Extra support for children living in poverty or facing problems at home: hundreds of primary school students have spent the past few months working together to determine how Kinderpostzegels (Children's Stamps) should allocate extra funds. This money comes from the Kinderportemonnee (Children's Wallet), a special Kinderpostzegels fund established this year, for which children can choose their own allocation. With this unique initiative, children not only contribute ideas but also decide where the Kinderpostzegels money goes.
The money from the Kinderportemonnee (Children's Wallet) is used to contribute to issues that children consider important. This year was a first. 452 children in grades 7 and 8 from various primary schools throughout the Netherlands, using a proven methodology, contributed to ideas for a good use of the money from the first Kinderportemonnee. Over 85 percent chose two major themes: poverty and problems at home. They believe that children who cannot participate due to low income or other significant problems in their families should receive extra support. They also called for extra attention to be given to children whose parents are going through a divorce. Sofie Vriends, director of Kinderpostzegels (Children's Stamps), said: "We definitely support this decision. In the Netherlands, 1 in 12 children grows up in poverty, and 1 in 4 children has a parent with an addiction or mental health issues. Together with our partners, we can spend the money from the Kinderportemonnee on these important issues."
Unique way of involving children
This way of involving children in the thinking and decision-making process is unique. "Children's voices are incredibly important to us," says Sofie Vriends. "We are the charity organization with and for children. We stand for equal development opportunities, and we know that children are passionate about helping other children. These aren't just principles on paper. We act on them. We let children participate in discussions about the issues that matter to them. And they also decide where the money goes. This way of involving children has never been seen on this scale before. It allows children to help each other in a very concrete way."
Let every child participate
Kinderpostzegels stands for equal development opportunities for children. Many children are unable to participate due to poverty or problems at home. Vriends: "We naturally hope to further expand the Kinderwallet with the help of the Dutch public. We will be taking action to achieve this in the coming period. So: do you support the goals the children have chosen themselves? And do you also believe that every child should be able to participate, despite poverty or problems at home? Then join us and donate!"