4. Anaïs Maes
Anaïs was born and raised in Etterbeek. "I am a very proud citizen of Brussels. Raised bilingually by a Walloon mother and a Flemish father. And proud mother of a 10-year-old daughter."
From an early age, politics were discussed at home. My dad was active in the local branch of the SP in Etterbeek. From my grandfather, who was a member of the resistance during World War II and survived the concentration camps, I learned how important it is to stand up for your ideals and to fight for a fair and free world. So, at school, I got involved in the student council and took part in debating competitions. I had caught the virus. During my student days, I joined the young socialists at VUB (Animo in those days). Growing up in Brussels also confronted me with the good and less good sides of society. I felt even then that solidarity and caring for each other was the only possible solution for problems near and far.
I studied history and started my career as a researcher. There, too, I immersed myself in political history. The role of socialists in denouncing the excesses of society, and especially their struggles and achievements, kept floating to the surface, it was the ideology where I could feel at home.
I became a history teacher and discovered what impact you can have by being committed to young people. I understood that we needed to do even more to guide them and to help them grow, and how education can provide equal and, above all, fair opportunities. I also stood up for my colleagues at school as a union representative of the ACOD.
Since September last year, I have been deputy for Urban Development, Public Space, Dutch-speaking education, and Dutch affairs in the City of Brussels.
My dream for Brussels
Brussels is the city of opportunities, but everyone should be able to take advantage of them. I believe this can be achieved by giving all children fair chances from birth and throughout their school career by investing in the very best education.
I dream of a Brussels where we really succeed in caring for everyone. A Brussels that creates opportunities and where young and old can be who they are in complete freedom and can thrive. I believe the best way to do that is through education and a fair start for every child.