Over the past few months, more than 1,200 children have contributed to the discussion about where the money from the Kinderportemonnee, a unique fund created by Kinderpostzegels, should go . Their answer: children living in poverty or in unsafe homes should receive more support.
If children could decide for themselves which children need extra help and where the money raised by the Kinderpostzegels (Children's Stamps) goes, what would that be? That's the idea behind the Kinderpostzegels (Children's Wallet), a special fund established in 2023 by the Kinderpostzegels (Children's Wallet), for which children can choose their own purpose. Over the past few months, more than 1,200 students from 60 grades 7 and 8 in mainstream and special primary education participated in the special Kinderpostemonnee workshops. They brainstormed, discussed, and voted on how the Kinderpostemonnee money should be spent.
Children choose the themes of poverty and safety at home
Children consider poverty by far the most important issue. Nearly half (49.1%) want children experiencing poverty to receive more help and support. " If you don't have enough money, you can't do everything, and I think that's unfair," one participant summarized.
This is followed by the theme of (in)safety at home, with 29.1%. "Home is where you should be safe. If you're not, it's very bad," one child wrote. The remaining votes were almost evenly divided between the themes of loneliness (6.5%), not being able to participate (5.5%), and feeling unhappy (9.9%).
The children, incidentally, believe that everything is interconnected. It's understandable that you feel lonely when things aren't going well at home. And of course, you can't participate if your parents have little money. "If you help someone with one thing, things will also improve with something else," the children conclude.
850,000 euros to divide
The Kinderwallet is currently worth €850,000. Sofie Vriends, director of Kinderpostzegels, explains: "This summer, we'll be working to find project partners for the chosen themes. We'll ensure the projects have an impact on as many children as possible. We'll then distribute the money as the children have determined. As soon as we have more information, we'll announce it through our channels."
"I wish there were more soundproof rooms so children wouldn't hear arguments"
Children's voices are incredibly important to Kinderpostzegels, Sofie continues. "In fact, it's a child's right to participate in decisions about matters that affect them. With the Kinderwallet, we're giving this very concrete expression. Our approach is unique. No other charity allows children to participate in this way—I'm very proud of that! I was also incredibly impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm with which children participated in the workshops, exercising their right to participate. Thank you all so much!"
"For every child, there is a person you can talk to, but who doesn't tell anyone else."
Regional and international follow-up
This year, for the first time, there was also a regional version of the Kinderportemonnee (Children's Wallet). Fonds 1818, a foundation from The Hague, has donated €300,000 to the Kinderportemonnee. This is specifically to help children in the Haaglanden and Bollenstreek regions. Sofie: "It's a wonderful initiative that we hope will be replicated in other regions in the coming year. We will also be rolling out the Kinderportemonnee internationally to the countries where we operate, starting in West Africa and India. I look forward to expanding our unique approach even further."