The initiative was inspired by an article in Resource about loneliness among Bornsesteeg residents, says Leoni Pek, one of the initiators. In the article, Ethiopian Birhane Abebe said he had very little contact with the others along his corridor. ‘I never know who is at home or who they are, even.’ This prompted students from SP&C to go from door to door inviting the residents to a joint evening in the bar. ‘As a pilot we organized two evenings, which were a success. So we want to make it a regular thing, so that people know who they are living with and can make contact with each other more easily.’
The international societies ISOW and IxESN and the religious organization SP&C – In the World will be taking it in turns to run the evenings. ‘That means that two of the evenings will focus on things like dance workshops, languages and getting to know other cultures, while the third one will be more about reflection and insight,’ explains Leoni. As soon as the date of the first Meet & Greet is known, a poster will be put up in the Bornsesteeg. Idealis has offered the use of the room downstairs in the building free of charge for the meetings.
This initiative by the three student clubs has been picked up on by the Church & World foundation, which nominated Meet & Greet for the Youth Prize, which goes to young people doing something towards a better society. ‘It would be lovely if we won that prize, because it would give us some financial reserves to make the evenings even more fun.’You can cast your vote here until October 31.