Working together to strengthen children's resilience and connection
Wednesday, July 10, marked the first-ever Superpower Day for 150 children who are socially isolated or at risk of becoming so! Together with the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, we provided participants with a fantastic afternoon. Under the motto 'The hunt for your superpower,' children were able to playfully build their self-confidence and resilience. In 2025, we aim to expand these Superpower Days to reach many more children. We also want to strengthen online connections within this target group.
Discovering your own superpower
This first Superpower Day edition was held at the PEC Zwolle stadium. We invited children from groups 7 and 8 of primary schools in the region who are temporarily or structurally struggling at school, feel lonely, or are left to fend for themselves*. Through contact with peers, exciting games, an inspiring meeting with rapper Qucee, and a performance by singer Alessio.
In groups, the children embarked on a journey through five 'worlds' where they could discover their own superpowers. For example, the games involved being yourself, overcoming setbacks, and seizing opportunities. By completing all the challenges, the children eventually 'unlocked' a surprise performance by singer Alessio.
"I had a great afternoon," says participant Bram. "I was with a friend, and we played games with other children all afternoon."
Content Creator Qucee spoke with the children and shared stories about his own childhood:
"It's important for children to work on their resilience. When I was young, I thought I was the only child with mental problems, but there are many more, and that's why I think it's important to be involved."
Expanding Superpower Days
The Superpower Days are part of the strategic partnership recently formed between the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds and Kinderpostzegels. Driven by the shared mission of 'connecting people,' we will spend the next three years working to help children who are socially isolated or at risk of becoming so. Sofie Vriends, director of Kinderpostzegels: "We want to make children feel that they are not alone and to break their isolation. In 2025, we aim to expand the Superpower Days so that we can reach many more children. Furthermore, we wish to strengthen online connections within this target group in the future, so that children and young people can also discover and learn to use their own superpowers."
Even more impact together
Mark Versteegen, director of the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, is also very enthusiastic about the collaboration with Kinderpostzegels. "Social contact is important for all of us. Online and offline connection is not equally self-evident for everyone. For over 15 years, the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds has been connecting people, including children and young people. We use all possible communication techniques and tools, and not to forget the enthusiasm of many thousands of KPN colleagues who volunteer. During the past and upcoming Superpower Days, our volunteers also make an important contribution to strengthening children's resilience. We are very proud of that."
*Loneliness: a growing problem
Loneliness is a growing problem among children and young people. It often correlates with poverty or difficult home situations.
- 230,000 children in the Netherlands grow up in poverty.
- 1 in 4 children has a parent with an addiction or mental health issues.
- 1 in 8 children receives youth care.
Many of these children are completely on their own. They struggle at school, their world shrinks, and they become isolated. In their lives, a good foundation for resilience is missing.
