01 Feb '24

Cherishing diversity

2866
door Nathalie Dirix
At the age of 12, Aneta Jakoniuk from Mollem arrived in Brussels with her newly divorced mother, and despite the initial solitude, she is now enjoying life to the full, some 20 years later.

Jakoniuk has vivid memories, too, of how much the diversity of our capital city struck her when she arrived here as a little girl. ‘I love the cultural diversity associated with Brussels, a city where you can find the whole world in miniature. You don’t find this in Poland but I cherish all this diversity as a real treasure. At the same time, I think you have to be careful to ensure your individuality is not eroded by your hospitality and openness. I say call it whatever you want – let your colours shine through.’