This month, we are spotlighting Sandrine Laroche, a project monitoring officer in the Operations department. Balancing her professional commitment to Haiti with her role as a mum, she tells us about her daily life, the challenges she faces and the things she’s proud of, whilst emphasising just how essential boldness and humility are to building a fairer world.

What does your role at Louvain Coopération actually involve on a day-to-day basis?

I am a project monitoring officer in the Operations department and, in this capacity, I am responsible for the Haiti programme and for monitoring activities with local partners. At the same time, I coordinate the Haiti Common Strategic Framework (CSF), which brings together the activities of the various Belgian NGOs working in Haiti.

How would you describe yourself outside of work?

Until recently, I defined myself in my personal life in the same way as I do professionally: as an entrepreneur brimming with creativity, always on the lookout for a new idea that would revolutionise the world of development. In recent years, my passion has mellowed, giving way to a different kind of attachment – a gentler one – that binds me to my children. I am learning to live at a slower pace and take pleasure in building my home. I am therefore discovering that I am just as happy with my roots as I am with my wings.

What are you most proud of at Louvain Coopération?

The bond that is gradually forming with my colleagues from all over the world, and being able to draw inspiration every day to move forward.

What has been the most difficult moment in your journey?

When I returned from maternity leave, I was brought back down to earth with a bump for thinking I was Superwoman, believing I could perform at my best in everything as if nothing had changed. Learning to take a breather, ask for help and recognise my limits was very difficult for me.

What message would you like to send to those who support Louvain Coopération?

Thank you for believing that a fairer world is also built through learning, humility and boldness. Your commitment enables an organisation that is not afraid to question its practices, learn from its experiences, reinvent itself and remain true to its values whilst innovating. Thanks to you, Louvain Coopération continues to grow and, together with its partners, seek sustainable solutions to global challenges.