In times of crisis, universities in the Global South are often hit particularly hard. When conflict, war or occupation erupts, external sources of funding frequently dry up, often when the need for support is greatest.
Koen De Feyter Solidarity Fund was established on the initiative of the UAntwerp's Global Working Group on Global Engagement as an expression of the University's societal commitment, as a way of demonstrating solidarity with partner institutions in the South, and as part of the university's human rights policy.
The daily management of the Koen De Feyter Solidarity Fund rests with the KDF Project group, consisting of Sara Bervoets, Tom De Herdt (chair), Annelien Dewinter, Parul Goel, Eline Joukes, Thalia Kruger, Pierre Merlet, Marloes Van Damme (secretary), Koen Verhoest and Janus Verrelst. The group takes decisions about funding strategy and uses of the fund. The project group reports to the Working Group on Global Engagement.
Current achievements
Thanks to the USOS 40th anniversary crowdfunding campaign, individual donations, and contributions from our academic community, we have raised between 29 November and end of January 2026 a total of 7,500 EUR, of which 5000 EUR from individual donations and 2500 EUR through Academic Credit from UAntwerp staff members.
Supported partner organisations
The Koen De Feyter Solidarity Fund currently supports
- Students in need fund at the Muwatin Institute for Democracy and Human Rights at Birzeit University (promoter: Thalia Kruger, Law & Development Research Group)
- Students in need fund at the Université Catholique de Bukavu (promoter: Divin-Luc Bikubanya, Institute of Development Policy)
Support the Koen De Feyter Solidarity Fund
