Councillor Collins Nweke (Green) is to be crowned tomorrow, Saturday, 4 June 2016 with the “Ambassador of Integration & Diversity” Award at an annual gala night in Hasselt, Belgium.
Organized by Perspectief vzw, a Hasselt Non-Profit Organisation, the Award will be presented by Hilde Claes, Mayor of Hasselt. Wouter Van Bellingen is also one of the Award laureates. “Of course I was pleasantly surprised and flattered when I received a phone call stating that I was nominated for the Award,” said the Ostend City Councillor. “That my integration narrative was adjudged successful and my longstanding commitment to the success of a harmonious diverse society appreciated is gratifying. There is no end to integration. It is a continuous process. After more than 20 years in Belgium, I’m still working on it” Collins adds, laughing.
Perspectief vzw, organizers of the Ambassadors of Integration & Diversity, is a non-profit, multicultural organization in Hasselt borne out of the mindset of intercultural art collective. The organization campaigns for integration and acceptance of the growing diversity of our world. Jo Schreurs, secretary Perspectief vzw: “We want people who are committed professionals and / or volunteers for successful propagation of a diverse society, to be recognized and duly awarded.
Through his activities Collins Nweke has demonstrated clear vision for intercultural relations and peaceful co-existence of people with diverse background. In addition to well-known names in Belgium such as Collins and Wouter (Van Bellingen) there are also lesser-known names among people who whose work in this field were adjudged highly valuable, be it in the workplace or at home and in their private contacts in promoting integration”
Twenty years ago, Collins Nweke of Nigerian origin, was co-founder and went on to become the founding President of “Jakoeboe vzw” the first Ostend Refugee Reception Group for and with its target group. The Municipal Advisory Board for ethnic minority policy (MARO) also benefited from his wealth of experience and knowledge during its formative years when he was elected its first Chairman.
Within the Green Group in the Ostend City Council, Collins has the portfolio of diversity. With his appointment as Councilor for Social Welfare and his direct election as Municipal Legislator in the October 2012 elections, history was made in Ostend and West-Flanders as he became its first elected political office holder of foreign origin and born abroad.
