feel free to contact me!