Petra is leerkracht en intern begeleider bij Openbare Basisschool De Toermalijn in Bavel. Als intern begeleider is Petra ook intermediair voor het Jeugdfonds. Toen ze op enig moment hoorde dat er allerlei mogelijkheden zijn voor gezinnen die het financieel minder breed hebben, is ze op zoek gegaan en ontdekte onder andere het Jeugdfonds Sport en Cultuur. Ouders zouden graag zien dat hun kind mee kan doen aan Sport en Cultuur, maar omstandigheden zorgen er soms voor dat dit (financieel) niet lukt. Door samen met ouders het gesprek hierover aan te gaan en hen te wijzen op het bestaan van het Jeugdfonds, kan ze ouders laten zien dat er zeker mogelijkheden voor hun kind zijn.

“Als intermediair kun je een verschil maken voor gezinnen en dat voelt heel fijn! Intermediairs hebben een hele belangrijke rol in het aangaan van het gesprek. Ouders brengen het vaak zelf niet altijd ter sprake. Ze kennen de regeling niet of de informatie erover bereikt hen niet.” Samen met de ouder en het kind bekijkt Petra wat er allemaal mogelijk is en vullen ze de aanvraag in. Ze zorgt dat de waardebon die bij de goedkeuring zit, voor de aanschaf van de specifieke kleding of materialen, bij de ouders terecht komt.

Als intermediair kun je een verschil maken voor gezinnen en dat voelt heel fijn!

De afhandeling van de aanvraag gaat erg vlot, dus kinderen hoeven vaak niet lang te wachten om te beginnen!
Ze vindt het superleuk als ze hoort dat een kind is begonnen met een sport of muziekles. Als voorbeeld noemt ze de zorgen die ze hadden over een gezin met 2 kinderen. Voor de oudste hebben we kunnen regelen dat hij kon gaan starten op de scouting en de jongste is begonnen met dansles. Mooi om te zien dat deze kinderen er iedere week met veel plezier naartoe gaan! Het geluk en plezier van de kinderen om lekker mee te kunnen doen, dat is de grootste motivatie voor Petra.

Het is zo’n mooie regeling. Kinderen kunnen kiezen wat ze leuk vinden: van hockey tot paardrijden, en van voetbal tot muziekles of scouting. Wauw!

Tip voor andere intermediairs

Durf het gesprek aan te gaan. Ik heb nog nooit een ouder gehad die negatief reageerde toen ik over het fonds begon. Overigens is het ook zaak om zorgvuldig om te gaan met de regeling. Als bijvoorbeeld een judopak van vorig jaar nog past, vraag ik geen nieuwe aan. Dat hoort er ook bij.

Tip voor ouders

Voel je meer dan welkom om bij mij binnen te lopen of contact met mij op te nemen! We kijken dan samen wat er mogelijk is.

Weetjes over Petra

How old are you? 49 jaar.
What is your favorite sport? Hardlopen en wandelen.
What's your favorite song? Geen specifieke favoriet, luister graag naar Q-music.
What are you most proud of? Als je ziet en voelt dat je samen met ouders echt iets voor de kinderen kunt betekenen.
What would you do if you won a million in the lottery? Blijven werken met kinderen.
What do you want for children in Breda? Dat alle kinderen na schooltijd kunnen deelnemen aan een sport of activiteit die hun interesse heeft.

Become an intermediary

De nieuwsbrief voor intermediairs is uit. Ben jij al aangemeld voor onze webinar as. donderdag 30 mei? We delen de spelregels en een toolkit met je en een mooi interview over de samenwerking van intermediairs van Jeugdfonds en Leergeld. Bekijk ‘m hier:

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To meet one of our top intermediaries, Hanife Sak, we visited KC De Leertuin primary school in Schinkelhaven. A beautifully renovated school, surrounded by a spacious garden and All kinds of play equipment. Inside, the school exudes an open, warm atmosphere thanks to the extensive use of wood. As director, Hanife helped design the new building: "The look and feel had to match the educational philosophy." Here too, the posters of the Youth Fund Sport & Culture Amsterdam are clearly visible.

Getting to know the fund

Hanife explains that in 2017, she had a student who really wanted to play soccer but couldn't because the family couldn't afford it: "I figured there must be a way to find funding for something like that. That's how I found the then-Youth Sports Fund." She submitted an application with a lengthy explanation of why this particular child should be considered. She was immediately approved; she was very proud and convinced it was because of her inspiring story. Now she knows better, Hanife says, laughing: "The fund is simply there for every child from families who can't afford it. It became a challenge for me: to register as many children as possible with the fund."

