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Gelderland | 20 January 2022

Wethouder Gea Hofstede (Rheden): ‘Benut alle middelen om kinderen mee te laten doen’

In Rheden, children who want to participate in sports or cultural activities can use the Gelrepas if they don't have enough money at home. It's well-organized, and the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture is also active in the municipality. Alderman for Poverty Policy Gea Hofstede: "We are very happy with the Youth Fund as a safety net. There will always be cases where children don't qualify for a Gelrepas or where the pass isn't sufficient. And yet all children should be able to play football, dance, or paint."

For Gea Hofstede, it's essential that children can participate. "That's why we've chosen a robust childcare package in Rheden, partly funded by additional government funding for child poverty." Children can use the Clothing Pass, support from the Leergeld Foundation, and the Gelrepas. The latter was established in collaboration with several municipalities. "We want as much of the money as possible to actually benefit the children. In that case, it's smart to share the organizational costs with several parties."

Leaving your troubles behind

The situation of families in poverty is a matter of great concern to the alderman. "When you, as a parent, have financial worries, your mind is full, and that has an impact on the situation at home. It's good for children to be able to leave their worries behind for a while and do something fun. Children develop better when they are socially active, they learn better, and they discover new things. Children deserve a good start in life, and that shouldn't depend on their parents' finances!"

Much to be gained in culture

That's why Hofstede is also keen to champion cultural activities. "Culture isn't the first thing people think of; they think they're not entitled to it. Cultural activities are often more expensive, so sometimes the Youth Fund can provide a supplement. That's good, because it creates a wide range of opportunities where everyone can develop their talents." And culture can contribute in other ways, the alderman explains enthusiastically. "Last summer, the RIQQ Cultural Company created a beautiful performance for and by young people about family poverty. It was impressive and was performed at several schools. It's not like applications suddenly flooded in afterward, but it does spark conversation. For example, young people approach the youth coaches with questions about their finances."

Keep naming

And that conversation remains necessary. "We have 2,700 Gelrepas pass holders, but we're still far from reaching everyone who needs it. Many people who don't receive benefits but are on the social minimum income (150%) don't even know they can apply for a Gelrepas for their children. We're investing a lot of time and energy in publicizing the programs, and our partners are helping with that. Intermediaries are crucial in this; they're the ones who can bring it to parents' attention that, in addition to the Gelrepas, there's also the Youth Fund. For example, swimming lessons often require supplementation from the Youth Fund, and every child should be able to get their swimming diploma!"

Really participate

Hofstede and the team responsible for poverty policy are constantly responding to new developments. "We're monitoring changes in schools, sports, and culture. Our partners, such as the Youth Fund, are also participating in the poverty consultations to provide input. It turns out, for example, that secondary school children simply can't do without smartphones; everything happens on them. So, first-year secondary school students can now get a smartphone through the Leergeld Foundation. We're also monitoring developments in sports. Padel, for example, is a new sport that's becoming increasingly popular, so we try to make it as easy as possible for providers to join." Gelrepas to join. The most important thing is that you leave no stone unturned to ensure children participate in social life. That's why I recommend every municipality with its own program to also consult with the Youth Fund. Every child helped is another child we can make a difference for!

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