(Oranjestad)—Ten social organizations from the Caribbean islands, including three from Aruba, are eligible for an Appeltje van Oranje. The Oranje Fonds awards this prize every year to three organizations that contribute in a special way to a more connected society in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. A ten-day voting period and a presentation day (pitch day) will determine which ten organizations become nominees. Three of them will receive an Appeltje van Oranje on October 8 from Queen Máxima. The Oranje Fonds received 99 nominations this year. A complete list of all 50 candidates can be found at www.appeltjevanoranje.nl
The 3 Aruban candidates are:
- Stichting Trampolin pa Trabao – Aruba
- Fundacion Pa Nos Comunidad – Aruba
- Fundacon ADRA Aruba
Breaking poverty together
An essential link in the fight against poverty
Poverty remains a persistent problem in the Caribbean. Its impact is significant and affects health, opportunities, and the ability to participate in society. One in three residents in the Caribbean lives in poverty. Existing policies to combat poverty are often complicated or insufficient, which causes people not to receive the support they need. That is why social initiatives are indispensable in reducing and preventing poverty. They are close to the people, have their trust, and provide the help people truly need.
For this edition of the Appeltjes van Oranje, the Oranje Fonds is looking for organizations that help break the cycle of poverty and debt in a sustainable way. In other words, organizations that empower people with knowledge and skills. An important selection criterion is that the organizations aim to prevent or reduce poverty.
Voting period and presentation day
The voting period will take place from May 18 to May 27. Through the website www.appeltjesvanoranje.nl, everyone can vote once for one of the fifty candidates. The organization with the most votes will become the first nominee. The other nine will be selected after the presentation day in June, where they present themselves to each other and to a jury. The jury has the final say on which organizations will be nominated.
Appeltjes van Oranje
Each year, the Oranje Fonds awards three Appeltjes van Oranje to organizations that work toward a connected society. Initiatives that are indispensable and have been active for at least two years are eligible. The prize is a recognition of their work and dedication. The theme changes every year. The award consists of a bronze statue, designed by Princess Beatrix, and a cash prize of €25,000. Queen Máxima will present the award.
