October 27, 2022

Krenare: 'Every child wants to be heard and seen' 

A single mother of three children, Krenare doesn't know any better. "I'm raising my children alone. It's not easy, but that's life. I learn something new every day, and we all get through this together, and that's what matters. And I use all the help I can get. That includes the Youth Sports & Culture Fund. And I'm incredibly grateful for that support." 

Krenare has always worked. But as a single mother, it's not easy. "With three children, life is expensive. Especially in these times with rising prices, it's hard to make ends meet. A single-parent income doesn't leave much room for extras. Sports clubs and music groups charge dues, and you have to pay to join. That's not affordable on my income. That's why I'm so grateful for the Youth Fund. It allows my children to play sports and sing, which is good for them." 

They come home with stories

She has two daughters and a son. The eldest daughter, eleven, has been playing tennis for years and also had singing lessons and ballet for a while. The middle one, eight, plays soccer and track. And the youngest is only three. "She's playing Batman or Superman... She still runs around the house and can release her energy playing. But luckily the girls can join a club. They meet new people there, make friends. They get away from their surroundings for a while. They come home with stories and experiences. A club is really different from school or home. You learn different things there and you grow in a different way. They're part of a team. They have to work together and are given responsibilities. But I especially notice it with their concentration at school. Since they started playing sports, they can focus better, and so they're really doing better in class. That's very important to me." 

Discovering yourself

The school also put Krenare in touch with the Youth Fund. “I'd already gotten a tip about the fund from the tennis club. It's good that clubs and schools are telling parents about the possibilities. I think a lot of people don't know they can get help. That life can really become a little easier if you involve others. I want children to be able to discover themselves. To be able to try different hobbies. Football, dancing, making music. Or DJing, computer lessons, or tennis. You have to try it to see if you like it. And now my children can join in and gain that experience too.” 

Well-being comes first

For me, there's no shame in asking for help. I just think: the opportunities are there. There's money available. Why wouldn't I take advantage of it? It's for the well-being of my children. Isn't that what you do everything for as a parent? They lack nothing at home, but these are the extras. Raising three children alone is a real challenge. I see it as a challenge. Every month. The most important thing is listening. Every child wants to be heard and seen. I believe in improvement and I'm a positive person. As a mother, I too can do better every day. And I'm always trying to improve my situation. That's the challenge. And with a little help, it will work. Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes.