Drink d'après-midi à Cureghem

ANDERLECHT CONVIVIALITY Afternoon drink in Cureghem The tenants' union also took part in "Immeubles en fête" In Cureghem too, people took part in the "Immeubles en fête" operation. From the afternoon on, the tenants' union organised a drink with crisps, cakes and music at its office on square Albert Ier. "The idea was to allow the mothers attending the literacy course we run to meet outside that learning," explains José Garcia. Around 4 o'clock, a group of young people were dancing wildly. There were also some older people, such as Hélène: "It is important that everyone can meet," explains this resident of the neighbourhood for 22 years. "I live in a 10-storey building. When there is a problem, we help each other. I am friends with everybody. Every month I take part in a meeting where we discuss all the problems there are: cleaning, building maintenance, pavements, lighting… And many things get sorted out. Now the cleaning is supervised and better done. To avoid thefts in particular, access to the cellars has been forbidden, except by asking the concierge for the key. I think the district has changed for the better. The Moroccans (of origin) are very cordial, very 'family', they like to invite Belgians too." But not everyone has such an optimistic view. "People do not know each other well enough," says Otmane (24). "They have a certain number of needs and communicating is not one of their priorities. And then the housing is not great. Those who are aware of it suffer from it." And does he want to leave the district or not? "Two answers to that," he replies after thinking. "I feel like clearing off to have some peace, going to the countryside for greenery and quiet. But on the other hand, I feel responsible. Those who have succeeded are examples for those who follow. It is a bit like the game of goose: when you reach the end, you are no longer part of the game; you have a job, you look for a wife, you clear off (from the district) and you come back to see your father and mother. But in this context, that is a bit like taunting those who stayed. By staying I give them hope. But it is heavy…" After working at the tenants' union office, he became a youth worker: "When I come home, the young people assail me with questions about social matters, about justice, telling me they have done nothing and asking me to help them. As I know all the families, it is not easy to refuse…" M.B.