Last year, a few members of Rotaract Den Haag Scheveningen travelled to Skopje, North Macedonia, to attend the Rotaract European Meeting (REM). It may be a late reflection, but the experience is still very much worth sharing.

REM is one of the gatherings that truly shows what Rotaract is about. Rotaractors from across Europe come together to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen the friendships that connect our clubs beyond borders.

The program in Skopje was filled with inspiring moments. Participants took part in social projects in the local community, joined workshops on peace and leadership, and discussed global challenges such as ending plastic pollution. These sessions were not just about listening and learning, but about thinking together about how we, as young leaders, can contribute to positive change.

But REM is also about something just as important, fellowship. Spending time with Rotaractors from different countries, sharing stories from our clubs, and discovering new cultures reminds us that Rotaract is truly an international movement.

Events like REM show that what we do locally is connected to something much larger. From community projects at home to international gatherings like this, Rotaract continues to bring people together through service, dialogue, and friendship.

And that, in many ways, is what keeps the world rotating.

🌍✈️ Meet Dunja Hippe: Flight Attendant with a Heart for Service 💙

Hi all! I’m Dunja Hippe, 26 years old and currently living in Voorburg after moving five times in the past six years. I originally grew up in the beautiful province of Overijssel, but now I’ve landed (pun intended 😄) in a place that feels like home!

In daily life, I travel the world as a flight attendant, exploring new destinations and cultures from the sky. When I’m not up in the air, I love going to the gym, playing pool (even if I lose most of the time 😅), going for evening walks on the beach, playing board games, and spending quality time with my friends and family. 🏖️🎱🎲

I’ve been a proud member of Rotaract Den Haag Scheveningen for about a year now and am part of the Local Committee, where we focus on smaller, hands-on community projects. One project I really enjoyed was organizing a present collection in The Hague’s city centre. The gifts were donated to children spending the holidays outside of their own homes due to domestic violence 💝. Another memorable project was helping renovate a home for a woman with mental health challenges—painting, hanging curtains, and installing lamps to make her space feel safe and warm again. 🛠️🖌️

I joined Rotaract because I love meeting new people and making a tangible impact on society. What makes Rotaract unique is its strong national and international network, full of fun events and inspiring guest speakers. Our club is incredibly diverse in lifestyle, nationality, and background—which means every meeting brings new insights and makes the social events extra fun! 🌍🤝

My favourite Rotary area of focus is water, sanitation and hygiene. These are basic human rights, and while we are fortunate in the Netherlands, many people around the world still lack access. I truly believe there’s a lot we can do to help.

And to anyone thinking about becoming a volunteer: JUST DO IT! Even the smallest act of kindness can make a life-changing difference to someone else. You’ll feel better about yourself and gain so much more than you give. 💫