“Vriendenboekje”

Normally, "vriendenboekjes" (“Friendbooks” in English) have pretty standard questions like: "What are the colour of your eyes?", "Do you have siblings?" and "I gladly receive these presents:..." This last question however can be pretty shocking for children. What if your parents don't have enough money to give you any presents for your birthday?

Poverty is a huge problem. And for children in primary school this problem is even worse. Why? Because they are innocent and pure, but still have to carry these huge burdens on their shoulders. They are ashamed, sad and withdrawn. They don't like to go to kids parties, because they don't have any money to buy them anything. And it makes them feel the pressure to invite these kids to their own party, which they can't afford. So bottom line: they can't really be a kid anymore.

With this "Vriendenboekje" we wanted to raise awareness of this problem to children (and their parents) who don't live in poverty. To raise awareness of the fact that unfortunately there are children who do. We wanted to do this in a playful and childlike way, hence this book.