Children in your class are also growing up in poverty
The Netherlands is one of the richest countries in the world. Yet, over 272,000 children grow up in families living on a subsistence level. This means that in every classroom, on average, two to three children are growing up in poverty. Do you recognize the signs?
Download the checklist 'Poverty signals' here
Did you know that 1 in 11 children in the Netherlands grows up in poverty? So chances are high that there are children in your class who can't participate in soccer, music lessons, gymnastics, street dance, judo, or theater classes. They can't go on school trips, and they can't give birthday treats. Simply because their parents can't afford it. And yet, it's incredibly important for children's development to be able to participate.
Research shows that children who participate in sports or creative activities like music learn to collaborate better, cope with winning and losing, concentrate better, develop skills, and make new friends. This boosts their self-confidence and improves their academic performance. This is not only beneficial for the child, but also for their classmates and for you as a teacher.
How do you recognize poverty?
You might know exactly which children in your class come from families living on a minimum income. It's more likely that you don't. Parents often struggle to be open about financial problems, and children are often very good at hiding them. However, there are signs—some obvious, some less obvious—that could indicate a child is struggling at home.
Want to learn more about what you, as a teacher, can do to help eradicate poverty from the classroom? Leave your details and download the checklist, and the local Youth Fund for Sports & Culture will contact you!
What can you do?
Fortunately, you can actually do something to help eradicate poverty from the classroom. For example, by talking to parents. It's not easy, but it's important. You can tell them how important it is for children to be able to participate in activities that their classmates take for granted. For example, going on school trips, but also joining a sports club, dance or theater school, or playing a musical instrument. Things that broaden the child's world and make them feel better.
Become an intermediary and help eliminate poverty from the classroom!
Do you want to make a real difference and give children from low-income families more opportunities? Make a difference and sign up as an intermediary for the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture. If there's not enough money at home to allow children to join a sports club, take swimming lessons, or take music, dance, theater, or painting classes, the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture can help by paying the membership fees.
As an intermediary, you can easily apply online for the membership fee/tuition fee and any necessary equipment for families in poverty:
Many other colleagues came before you. Read their inspiring stories as an intermediary.
