Buddy : more than a program, a social movement

Launched in 2017, Buddy connects a Brussels resident with a newcomer to the city. The idea is simple: to foster inclusion through human exchanges and shared experiences. Over three months, the pairs meet at least four times—whether for a walk, a cultural outing, a coffee, or help with administrative procedures.

“Through Buddy, it’s not about offering help, but about meeting one another. This program is a springboard for creating bonds, breaking down prejudices, and better understanding each other’s realities,” explains the SINGA Brussels team.

And the impact goes far beyond these initial meetings: many pairs continue to see each other well after the program ends, proving that these connections are real and lasting.

1,000 pairs, 1,000 stories, 1,000 bonds formed

Reaching the 1,000th pair is more than just a number : it represents 1,000 encounters that have transformed lives. In Brussels, a cosmopolitan city where hundreds of nationalities cross paths, Buddy creates bridges between people who might never have met otherwise.

For newcomers, it is often a first step toward a new life : discovering the city in a different way, practicing a language, and navigating daily life more easily.

For Brussels residents, it’s an opportunity to gain insight into different realities and cultures, break out of routine, and take concrete action toward a more inclusive society.

Encounters that leave a mark

Inna: “My best memory with my buddy? A simple afternoon at the Royal Park, laughing and chatting. I loved the spontaneity and warmth of that moment.”

Ashraf: “Thanks to my buddy, I was able to better understand the city and overcome bureaucratic challenges that seemed impossible on my own.”

Mariem: “I wish I had discovered SINGA Brussels earlier. It has changed my daily life here!”

Quentin: “I would recommend the Buddy program because meeting new people from different cultures is an incredible asset for my personal growth and understanding of the world. It also shows that we can form meaningful connections with anyone.”

These testimonials show that behind every buddy pair, there is a real story and a real change.

Want to Be Part of the Adventure?

Today, we celebrate 1,000 buddy pairs but this is just the beginning. Will you join the Buddy adventure ?

📺 Watch the report on these 1,000 pairs : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB1a-iVo3Tw 

👉  Learn more about the program and sign up : https://www.singa-belgium.org/buddy