The UiTPASKRANT 2026-2027 highlights the story of Ruksana Shafaq, a cardholder of UiTPAS Meetjesland, who explains how essential the pass is for her and her children. Those who couldn't get the free newspaper can read her testimony here.
Ruksana Shafaq primarily uses her UiTPAS at the Sportpark Eeklo, where her children participate in sports and swimming. Although she herself prefers walking in nature areas like Het Leen, she values the access the card provides her children. "Thanks to the UiTPAS, my children have the same opportunities as their classmates and friends. That's what I find most important," says Shafaq.
Ruksana lives with her brother and his children in Eeklo. After studying in Pakistan and having lived in the Netherlands and Portugal, she has felt at home in Belgium for years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, she has been unemployed and became a single mother. The UiTPAS helps her make ends meet by offering discounts on leisure activities, which she mainly uses for her children, but has also utilized at Cultuurhuis De Herbakker with saved points.
She was surprised to learn that her niece in Eeklo could also get a UiTPAS. Although her niece won't receive the same social discounts, she can still save points and use the card for outings outside Eeklo, such as festivals. Shafaq agrees that it is reassuring that the UiTPAS is a customer card for everyone, with additional benefits for those in need.
Ruksana discovered the UiTPAS through the UiTPASKRANT, which she finds at Hubsakee in De Kring, a place for exchange among young mothers. She still uses the newspaper as inspiration for family activities. While she currently focuses mainly on her children, she looks forward to using the pass more for her own relaxation when they are older.
