THE HAGUE – Ten social organizations from the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom have been selected as contenders for the prestigious Appeltje van Oranje award, an annual prize presented by the Oranje Fonds to initiatives that strengthen social cohesion.
The award recognizes organizations that make a meaningful contribution to building a more connected society in the Netherlands and the Caribbean. Each year, three winners are ultimately selected and will receive the distinction from Queen Máxima during a ceremony scheduled for October 8.
This year, the Oranje Fonds received 99 nominations, from which 50 organizations have been shortlisted. Among them are ten initiatives from the Caribbean region, representing Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and Sint Eustatius.
The Caribbean organizations in contention include Stichting Trampolin pa Trabao and Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad from Aruba, Stichting Hestia, Fundashon ManUniko, Excellence Center in Education Foundation (ECE), and Fundashon Sentro di Bario Otrobanda from Curaçao, Mega D Youth Foundation from Sint Eustatius, and Freegan Food Foundation and Leaders for Change from Sint Maarten. Fundacion ADRA Aruba is also among the selected candidates.
Focus on tackling poverty
The theme of this year’s awards centers on breaking the cycle of poverty and debt in a sustainable way. According to the Oranje Fonds, poverty remains a persistent issue in the Caribbean, affecting health, opportunities, and social participation. It is estimated that one in three residents in the region lives in poverty.
The organization emphasizes that existing policies are often complex or insufficient, making community-based initiatives essential. These organizations operate close to the people they serve, offering practical support, building trust, and providing tools that empower individuals to improve their circumstances.
A key selection criterion is the ability of organizations to help prevent or reduce poverty by strengthening knowledge, skills, and self-reliance within communities.
Voting and selection process
The selection process includes a public voting phase, which will take place from May 18 to May 27. During this period, members of the public can cast one vote via the official website to support their preferred organization. The initiative with the most votes will automatically secure a nomination.
The remaining nominees will be chosen following a pitch day in June, where selected organizations will present their work to a jury. The jury will ultimately decide which ten organizations move forward as official nominees.
Final recognition in October
The Appeltje van Oranje is awarded annually to three organizations that have been active for at least two years and are considered indispensable in their communities. In addition to national recognition, each winner receives a bronze sculpture designed by Princess Beatrix and a cash prize of €25,000.
For the Caribbean organizations, the nomination represents not only recognition of their work but also an opportunity to highlight the importance of grassroots efforts in addressing social challenges across the region.