Hanife's successful method of applying to the Youth Fund

As director, Hanife believes it's important to get to know all parents and children personally. She conducts the intake with each new child and their parent(s). Hanife explains: "During the intake interview, I tell them about the Youth Fund and how important it is for children to participate in sports or cultural activities." She notices that parents are often very grateful that their child can participate: "Most parents can't apply themselves through the parental route because they don't understand the language, aren't digitally literate, or are afraid to fill out a form." Together with fellow intermediary Linda, Hanife handles all the applications. Currently, eighty children from this school participate in sports, swimming, dancing, or playing a musical instrument through the fund.

A choir and a violin orchestra

There are now 130 students, 85 to 90 of whom have Dutch as a second language in the % program. Hanife: "It's incredible how quickly the children in the newcomers' class are picking up the language, thanks in part to Mr. William and Ms. Naima.". She also talks about Master Fa: a "fantastic" colleague who always dedicated himself immensely to helping newcomers. "Master Fa always wanted to start a choir at the school. He passed away in a terrible accident. In his memory, the choir doremiFA was founded, and many children at the school are now enthusiastic members," says Hanife.

Besides a choir, there's now also a violin orchestra. "There was one child who really wanted violin lessons. I asked the Rondom De Klas Foundation if they had a violin teacher available. It's now grown to 25 students who play violin at various levels at school and together form the violin orchestra." Hanife adds that drum lessons are also given to fifteen students at the school.

Education is more than just lessons in the classroom

Hanife explains that she wants to bring the outside world in. There's so much happening at De Binnentuin, and that's certainly not something to be taken for granted. For example, Combiwel organizes a daily activity for each group as part of Broad Talent Development. Twice a week, everyone receives a hot lunch from Foodylunch, paid for by the Youth Education Fund. There's also swimming lessons for the fifth-grade students and for all newcomers. Finally, there's a partnership with the Buddy Project, where twenty volunteers dedicate themselves to the students in various ways. For example, Jan has been a buddy for a Brazilian family with two daughters for four years, helping them with reading and other school subjects. Two weeks a year, this family gets to spend their vacation at Jan's brother's house on the Vinkeveense Plassen lakes. "And there are many more wonderful stories about the relationships that have developed from all these diverse collaborations," Hanife says proudly.

Children can't help it if their parents don't have money

Equal opportunities is the motto here at school

Hanife started as an intern at KC De Leertuin, then progressed to teacher and care coordinator, and now, after completing additional studies, she is the principal. Together with her team, she ensures a safe environment and as many opportunities as possible for all children, because children are helpless when their parents don't have money. Hanife says: "I want to work where I can make a difference, together with the teachers. Our team is fantastic, wonderful, flexible colleagues. They are passionate about our students. They're even willing to work on their days off, which means we've never had to send a class home."

Finally, the children

At the end of the interview, we met a cheerful, enthusiastic group of children, almost all of whom play sports, sing, dance, or make music through the Youth Fund. Frederic plays soccer and is on the school's children's council. Vittoria plays volleyball, and Ferdos plays soccer. Esther is also a member of the children's council and plays violin and ballet. Yasmin from the fourth grade also plays violin.

Ester, Bruna, Giovanna, Vittoria, Kalani, Ferdos, Frédéric, Yasmin together with Carla (Youth Fund)

Meet Vincent Kroeze, a dynamic exercise coach dedicated to helping the residents of Schiedam. Vincent was inspired to become an exercise coach while studying Sports and Exercise at Albeda Sports College in Rotterdam. This foundation launched his journey as an exercise coach with Team Sportservice Schiedam. And that's not all – Vincent is also a dedicated intermediary with the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture South Holland. As an intermediary, he gives children from less-affluent families the opportunity to participate in sports and cultural activities. His dedication and commitment get Schiedam residents moving, giving everyone the chance to participate!

Personal contact is incredibly important to Vincent. "I try to tailor the sports program to the residents' wishes and needs. I find a suitable sport and offer tips. People can then take trial lessons or find a sports buddy so they can exercise together, support each other, and strengthen their connection."

Giving children opportunities

Vincent is an intermediary with the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture. He plays a crucial role in enabling children from low-income families to participate. Vincent applies for a grant, and the Youth Fund then pays the club! Vincent: "I maintain close contact with the Youth Fund. We discuss the applications, and I provide additional information if necessary." A key part of my work is collaborating with sports clubs, cultural centers, and social organizations in the area. I also stay in touch with families in Schiedam for whom I've submitted an application.

