Beyond borders

A Celebration of Culture, Connection and Cooperation

The Beyond Borders event buzzed with life as the hall at UHasselt transformed into a vibrant crossroads of culture and community. Visitors from Tanzania and Congo mingled warmly with UHasselt students and staff, the air thick with laughter, storytelling, and the tempting aroma of African cuisine.

Colorful dishes rich with spice and tradition on the table, inviting everyone to gather and share. Nearby, a bracelet-making corner caught curious eyes. These weren’t just ordinary bracelets; handcrafted with care, they doubled as a form of therapy. In African culture these kind of events are used as a way to talk about your problems, concerns or joys. 

Board games sparked playful competition, while rhythmic African beats pulsed in the background. Soon, the music lifted people to their feet, and a spontaneous dance circle erupted: feet tapping, hips swaying, hands clapping in joyful sync.

Moments later the room hushed for a round of Pecha Kucha presentations. In just 20 slides and 20 seconds each speakers inspired and informed. One standout was the solar cooker project: an innovative solution harnessing the sun to tackle cooking fuel shortages in off-grid communities. Eyes lit up at the possibilities, and questions flowed as conversations carried on.

Beyond Borders wasn’t just an event, it was a glimpse of what happens when cultures meet with open hearts: knowledge shared, barriers broken, and friendships born.