To the Youth Fund Poverty is not always visible and goes further than just money page

Poverty is not always visible and goes beyond just money | June 23, 2023

Poverty is not always visible and goes beyond just money

Ismène Elbers of De Kunst CultuurCoach Roosendaal is an intermediary with the Brabant Youth Fund for Sport & Culture. At the request of a school, she organized a workshop for a group of high school seniors who were unable to participate in a school trip. The Brabant Youth Fund for Sport & Culture made the activity possible. Ismène shares her experiences here.

Invisible poverty is a reality we need to talk about, especially when it comes to the challenges schools face. I recently had a remarkable conversation with a high school counselor and teacher, during which this topic came up, and my eyes were once again opened to the many problems that arise.

Children can't fully participate in school life for various reasons. Perhaps they're caregivers and can't leave because they have to care for a sick parent at home. Or perhaps certain activities don't fit within their cultural background. Sometimes an outing or trip is simply too expensive. Or maybe they'd like to enjoy fries or buy a souvenir just like everyone else during the outing. As a child, you're dependent on what your parents/guardians can provide, and that's not always enough.

The alternative journey

Recently, I received a request from a school asking me to help a group of graduating seniors who couldn't participate in their graduation trip. I felt honored that they reached out to me and saw this as an opportunity to do something special for these young people aged 16-17.

As The Art and Culture Coach, we invited the students for an open conversation and a personal journey of discovery. We wanted to give them the opportunity to get to know themselves and others better, to grow and develop. Because personal development isn't just important, it's an art in itself! Using the creative Blueprint Method, where we focus on the young people and I, as coach, guide their talent development, we got to work.

It was an inspiring journey where these young people broadened their perspectives and discovered new possibilities. They learned that there are different ways to develop yourself, even when circumstances aren't ideal. We were impressed by their resilience and determination to achieve their full potential, despite the obstacles they faced.

Drumming through the Youth Fund

Petra van Alphen of De Kunst CultuurCoach Roosendaal is also an intermediary with the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Brabant (Youth Fund for Sport & Culture Brabant). She explained the fund's possibilities to the young people. One of them shared his positive experiences with drum lessons he can take through the Youth Fund. He said how wonderful it is to have this opportunity and emphasized that young people can take action themselves, with the intermediary contacting the parents. This is how we work: a young person has a positive intake interview and receives guidance to explore possibilities, instead of focusing on what isn't possible.

I strongly believe in empowering young people and offering them opportunities. The Youth Fund is there to support and help them develop their passions and talents. Through intake interviews and guidance, we try to show them that there are always possibilities, even if they initially seem invisible.

Creativity and connection

It was one of the most special experiences I've ever had. Initially, there were three separate tables in my practice room, but by the end of the day, they were combined into one long table. It was wonderful to see what happened. While other young people were traveling to a city, these young people were on a journey to find themselves, discovering different cultures, interests, and life challenges. We talked about citizenship, creativity, value in money and in life, and safety, among other things.

The young people were incredibly enthusiastic about the external contact and the opportunity for conversation and creativity. As experts in secondary education, as graduating students, they hope this kind of interaction and awareness around poverty will become more common. As an Arts and Culture Coach, I'm incredibly proud that we were able to organize this workshop with the support of the Youth Fund. It was truly amazing to see how this creative and collaborative experience inspired the school. It deeply touched us all and motivates us to continue.

This story reminds us that poverty exists in all its forms, even if it's not always visible. Let's keep talking about these issues and commit to creating opportunities for all children, regardless of their background. Together we can make a difference for everyone. Because remember: personal development is truly an art!

Ismène Elbers, The Art Culture Coach Roosendaal