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Sam&Harderwijk ensures that all children in Harderwijk can participate | 27 May 2021

Sam&Harderwijk ensures that all children in Harderwijk can participate

On Wednesday afternoon, May 26th, Alderman Gert Jan van Noort, Hetty Schouten of the Leergeld Randmeren Foundation, and Aukje Sinte Maartensdijk of the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture formalized their partnership with Sam&Harderwijk. Alderman for Children Lissy van Bennekom was present on behalf of all children in the municipality of Harderwijk. Sam&Harderwijk makes it easier for children and young people growing up in poverty to apply for financial support.

One platform for multiple facilities

Sam& is a partnership between Leergeld Nederland, the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture, the Jarige Job Foundation, and the National Fund for Children's Aid. Through the platform www.samenvoorallekinderen.nl Parents and intermediaries can now easily apply for one or more services in one go. The Municipality of Harderwijk supports this collaboration. Alderman Gert Jan van Noort: "In Harderwijk, too, we see, especially these days, that more families are living in poverty. A bicycle, participating in school activities, or playing football—it's not a given for all children. Sam& is a great addition to the existing minimum income programs. Together, we are committed to all young people aged 0-21. If there's no money for dance lessons, a birthday, or school supplies, Sam&Harderwijk can help!"

Together for all children

In the Netherlands, an average of one in twelve children and young people grows up in a family that can barely make ends meet financially. That's an average of two children per class. And during the coronavirus pandemic, that number is only growing. Something that seems perfectly normal to the outside world, like celebrating a birthday with friends or a family outing, is simply not an option for these children without support. Alderwoman for Children Lissy: "I'm fortunate that my parents can afford everything, but I think it's important to raise the topic of 'poverty' among young people. Because I want every child to be able to do the things they enjoy!"

Lower the threshold

The big advantage of Sam& is that, as a parent, you can more easily apply for one or more services and for one or more children. Hetty Schouten: “By combining existing services, parents no longer have to go to different organizations. And that's great, because it's often quite difficult for parents to ask for help. Also, because things can sometimes be connected: you can get your sports membership reimbursed, but if you don't have a bike to ride to the field, you still have a problem. I'm therefore very pleased with the close collaboration between the parties. Together we are strong and we can help even more children growing up in poverty!”

More information about Sam& can be found at www.samenvoorallekinderen.nl.