Fundraising event supports educational opportunities for pupils in Brussels

Education opens doors. Yet not every young person can take part in everything a school offers without worry. For many families in Brussels, school costs remain a heavy burden. OSB-VUB wants to change that. Through the project “GO! for €15,000”, the Alumni Association aims to directly support 80 pupils in the second stage of secondary education at GO! Atheneum Caroline Pauwels, helping to lower financial barriers to school activities.

The principle is simple: every €200 allows one pupil to participate fully in school activities without financial barriers. The funds go directly towards reducing school costs. In this way, talent is given the space it needs to grow.

A school where young people can grow

GO! Atheneum Caroline Pauwels is located in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, a diverse Brussels neighbourhood where many families face financial challenges. At the same time, it is a school strongly committed to talent development, guidance and ambition. Pupils have access to modern STEM laboratories, sports facilities and creative spaces. Through initiatives such as verwonderingsuren, curiosity and creativity are actively encouraged. Young people are given the space to discover, experiment and find their own path.

This approach closely reflects the ideas of Caroline Pauwels, who viewed education as a powerful tool to break cycles of inequality and open opportunities for young people.
 

Inspiration, music and connection

The benefit event on 26 April brings together different worlds: education, culture and social engagement. During the afternoon, speakers will provide more insight into the school’s social and educational context. Among those speaking are director Bastiaan Libeer and Serge Algoet, director of the Kunsthumaniora Brussel.
One of the guest speakers will also be composer and accordionist Tuur Florizoone. Florizoone is known for his versatile musical career, blending jazz, world music and cinematic composition. His music received a World Soundtrack Award for the film Aanrijding in Moscou. During the event, he will share his perspective on creativity, perseverance and the power of culture to connect people.
After the keynote talks, participants will have the opportunity to network. Visitors can then enjoy a concert by the Academisch Harmonieorkest van Etterbeek (AHOE), organised by the Etterbeek Music Academy in collaboration with, among others, the VUB Choir. Reserved seating will be available for benefit event participants.

All proceeds from the event will go directly towards supporting pupils of GO! Atheneum Caroline Pauwels.