~Registration Appeltjes van Oranje 2017 has started~
PHILIPSBURG – Children that grow up in a vulnerable situation are the focus of the “Appeltjes van Oranje 2017.” With the theme “Powerful Children” in mind, the Oranje Fonds seeks organizations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands that devote themselves to these children.
“Do you know or are you involved in an initiative that empowers children? By assisting with their development, improving their surroundings or providing support to their parents, then you/they can be eligible for an ‘Orange Apple’ (Appeltjes van Oranje) prize,” a release said.
This prize is organized by Oranje Fonds in the Netherlands, of which the Dutch King and Queen are the official patrons. All that is necessary is to fill out the form or go to: http://www.oranjefonds.nl/appeltjes for more (Dutch) information, and send this to appeltjesvanoranje@oranjefonds.nl
The prize consists of a bronze statue, made by Princess Beatrix, and a cash prize of €15,000. Each year awards are handed out by Queen Máxima at Palace Noordeinde. In lustrum years, King Willem-Alexander himself will hand out the prize.
Registration is possible until September 23. Three organizations will be selected for the award in May 2017.
They are hoping to have more Dutch Caribbean registrations and hopefully winners.
“With so many great initiatives going on in our islands, why not give it a shot! If you need any help with filling out the form please let me know,” said Project Coordinator St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, Saba Fleur Hermanides.
Vulnerable
Children belong to one of the most vulnerable groups in society. The family situation and surroundings have great influences on their development. Fortunately, in the Kingdom there are many initiatives that work with children and their family on their development. They appoint a buddy to children, who have difficulties keeping up, assist children with a language deficiency or connect a family from the neighborhood with a family that could use some support. These kinds of beautiful examples is what Oranje Fonds is looking for.
“Invaluable”
Director of Oranje Fonds Ronald van der Giessen explained: “Every child deserves the same opportunities in life. However, due to factors such as a hard family situation or a language deficiency, children sometimes have a difficult start. The initiatives that help them to prosper in life are invaluable. We are looking for initiatives that are successful in their approach, help these children with their development and make a difference in their lives. We ask all projects that do so to please apply for the Appeltjes van Oranje.”
Appeltjes van Oranje
Appeltjes van Oranje is an annual award of the Oranje Fonds for initiatives that have successfully managed to connect different groups of people, and successfully create a livable society. In doing so they are an example to others.
Oranje Fonds
Oranje Fonds supports social initiatives in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. This past year €31 million has been invested in supporting initiatives that allow for people to meet each other, feel less of a sense of loneliness, understand each other and make an effort for one another. Oranje Fonds is sponsored by, amongst others, the Nationale Postcode Loterij, De Lotto, as well as by friends and businesses.
