Plan Nederland and AkzoNobel are proud of their partnership and achievements so far. Working together has been a worthwhile experience for both sides, with the exchange of knowledge and ideas proving as valuable as the funds raised.
Mutual respect and recognition of ambition, innovation, integrity, creativity and expertise has allowed everyone involved to touch the lives of underprivileged children in a meaningful way.
During the past 15 years, the two organizations have supported an incredible variety of projects. Some have involved constructing an entire school or providing furniture and supplies, while others have meant training teachers in child-friendly educational methods.
There’s been a lot of work to improve facilities such as dormitories, toilet blocks, kitchens and recreation areas, and issues such as bullying, harassment and corporal punishment have all been addressed.
Plan Nederland estimates that several thousand children aged from three to 16 have directly benefited from quality pre-school and primary education provided by the Education Fund. The number of indirect beneficiaries is too high to count.
Around €2 million has been spent on helping disadvantaged girls and boys realize their full potential.
These examples list just a few ways in which Plan Nederland and AkzoNobel are investing in the future of children from remote and poor areas.
Brazil , Sao Sebastiao, 2007 - 2009
A day care centre was refurbished and equipped to allow children and the local community to access education and basic health services. Collective management responsibility has been taken by local residents, with special training, and the centre is helping lower children’s vulnerability to disease as well as stimulate their physical and mental development.
Ecuador, Cotopaxi, 2006 - 2008
A three-year project is under way to improve teaching and child participation, underpinned by
AkzoNobel’s involvement. Nutrition and healthy living issues are being addressed, and children’s clubs have been established. Parent education means they are more involved in their children’s development. Youngsters are encouraged to include local Andean products in their diets, and bilingual education models have been officially adopted.
Indonesia, Dompu, Soe and Lembata, 2004 – 2007
Ten primary schools have been successfully rebuilt, furnished and equipped with drinking water and sanitation. Teachers and students are aware of how they can keep their schools clean, improve personal hygiene, prevent illness and respect the environment. Training around the government’s education curriculum, teaching methods and school management has also improved their systems and school affairs are managed in a more democratic and transparent way
China Chunhua and Pucheng, 2002 - 2003
Two model schools are being used to introduce a School Development Plan, drawn up annually to help principals and teachers identify areas that need improvement. Local communities are involved in the process, facilitated by school principals. There’s also been training in teaching methods, how to involve parents, school management and how to prepare for Education Bureau inspections. The two model schools are active examples for others in the area.
India, Udaipur district, 2005 – 2006
Nutritional supplements have been provided for more than 7,600 children attending 177 pre-schools. Medicines, floor mats, utensils and items such as water storage containers were all supplied, and monthly village meetings are held to discuss children’s needs, the importance of care and development, and issues such as immunization. Growth monitoring is carried out regularly and parents make small, regular contributions for the pre-school facilities that are placed in a village development fund. They also attend meetings to discuss their children’s progress.