Not words, but action

Change starts with doing. That is the core of Merel van de Woestijne’s work, a Pedagogy student at HZ and nominee as Changemaker because of her broad social engagement within the HZ Green Office and beyond.

What characterises her approach is that she does not remain at the level of words or plans, but consistently takes action. Merel is involved in clean-up activities, gardening sessions, and water projects, and participates in the Scheldt Youth Parliament. She is also present at social actions, gatherings, and demonstrations where she literally helps make change visible in public space.

Small steps, broader awareness

Within this context, she also works on themes such as the future of the River Scheldt and democratic engagement of young people. By taking part in petitions, actions, and consultation processes, she contributes to the conversation about what a liveable and sustainable environment could look like. In doing so, it is not only policy that matters, but above all direct action in practice.

The impact of her efforts lies in the movement she helps set in motion. By actively participating herself, Merel shows that social change starts with small, concrete steps. Clean-up actions and local initiatives therefore grow into broader awareness and engagement within the community.

Everyone has a role

She is especially proud of moments where collaboration leads to visible results in the living environment. Whether it is cleaner public spaces or greater involvement from residents, she repeatedly demonstrates that collective effort has impact.

Merel shows that social change does not have to be distant or abstract. It starts close by, in your own environment, simply by doing. And that is precisely where, according to her, the power lies: everyone can play a role in shaping a more sustainable and engaged society.