During the Voorjaarsvakantie (winter/spring school break), the project Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst (My Future – Your Future) organized special educational activities for children in New-West Amsterdam, reinforcing its commitment to inclusion, learning, and equal opportunities.
Held on February 24 and 26 at a local school in the district, the initiative focused on supporting children who are falling behind at school and strengthening their academic self-confidence. Through extra lessons in Dutch grammar, writing, reading, and mathematics, the program offered structured learning moments in a safe and encouraging environment.
Learning across ages and cultures
Most of the participating children came from Brazilian, Colombian, and Ghanaian backgrounds, reflecting the cultural diversity of New-West Amsterdam. Activities were organized in vertical groups, bringing together children of different ages. This approach encouraged peer learning, collaboration, and mutual support.
In addition to academic reinforcement, the program included exercises to improve concentration and language development. According to project coordinator Marisela Garcia, the atmosphere was positive and dynamic:
“Children were happy, seeing and hearing each other. They love working with older children.”
The interaction between younger and older participants not only strengthened academic skills but also nurtured a sense of belonging and motivation.
A broader social context
In Amsterdam, undocumented families often live in a situation of uncertainty. Without a regular residence status, many parents face limited access to stable employment, housing insecurity, and financial hardship. Although children have the right to attend school, the stress and instability surrounding their daily lives can negatively affect their educational performance and emotional well-being.
Projects like Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst seek to address this gap. The initiative is dedicated to highlighting the often unseen and underestimated reality of undocumented children and their families in New-West Amsterdam. It supports these families as they strive to provide their children with a brighter future, despite the many obstacles they face.
Through initiatives like these, the message is clear: every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their background or legal status.
If you want to better understand why projects like Mijn Toekomst – Jouw Toekomst are so essential, we invite you to dive deeper by reading our previous article, Amsterdam’s Multicultural Schools Carry the Hopes of Undocumented Children.