In April 2022, the urge to explore the world took me to Peru, where I started working as a volunteer coordinator for Oye LENA, an NGO offering education to children and teenagers in the rural area of Curahuasi, where I had already volunteered for a month in 2017.
Discovering my passion for teaching
Alongside my administrative, communication, and coordination responsibilities, I taught Spanish to volunteers and English to primary and secondary schoolchildren. It was there that I truly discovered my passion for teaching. Watching children grow in confidence and curiosity through language learning, and engaging in discussions on social topics such as equality, sustainability, and respect, convinced me that education can be a powerful tool for change. I firmly believe that these children will make a difference—for themselves, for their present and future families, and for their community.
Teaching in the Andes
I had the privilege of discovering the wonders of teaching in a village in the Andes, the mountain range where the story of my life began decades ago. Inspired by a Peruvian colleague, I started trail running and never stopped. The ability to cover long distances on foot gave me a profound sense of freedom. The Andes Race was the first of many trail running events that followed.
A lifelong connection to the mountains
This connects closely to my broader passion for the mountains. Being born in the mountains, I feel most at ease when surrounded by them. The absence of mountains in Belgium did not hold me back: I obtained climbing certifications and sought out every opportunity to return to higher altitudes through hiking, skiing, paragliding, or more technical alpine expeditions.
This deep connection with the outdoors has made me acutely aware of both the power and the fragility of nature. Many of the choices I make in life are guided by their impact on the environment, a mindset that naturally extends into my teaching practice.
Inspiring teaching environments
Looking ahead, I feel a strong desire to bring together my passion for teaching and my connection to the mountains. Being surrounded by mountainous landscapes gives me a sense of balance and energy that naturally carries over into my work as a teacher. I am therefore particularly drawn to international teaching opportunities in regions where this environment is part of daily life. I hope to continue growing as an educator in a setting that inspires me personally, while contributing to a school community with the same dedication, curiosity, and openness that have shaped my journey so far.
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