Objectives of the Dutch programme

• Improve the attention for and quality of psychosocial development of children and youngsters in centres for asylum seekers, through arts projects in the centres;
• Stimulate involvement of artists whom themselves were once refugees and involvement of established art institutes to the project;
• Involvement of the Dutch public. Inspire to be compassionate and promote social cohesion.

In 2007 about 8.000 children and youngsters live in about 45 centers of asylum seekers. Foundation De Vrolijkheid reached 2.400 children and youngsters in 33 centers. These children and youngsters were able to attend workshops on painting, theatre performing, making movies, coaching others and meeting other people. Within the themes ‘Meeting Point’ and ‘This is my place’ and the different sub-themes stories, images and dreams of children and artists were made public through movies, music and exhibitions to the Dutch public.

Foundation De Vrolijkheid evaluated workshops and projects with those involved. The conclusions and recommendations were processed in the planning and design of the new projects. For example, there was a need for new working methods for non-lingual workshops for new children; one for individual workshops, and one for working with the parent-child connection.

War Child financed a part of the programme of Foundation De Vrolijkheid. The Foundation does its own management and evaluating. We receive regular reports and a few times a year De Vrolijkheid and War Child discuss programme progress.


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