Rotaract Club Gaasbeek-Pajottenland may be young, but it is bursting with ambition. What started as a helping hand behind the scenes of a gala ball has, within just a few months, grown into a fully-fledged service club for young people from the Pajottenland region. First president Stan Van Bourgognie looks back on the club's origins and reveals the plans already waiting in the wings.
The seed was planted several years ago. "My brother, sister and I helped out at the gala ball of Rc Gaasbeek-Pajottenland, mainly in the cloakroom," Stan explains. "My father is an active member of that club, so that's how we got to know Rotary better. At the same time, I was aware of how many motivated young people live in this region. Next to the traditional youth movements, there are actually few places where they can engage socially."
Although he was still fully immersed in his bachelor's studies in electromechanics at the time, the idea kept growing. "Postponed did not mean cancelled. As soon as I had my degree in hand, we effectively launched the club. With the support of my father and several other Rotarians, things moved quickly."
Recruiting members turned out to be easier than expected. "Thanks in part to my brother's and sister's network, we immediately received many positive responses. We were able to start with sixteen members, plus two trainees who were still underage at the time and will become full members this year." The group is diverse: young people aged 17 to 25, each with their own background but sharing the same drive. "We moved fast. Within two to three months, everything was in place. If you wait too long, interest fades."
The first meetings were held in a room above a beverage distributor. They later moved to the golf club in Dilbeek. In a short time, the club has already organised several initiatives. The Rotaractors assisted at the local Rotary gala ball—this time providing a taxi service to ensure safe transport. They organised a wine sale at a Christmas market and staffed a stand at the Lennik Christmas Corrida. "We saved the proceeds from our first two activities," Stan explains. "The funds raised at the Christmas Corrida were used together with Rc Gaasbeek to support the participation of a local care organisation in Rock for Specials, a music festival for people with disabilities."
Stan describes the collaboration with their sponsor club, Rc Gaasbeek, as crucial. "We have very good contacts and received a lot of support, especially on the administrative side. That's extremely valuable for a young club." But it is not a one-way street. "We are happy to help at their events. It's truly a mutual exchange."
The club also actively participates in monthly district meetings. "It's inspiring to see what other clubs are doing. Soon we'll attend the ball celebrating ten years of Rotaract Mechelen with the whole group. We're turning it into a club weekend right away." Amid all the activities, there is also room to strengthen internal bonds. One of the highlights of the past months? "Our treasurer organised a quiz to help us get to know each other better. It turned into a particularly successful evening. You can really feel the group becoming closer."
The ambitions go beyond small-scale actions. Throughout the year, the club aims to organise larger events. One of the most eye-catching ideas is an open-air cinema in a unique location. "We're considering placing a large LED screen at a special site, with a film that perfectly matches the setting. For example, Harry Potter at Gaasbeek Castle. That would be magical, wouldn't it?" Another idea is an oldtimer rally. "We would also like to invite people with disabilities to ride along, so they too can enjoy a memorable day."
Finally, Stan has a clear message for Rotary clubs wishing to encourage Rotaract initiatives: "Organise activities for young people and show who you are and what you stand for. What is unknown remains unloved…"
