Over the past few months, more than 1,100 children have contributed their ideas on how the money from the Children's Wallet should be spent. Just like last year, poverty is number 1. “I can barely imagine that there are children without bags and shoes.”
The Children's Wallet is a unique method from Kinderpostzegels where children themselves get to choose the destination of a special fund. During interactive workshops, they learn about problems children can have and think about which children need extra help.
By helping to decide how the money from the Children's Wallet is spent, children experience that their voice matters and that they can make a difference for others.
Children know better than anyone what's going on
We find it perfectly logical for children to have a say in how the money is spent. After all, they know better than anyone what's happening. By looking at the world through the eyes of children, we can make choices that better meet their needs. This year, for example, a remarkable number of children indicated how important the love and support of a pet is. For us, this is an entirely new theme, which we will develop in the coming period.
Poverty at number 1
Poverty remains the most important theme for children. Therefore, this year more than half of the Children's Wallet money goes to projects for children living in poverty. A good example of this is the Poverty Fund. They were the first to receive an allocation this year, and in a very special way. Children from the Gevers-Deutz Terweeschool in Oegstgeest, who themselves participated in the Children's Wallet, handed them a cheque. The Poverty Fund will use the money to help children very concretely, for example with toiletries and fun outings. The children were impressed by the visit of the Poverty Fund: “I can barely imagine that there are children without bags and shoes” – Sam (10).
Regional Children's Wallet thanks to Fund 1818
Thanks to our partner, Fund 1818, there was also a regional edition of the Children's Wallet this year. Over 200 students from South Holland helped us think about how best to spend the contribution of no less than €200,000 in their own region. We will soon announce how we will distribute this generous amount.
