In conversation with... Rianne Vons
Member of OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen for four months already
Rianne is executive director of the largest childcare centre in the region: Stichting Kinderopvang Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Childcare Foundation Zeeuws-Vlaanderen). She joined OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen in 2022 out of passion for the quality of life in our region.
Stichting Kinderopvang Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a social childcare centre where 350 employees and 50 guest parents look after 3,500 children every day.
Why OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen?
OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen brings together people with a passion for this region. The group consists of a diverse group, which makes it a nice combination. During meetings within the working field, you often meet the same people and therefore do not meet people from other fields. It is precisely the combination between all fields of work that broadens ways of thinking and provides new strategies and solutions.
What does the network of OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen mean for you?
With the entire network, we take care of a great challenge (growth of the region) and look at this region-wide. Because we do not have knowledge in just one domain, we can switch quickly and operate broadly. This broad input and great knowledge produce great work.
Everyone in the network wants to improve the region and therefore sink our teeth into it. The organization ensures that you are triggered and that you will get new ideas. As a result, we look beyond our own borders.
Unlimited possibilities in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
We should not think too much in boxes and have faith in the region. Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is a region with many opportunities, and we should not let physical and mental borders constrain us. We also need to show what strengths this region has. We know that we have an issue to deal with, but we are strong as a region and do not wait too long… We come into action!
How do you see your position and ambition within OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen?
I am curious to see how we can get the municipalities even more involved within various working areas. I would love to contribute (even) more social knowledge. The overall picture of housing, working, and living can thus become more complete. I look forward to cooperating with the network and working on innovations.
What do you think is important for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
We inhabitants of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen could have greater ambitions and put things forward. Our (border) region is different from the Randstad. But, that's where the decisions are made. Sometimes we need to combine the strengths of our region more and use this to present ourselves to The Hague. That is something that is increasingly happening here and will remain important for the region in the future. It is good to have a clear idea within the network of OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen of who we (could) need at which position.
Why should people come to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen is, of course, a fantastic area! Besides being beautiful to live in, there are many jobs. There are plenty of opportunities and possibilities within the region and you can develop yourself at any level. Here, you can also grow personally. To the question of whether there is enough to do, I wholeheartedly say ‘yes’: if you are open to it, there is enough to do for everyone! Not always right around the corner, but once you look on the other side of the (invisible) border, you're sure to find it! You will fall in love with the region!