In 2025, 28% of children participating in the Children's Wallet indicate that they consider a safe place for children to be the most important thing. A place where they can be themselves and relax.
"You can feel unhappy or lonely if your home is unsafe"
- Child's Wallet participant (group 7/8)
In the Netherlands, there are 5,000 young people who have fled to the country without their parents. These young people live in special asylum seeker centers for unaccompanied minors or in emergency shelters, where they lack the attention, support, and guidance of a parent or guardian. Uncertainty and loneliness play a significant role in their lives. They often feel unheard or unseen and have many practical questions: What happens to me when I turn 18? What if my asylum application is rejected? How can I go to school? "You feel very alone then” - magazine editorial board member (17)
These young people don't have a safe place where they can be themselves without a care. That's why this year, a portion of the Children's Wallet will go to a special project, specifically for these young people.
Under the guidance of our partner SAMAH, a group of young people has developed a magazine for them. The group consists of young people who themselves fled to the Netherlands as unaccompanied minors and are still in asylum facilities. Each and every one of them has experienced a lot and worked incredibly hard to find their place here. It's still not easy. That's precisely why they wanted to contribute to this magazine, full of tips, experiences, and stories from themselves. To help the children who have recently arrived in the Netherlands and are in the same situation.
‘Sometimes all it takes is one word or sentence to move forward.’
With the magazine, they not only offer young people a helping hand but also share their own experiences. They show that they too have thoughts and feelings of loneliness and stress, and explain how to deal with them. Now that the magazine is finished, a sense of pride prevails. They have made new friends, discovered talents, and experienced many beautiful things. "I am very proud of myself for helping to create something so beautiful.” - editorial member of the magazine (17)
The magazine was sent to 40 locations where unaccompanied minor refugees live. The copies were packaged in a beautiful box, along with tips to make the launch a real celebration. The reactions were very positive. “I immediately see that this magazine is about us because of the drawings by the young people. They look like me,” said one recipient.
"The quotes help me stay strong"
- Magazine recipient
The content closely aligns with both the major and minor problems young people face. The magazine offers them recognition and strength, making them feel a little less alone.
About the Children's Wallet
The "Kinderportemonnee" (Children's Wallet) is a unique working method by Kinderpostzegels where children themselves choose the destination of a special fund. During interactive workshops, they learn about problems children can face and think about which children in their neighborhood need extra help.
By co-deciding how the money from the Kinderportemonnee is spent in their own region, children experience that their voice matters and that they can truly make a difference for other children.
"There are children who don't feel safe, and I'm glad I can help them."
- Saoud, participant Children's Wallet (11)
