In the heart of Amsterdam’s New-West district, a new initiative has emerged to support one of the city’s most overlooked communities: undocumented children and their families. The Road of Hope Foundation is introducing project Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst (My Future – Your Future), a project designed to provide educational and social support, helping these children access better opportunities for the future.
For many, the reality of living undocumented in the Netherlands is one of uncertainty. Estimates suggest that between 10,000 and 30,000 undocumented individuals reside in Amsterdam, a significant portion of them being children. These families often live in precarious conditions, facing barriers to essential services, education, and healthcare. Studies, including research published by PubMed (2018) and reports from organizations such as Kruispost (2021), show that a concerning 11% of undocumented children do not attend school, 17% have not received vaccinations, and 83% lack access to a general practitioner. The absence of a stable legal status means they live in a state of limbo, navigating a society that does not officially recognize them.
The origins of Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst date back to a school playground, over three years ago. It was there that Marisela Garcia, an HR professional and longtime advocate for migrant inclusion, noticed a troubling disconnect between non-Dutch-speaking parents and teachers. The language barrier prevented many parents from engaging with their children’s education, creating obstacles that compounded the struggles of growing up undocumented. What began as an informal support effort has now evolved into a structured project aligning with Amsterdam’s municipal initiatives and school systems.
“Our goal is to empower these families with the knowledge and tools they need to build a future for their kids in the Netherlands,” Garcia explains. “Without access to basic information, many parents feel lost in a system that is already difficult to navigate.”
In collaboration with local schools, healthcare services, and community, the project organizes thematic workshops featuring expert speakers on child protection, family dynamics, and Dutch educational norms.
Among various activities the project has already undertaken this year, we highlight the event ‘Social and Sexual Education for Parents According to the Wonderlijk Gemaakt Method,’ which took place on February 25th. Every school in the Netherlands must include social and sexual education in their curriculum, adapted to children’s age and understanding. However, for people with different cultural backgrounds, this topic can be complex. Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst worked together with the school to create a safe space where parents could learn and openly ask questions. Key themes included safety for children, respecting boundaries, and learning from each other. The event was attended by 12 mothers of Dutch, Brazilian, Colombian, and Ghanaian backgrounds and was organized by “Brugfunctionaris”* at the school Veerkracht.
More recently, on March 7th, project Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst organized a workshop for parents about Children’s Development. This was the third workshop in collaboration with the school Veerkracht, focusing on children’s mental development, mainly how to introduce mathematical concepts through play and daily routines. Fifteen parents participated, describing the event as ‘educational,’ ‘interesting,’ and ‘clarifying.’
Beyond education, the initiative connects families with basic social services and parenting support, addressing the gaps that the undocumented status often creates.
For Garcia, who has Spaniard nationality and has lived in Amsterdam for more than two decades, the project holds deep personal significance. Having experienced the challenges of migration firsthand, she understands the struggle of adapting to a new society while facing systemic barriers. With a background in healthcare and human resources, she has spent many years advocating for minority groups and inclusive policies.
Despite legal and institutional challenges, the project Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst represents a beacon of hope for families determined to overcome obstacles and provide their children with better opportunities. “Every child deserves a future,” Garcia says, “regardless of their parents’ paperwork”.
For more information about Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst project, contact Marisela Garcia at marisela.garcia@roadofhope.org.
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*In the Dutch context, “Brugfunctionaris” are liaison officers who act as intermediaries between different groups, often in education, social work, or community services.