To the Youth Fund Sports & Culture Gelderland page

Gelderland | October 2, 2020

Intermediate Kimberly in #ikhebflair

Every week we put a Flair reader in the spotlight. This week, Kimberly Pouw (33). She is committed to children growing up in families with limited financial resources.

What can you do for these families?

When I started working, I quickly noticed that many parents were looking for ways to let their children participate in sports, but they didn't always have the financial means to pay the fees. It was heartbreaking, because you want all children to be able to participate with their classmates. By registering as an intermediary with the Youth Sports & Culture Fund, I can ensure that children growing up in families with financial worries can also join the soccer club or take dance lessons. I submit an online application together with the parents, and once approved, the money is transferred directly to the sports club or teacher. Anyone professionally involved with children and young people can register as an intermediary.

What makes your work so necessary?

It's often difficult for parents to express their need for help, even at school. But by openly discussing the options, I lower the barrier. Now, parents are increasingly finding me, and sometimes children encourage their parents to come to me. Every year, I receive more registrations. It's also great when parents renew their registration, which means their child is still participating in the chosen activity.

What does Samen do for all children?

Besides sports and culture, it's important for children to be able to participate in school trips, celebrate a birthday, or celebrate Sinterklaas. This seems normal in the Netherlands, but not every parent can afford it. One in twelve children grows up in poverty, about two per class. Sam& (Together for all children) is a partnership between the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture, Leergeld Nederland, the National Child Aid Fund, and the Jarige Job Foundation, and is committed to helping these children. You can apply for services for children and young people growing up in poverty at samenvoorallekinderen.nl.

Until October 31st you can support Sam& by playing along with the Friends Lottery Bingo.

This article appears in Flair issue 40 from September 30 to October 6, 2020.

This interview is part of the series of stories in the context of the Friends Lottery Bingo.