Participation is important

In his daily work, Vincent sees the importance of participating in sports and cultural activities. For children, it's a form of relaxation, but it's also important for their development. "Children learn about themselves, connect with other children, and acquire norms and values. That's why it's crucial that they participate in sports and cultural activities from a young age," Vincent emphasizes. "Every child is different and learns about themselves by having the opportunity to participate."

The impact of the Youth Fund

Vincent has already gained many valuable experiences in his role as an intermediary. He tells us about a family whose Dutch language skills were limited. "I spoke with the kindergarten teacher, pediatric physiotherapist, and the mother. The goal was to ensure that the child, who was in the second grade of primary school, could participate in swimming lessons. Swimming skills are important for children in Schiedam, not only for their physical health and safety, but also as a valuable life skill. The child ultimately earned a swimming diploma with the help of the Youth Fund. This way, I can really make a difference for families in Schiedam!"

Become an intermediary

Become a powerful link in children's lives and help them participate in sports and cultural activities. As an intermediary, you're an intermediary who understands a family's situation. Are you a teacher, community sports coach, or professional caregiver? Or are you professionally involved with families in some other way and want to make a positive difference in children's lives?

>> Then register as an intermediary

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Shoshanna Vos is the Child & Sports Relationship Manager at the Esther Vergeer Foundation. This foundation enables children with physical disabilities or chronic conditions to discover the power of self-confidence through sports. Shoshanna ensures that children who apply through the foundation or the Sports Clinic find a suitable sport nearby. Shoshanna also acts as an intermediary for the Youth Fund.

Enabling children with physical disabilities to participate in sports requires a tailored approach. It's a challenge Shoshanna embraces with passion time and again. She beams as she talks about her work. "We start by identifying the right sport for each child. We do this by asking what they enjoy and finding out what sports they've played before. We also consider their physical and mental abilities. Then we look for a suitable club nearby. That's often a real challenge. There are many factors to consider. Children often have occupational or physical therapy after school and are often more tired due to their condition. Despite the many things to consider, we primarily focus on what's possible." 

Good match

The children attend regular sports clubs that also offer adapted sports. "It's crucial that children attend a regular sports club. Not just for the sports, but also for the social aspect and the sense of belonging. Children with disabilities often feel different and are often confronted with what's not possible. We do our utmost to show them what is possible. It's great to have a place where they can just participate. It's so important that children enjoy themselves with peers and like-minded people and feel safe there. Sometimes they don't feel completely at home at a regular club because they can't do everything the other children can. That's why we prefer to look for clubs where more children with disabilities participate in sports. We also thoroughly discuss with the club's coach whether the child is the right fit. It can be quite a challenge, but we do everything we can to find that match. And it doesn't stop there." When children are playing sports, we also keep a close eye on whether they are still enjoying themselves or whether they are perhaps ready for something else.” 

Via dThe Esther Vergeer Foundation Sports Clinics connect families with Shoshanna. These clinics are located in the eight academic children's hospitals.The consultation at the Sports Clinic is an additional appointment to the consultations with the treating physicians and healthcare professionals. "We discuss with the parents and children what we can do for them, naturally in consultation with the doctor. Sometimes the time isn't right because the children have already had a long day of tests or received a concerning result. In that case, we schedule another appointment. This can even be done via video call."  

Big smile

Often, the first introduction to the sport begins during a trial lesson at the club. “We offer to go along to the first sports lesson. This is often quite an exciting moment for both parents and the child. But once children get going, you often see a big smile on both of their faces. That's so wonderful, that's what I do it for. The children feel like they belong; they're not the only ones who are different. The joy, the fun. A whole new world opens up for the parents too. 'We didn't know this was possible,' I often hear. Children who play sports also become more self-reliant. They dare to do more, and their physical condition often improves as well. A few weeks ago, I was at the Radboud University Sports Clinic. A little boy I had helped came running in, very proud, in his judo suit. Isn't that fantastic?” 

Even families with little money

All children should be able to participate. That's what the Esther Vergeer Foundation believes, and we believe that too at the Youth Fund. The foundation's support program is free. However, parents do have to pay for the sports themselves. "If parents can't afford it, I apply to the Youth Fund," says Shoshanna. "Sometimes the parents volunteer their concerns, sometimes I ask. And then I offer to apply to the Youth Fund. We've noticed that swimming lessons are a problem. There are long waiting lists, and children with disabilities usually can't fit into a regular class. That requires extra time and attention. Many children don't have a swimming certificate, which is unfortunate and concerning. In those cases, I offer to find a different sport, even though they're still on the waiting list. So we can really do a lot!"  

