THE BOTTOM, Saba – Sacred Heart School has become the first school in the Caribbean Netherlands to affiliate with the Jeugdeducatiefonds (Youth Education Fund), a Dutch foundation that supports schools in helping children whose families face financial difficulties.

The affiliation gives Sacred Heart School access to additional resources to assist students who may otherwise face obstacles to participating fully in education and school activities.

Support may include educational materials, practical assistance and opportunities to participate in activities that contribute to children’s development and well-being.

The Jeugdeducatiefonds was established in the Netherlands in 2015. The foundation works with schools to reduce educational disadvantages resulting from financial circumstances at home. Its approach focuses on providing assistance through schools, which are often well-positioned to identify the needs of individual students.

According to Sacred Heart School, the affiliation follows a period of discussions aimed at extending the foundation’s support to Saba. The school considers the partnership an opportunity to address barriers that may affect students’ educational and social development.

With Sacred Heart School joining the network, the Youth Education Fund has extended its activities to the Caribbean Netherlands for the first time.