MISSION AND VISION
CORE STRENGTHENING
We strongly believe in the need for core reinforcement in Helchteren for several different reasons:
The sharp increase in vacancies within the commercial properties of Helchteren Centrum has an impact on the opportunities for meeting in our village. In addition, there is a rather limited socio-cultural offer and the association life is under pressure. VZW De Pastorie wants to offer a place where opportunities for meeting are facilitated.
A lively village centre is attractive to residents and can at the same time encourage new and local entrepreneurship and is also a tourist asset.
Apart from economic activity, the presence and good use of public space is crucial for community development. An easily accessible public offering with an emphasis on connection, relaxation and meeting is an important asset for the entire community.
WELFARE AND SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT
In a metropolitan context, the proper use of public space has been a lively theme for quite some time. In the more rural context, to which we as Helchteren also belong, however, this call sounds less loud. More residents have their own garden or some outdoor space, which means that the need for the proper use of public space is less apparent from a purely 'spatial' point of view. However, public spaces mainly offer opportunities for 'encounter' and therefore play a crucial role in community development and the preservation of a strong social fabric.
Something that the villages were previously known for, but in which an evolution towards more and more loneliness is noticeable.
THE NORTH-SOUTH & MOBILITY ISSUES
The complex North-South dossier has been a difficult traffic issue for years, where after decades there is also movement. Helchteren as a village suffers greatly from the heavy traffic (over)load.
The upcoming work will also demand a lot from the village and its residents before the benefits of the entire dossier can be felt in the public space.
The rectory, with its central position, is located right on the connection between the two communities 'east' and 'west' of the Grote Baan.
We hope that this will enable us to form a connecting factor between East and West if this connection comes under (even more) pressure due to the work .
As a movement, we want to think about upgrading 'historical connections', including the Kerkpad, and we want to strive to offer vulnerable road users more safe (crossing) points and roads.
We are very fond of the theme of mobility and want to make this visible in our work. We want to put themes around sustainability and mobility in the spotlight.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND DEMOCRACY 2.0
Democracy is due for a revolution worldwide. Globally, people feel that the bridge between government and citizen needs to be renewed. Social trends towards new forms of authority and an increased assertiveness of citizens and a decrease in faith in our current political system mean that in the future we will deal with consultation and participation in a different way.
The rectory project is an ideal testing ground for working on this theme in an inclusive manner in our own community .
The steps that have already been taken are a good example of how local government can support initiatives from citizens through good dialogue and bottom-up initiatives.
Core objectives of VZW De Pastorie
Facilitating meetings and connections for the local community of Helchteren in the building and/or garden of the Pastorie and facilitating substantive themes around sustainability, mobility and society, citizen participation and social justice.
The non-profit organisation's activities include the following:
focusing on core strengthening & strengthening social fabric
facilitating substantive themes around sustainability
facilitating substantive themes around mobility & the modality shift
facilitating substantive themes related to community development
strengthening the identity of Helchteren
preserving and making known the local history of the village
facilitating intergenerational contact in an accessible way
organizing activities with an apolitical character
organizing citizen participation processes for the local community
the direct and indirect pursuit of social justice