The Story of Sterre
Feeling Different as a Foster Child
“At school, children don't quite understand why I say 'Monique and Erik' instead of 'mommy and daddy'. At Mockingbird, I don't have to answer questions and I don't feel different.”
Mockingbird was brought to the Netherlands in 2021 by, among others, Kinderpostzegels, and is implemented by Ondersteuning Pleegzorg. The program is made possible by the Nationale Postcode Loterij and the Oranje Fonds.
"At Mockingbird, I feel no different from other children!" - Sterre (9)
The story of Chanchal (16) from India
Education is not a given
Due to poverty, many children abroad have to work to help their families. Girls, in particular, are at risk of dropping out of school and being married off young.
This was also a threat for Chanchal from India. After her father's death, her mother could barely support the family. Chanchal stopped attending school to help at home, and marriage was soon discussed.
Through our local partner, Chanchal found support from volunteers and peers. They talked to her mother about the risks of child marriage and the importance of education. With success: Chanchal is back in school and is working towards a future full of opportunities.
“When I’m angry, I lash out and am capable of destroying everything. I see my little brothers imitating me. Thanks to this exercise, I can now go home and sit down with them to start doing things differently.” - DIABOU (16)
The story of Megan (11)
Safe place
Megan has been living in a shelter for six months. "At home, it was anything but pleasant because there was a lot of arguing and shouting. This was because of my father, as he would get angry quickly and always wanted to get his way. One evening, my mother said we had to leave immediately. We couldn't pack any belongings or take clothes because there wasn't time. We were taken to a kind of shelter, and that's where we live now."
Kinderpostzegels helps children who lack a safe place. We do this by organizing projects in foster care and emergency shelters.
Children decide!
Only with children can we make a difference. For us, that means more than just participating: it's about real influence. Children think along, discuss along, and decide along on what affects them. This is reflected in initiatives such as the Children's Stamp Campaign and the Children's Wallet.
Children's stamp campaign
The Children's Stamp Campaign is an age-old Dutch tradition, even recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Every year, over a hundred thousand children from all corners of the country come together to take action for their peers. For a week, students from the upper primary school grades go door-to-door selling stamps and other fun products.
With the proceeds from the Children's Stamp Campaign, we help children growing up in an unsafe home environment. We draw attention to this significant problem. We provide direct support, help close to home, and ensure that they are truly heard.
child's wallet
With the Children's Wallet, children not only think along, but actively decide where the money from Kinderpostzegels goes!