More info on esthervergeerfoundation.nl.  

Hatice is a school social worker at a school in Rotterdam-West. She's the point of contact for families who need a little extra support. And there are quite a few of them at the school. Hatice makes it possible for children to play sports, dance, or take music lessons, even if there's no money at home.. 

When I speak to her, Hatice has only just graduated. "I've only just started working here; this is my first official job," she says enthusiastically.I'm thrilled to be able to help parents by submitting an application to the Youth Fund for them. I work at a multicultural school with a mix of challenges. Many families have financial worries, which can lead to all sorts of problems. Children come to me with behavioral issues and performance anxiety, for example. Or they're struggling with a new home situation due to a divorce, which means they see one parent much less. I also support parents with issues related to parenting and growing up.  

I knew right away that I wanted this

Hatice did an internship in school social work during her studies, which motivated her to make it her career. “I knew right away that this was what I wanted. Also because I've always enjoyed being at school and learning. I love being able to offer children a safe school environment, especially when things are difficult at home. Then it's nice that school is a kind of second home. I see that I can make a difference in children's lives. That gives me a lot of satisfaction. My thesis was about how school social workers can promote the emotional well-being of refugee children in transition classes. This school also has a transition class with refugee children. That's a group that needs a different kind of attention. There are language barriers that make it difficult. I want children to feel comfortable at school. I want it to be a safe environment.”  

Life lessons

I've already received several requests, and I see the impact it has on children when they can participate in sports or dance. Sports and culture are tools that make life more enjoyable. You can unwind, forget about anything for a while. You can forget your worries for a while. It's about having fun, doing something together with other children. It's also something children talk about. Like winning a football match at the weekend. For me, it's also a good way to easily connect with a child and build trust. I get to know them and understand what they enjoy. That way, I know better how to help them. When you ask people who were important in their childhood, they often mention their teacher or sports coach. They're key figures who not only teach you how to play football, math, or piano, but also impart life lessons that will benefit you later in life. 

Help children and young people too

“Kennismaking met muziek is voor de ontwikkeling van kinderen van groot belang”, vertelt Annemieke Kling. Annemieke is docent beeldende vorming en cultuurcoördinator op de Burgemeester de Vlugtschool én intermediair voor het Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Amsterdam. Annemieke: “Vroeger op mijn eigen lagere school hadden we een meester die zei: ‘Als je een mondharmonica vraagt voor je verjaardag dan mag je gratis bij mij extra muzieklessen volgen’. We vonden dat als kind fantastisch. De halve school speelde mondharmonica en zo leerden we echt zelf muziek te maken”. Deze ervaring van vroeger neemt Annemieke nu mee in haar dagelijks werk op de Burgemeester de Vlugtschool.

Slotermeer

In deze buurt zijn er met name sociale huurwoningen, die vaak slecht onderhouden en vochtig zijn, vertelt Annemieke. “Zo gauw je het beter hebt trekken de mensen hier weg. Het zijn vooral ouders en kinderen die net aankomen in de Nederlandse samenleving. Alle kinderen op de school komen ergens anders vandaan, maar gek genoeg zorgt dat ook weer voor een zekere homogeniteit. Vaak gaat het om moeders die gevlucht zijn met hun kinderen en die er alleen voor staan. Halen en brengen naar activiteiten is voor hen soms niet mogelijk omdat er geen opvang thuis is voor de andere kinderen”.

Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Amsterdam

Sinds vier jaar is Annemieke intermediair en ziet ze een forse stijging van kinderen die aan sport of culturele activiteiten buiten school doen. “Het lastigste als intermediair vind ik het vragen naar de financiële situatie van de ouders”. Op de vraag hoe pak je dat dan aan zegt ze: “Met de dood of de gladiolen, het is erop of eronder, alles of niets. Maar ik werk hier nu 25 jaar, ik ben een soort oma, ze kennen me en dat geeft vertrouwen. Hier zijn we zo blij met het fonds dat zoveel mogelijk maakt voor onze leerlingen, veel mensen hier hebben bijna geen geld”.

