The Solidarity Fund is a programme run by Louvain Coopération which supports UCLouvain students wishing to develop projects with a social impact, either in Belgium or in the Global South. Open to students registered as ‘Solidarity Students’, it combines training, methodological guidance and financial support to help young people turn an idea into concrete action.

Throughout the academic year, participants follow a programme combining reflection on civic engagement, project management, communication and fundraising. The aim is to enable students from different backgrounds to develop initiatives that promote solidarity, social justice and civic participation.

This year, eight groups of students presented their projects to the Solidarity Fund jury, comprising members of Louvain Coopération, the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs at UCLouvain and a representative of the Louvain Students’ General Assembly (AGL). The oral presentations, held on 12 and 22 May, marked the culmination of several months of work, training and support.

Following deliberations, four projects were selected to receive financial support to bring their initiatives to fruition.

The winning projects of the Solidarity Fund 2025–2026

Economic empowerment of young people in Kougnohou (Togo)

Project led by Amewoussika, Lydie and Lauriane

This project aims to strengthen vocational training for young people at the Kougnohou reintegration centre in Togo, through hairdressing and dressmaking courses that also incorporate modules on entrepreneurship, management and women’s leadership.

The initiative plans to support around thirty young people each year, mostly women, by providing them with technical skills as well as post-training support: mentoring, guidance on setting up income-generating activities and support with networking. The project thus aims to promote the economic independence and professional integration of young people living in rural areas.

Light for All: raising awareness and promoting inclusion for people with albinism in the DRC

Project led by Deborah

This project aims to combat the discrimination and violence faced by people with albinism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Through awareness-raising campaigns, the distribution of sun protection products and initiatives to highlight inspiring personal stories, the initiative aims to promote greater social inclusion and better access to healthcare for this often marginalised community.

The project also focuses on challenging prejudices surrounding albinism and defending the fundamental rights of those affected.

Access to safe drinking water in the village of Melouong (Cameroon)

Project led by Janvier and Laetitia

In the village of Melouong, in western Cameroon, access to safe drinking water remains a major challenge. Residents still rely heavily on contaminated rivers and water sources, with significant consequences for the health of local communities.

The project forms part of a community initiative launched several years ago to develop a sustainable drinking water supply system. The funding provided will help to drill a borehole necessary for the project’s continuation and to improve the living conditions of residents in the villages concerned.

Football for the Future

Project led by Paul-Henri, Lukas, Justin and Cédric

Through football, this project aims to organise charity events to support organisations working on social causes.

The aim is twofold: to raise funds through tournaments and sporting activities, whilst raising the profile of community initiatives that are often little known to the general public. The students also wish to produce video content to highlight the work of partner organisations and raise awareness among other young people about civic engagement.

Beyond the projects it funds, the Solidarity Fund remains, above all, a space for learning, experimentation and collective engagement for students. Every year, it enables young people with ideas to develop their skills, meet other committed students and contribute, in their own way, to initiatives that bring about change.

Well done to all the participants for their creativity, motivation and commitment!