ORANJESTAD - Fourteen Caribbean organizations are collaborating in the coming years to support families in vulnerable situations and enhance their future prospects. The program, titled "Strengthening Families Together," officially launched this past weekend in Aruba, is funded by the Oranje Fonds, Kinderpostzegels, and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
The initiative aims to promote equal opportunities for children and young people, support parents and caregivers, and address poverty issues. Participating organizations from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Saba have long been committed to the well-being of families on these islands, and this program will provide them with additional resources to increase their impact.
Caitlin Heide, a program advisor at the Oranje Fonds, highlighted the need for this support: "These organizations have shown their dedication over time, but due to limited resources and capacity, extra assistance is essential."
Promoting Equal Opportunities for Youth
One of the participating organizations is the Sea & Learn Foundation on Saba. Through its Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP), the foundation prepares young people for a future in the environmental sector. By offering nature education and practical skills such as snorkeling and diving lessons, YELP strengthens the bond between youth and their island, providing them with opportunities for employment and further education. Other organizations, including JA IK Foundation in Aruba and Kids @ Sea in Sint Maarten, are also committed to creating opportunities for young people.
Supporting Parents and Caregivers
Four organizations are specifically focused on supporting parents and caregivers in vulnerable circumstances. ADRA Aruba and ADRA Curaçao assist teenage mothers in building self-confidence and life skills, thereby improving their employment prospects and helping them achieve economic independence.
Tackling Poverty
Several organizations are dedicated to combating poverty by helping families achieve financial self-sufficiency. Fundacion Plan di Bida in Aruba, for example, offers budget guidance and debt counseling to families, aiming to break the cycle of poverty.
Investment and Capacity Building
Kinderpostzegels and the Oranje Fonds are jointly investing €2.5 million in the program, with an additional one-time contribution of €500,000 from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Besides financial support, the organizations will also receive assistance in knowledge development and networking, which will help them sustain their activities and increase their overall impact.