Culturele kweekvijver

Het bijzondere aan deze school is dat er niet alleen aandacht is voor taal en rekenen maar juist ook voor andere zaken zoals sport, muziek en beeldende vorming. Aandacht voor de talenten, waar ben je goed in en waarmee kunnen we je verder helpen? Dat sprak Annemieke enorm aan. “We hebben ook een culturele commissie waar veel gelachen wordt en waar de meest prachtige dingen ontstaan: Voorstellingen, toneelstukken, een gedichtenfabriek enzovoorts. Er is ook een poppenspeelster die maakt met de kleutergroepen een pop en de kinderen spelen dan een voorstelling voor alle ouders. Fantastisch om mee te maken, ieder jaar weer.”

Naschoolse activiteiten

Op school worden allerlei naschoolse activiteiten aangeboden, waaronder muziek- en danslessen van aanbieders waar kinderen ook buiten school lid van kunnen worden via het Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Amsterdam. Annemieke: “Eerst gaan de kleinste kinderen op les en daarna de grotere kinderen. Maar tegen de tijd dat hun les begint is het met name in de winter al donker en mogen ze van de ouders niet meer alleen naar buiten. Veiligheid van de kinderen staat op 1 en dat is meestal de reden waarom kinderen wel of niet aan een activiteit kunnen deelnemen. Begrijpelijk, zegt Annemieke, maar zo jammer, “want alle kinderen moeten mee kunnen doen toch?” aldus Annemieke.

Eveline Ypma is een echte duizendpoot: ze is muziekaanbieder, cultuurcoach, artiest, producer, geluidskunstenaar, vakdocent op school en intermediair. “Als kind woonde ik in Osdorp en had het geluk dat ik van mijn ouders een muziekinstrument kreeg en lessen mocht volgen, ik was de enige in mijn klas”. Na haar afstuderen in basgitaar aan het conservatorium wilde ze wonen en werken in Geuzenveld-Slotermeer. Eveline: “Ik ken de wijk goed en wilde hier iets betekenen door via muziek verbinding te maken tussen de verschillende culturen. Ik probeer dat te doen in mijn werk als cultuurcoach, gitaar- en muziekdocent en als intermediair van het Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Amsterdam”.

Communiceren via muziek

De verbindende kracht van muziek merkt Eveline vooral als ze optreedt met de Saz, een snaarinstrument uit het zwarte zeegebied. “Ik vind het een prachtig instrument en heb het leren bespelen. Als ik met de Saz optreed in buurthuizen hier in Nieuw-West is er bij de eerste klanken meteen contact met het publiek”.

Unieke samenwerking

Van haar droom om een eigen muziekschool te starten, maakte Eveline vier jaar geleden werkelijkheid. “Ik benaderde basisscholen in Geuzenveld-Slotermeer met de vraag of er belangstelling was voor instrumentlessen en zo kwam ik in contact met Annemieke Kling, cultuurcoördinator van de Burgemeester van de Vlughtschool”, vertelt Eveline. “De gitaar- en keyboardlessen worden op school gegeven. De leerlingen hoeven dus niet te reizen voor de les en kunnen muziekles volgen in een vertrouwde omgeving”.

Kinderen bereiken

Naast de lessen op de eigen muziekschool, is Eveline muziekdocent op de Goeman Borgesiusschool in Geuzenveld: “Ik vind het heerlijk om te zien hoe kinderen gegrepen kunnen worden door muziek. Sommigen willen daarna dan ook op les om een instrument te leren spelen maar dat zijn er helaas nog weinig”. Ze hoopt als cultuurcoach daarin meer te kunnen betekenen voor de wijk.

“Muzieklessen op alle scholen, in een veilige omgeving en veel cultuuraanbieders in de wijk dat is mijn grote wens”

Vanuit Aslan Muziekcentrum is Eveline cultuurcoach en werkt ze samen met de cultuurcoördinator. Eveline legt uit dat er in deze buurt steeds meer en meer culturele initiatieven zijn door scholen, de bibliotheek, buurthuizen, muziek en theatercentra, maar dat de schakel af en toe mist: “Er wordt veel georganiseerd maar soms weten we het niet van elkaar. Daar zou ik graag de verbinding in willen zijn”.

           “Kinderen op laten bloeien dat is waarom ik het doe, dat geeft mij energie.”

More and more families are facing poverty, even those who previously could easily make ends meet. This is due to inflation, which is driving up grocery prices, and rising energy and gasoline prices.

This is also reflected in the 2023 annual report. Last year, 385 more applications were submitted than the year before. A record! We are pleased that so many children found their way to soccer, dance, judo, and music lessons, among other things. Would you like to know more about the number of applications per municipality, the most common activities, how many providers we collaborate with, or how many intermediaries submitted an application in 2023?

Click here to download the 2023 fact sheet