WILLEMSTAD - Thanks to an extra contribution of 2.3 million euros from the Postcode Lottery, Unicef Netherlands can help governments and professionals to improve the child protection system in Aruba and Curaçao.
This with the aim of raising children in a safe environment without violence and to give them the opportunity to develop optimally and to improve their talents.
The downside of growing up in an unsafe environment is the development of mental problems, the development of learning disabilities and a reduced social development. “The worst thing is that it continues from generation to generation,” Sasja Bökkerink of Unicef Netherlands told the Dutch TV program Koffietijd this week.
The aid has been requested by the governments of Aruba and Curaçao, because they do not have the knowledge and resources themselves. However, the governments see that the urgency has increased. Due to the pandemic, many families have lost most of their income. This creates stress in a family. Which is a trigger for child abuse.
Unicef Netherlands, together with the professionals in Aruba and Curaçao, will make the subject of abuse a topic for discussion. Parents also receive educational assistance.
All professionals who work with children, such as teachers, police officers and hospital staff, learn what steps to take if they suspect that things are not going well at home.
Finally, a local knowledge center that is sustainable will also be set up. Ultimately, the intention is that UNICEF will no longer be needed.