By Foresee Foundation
For the first time, volunteer organizations across the Dutch Caribbean were invited to participate in the Nationale Vrijwilligersprijzen 2026 – the National Volunteer Awards in the Netherlands.
As a connector between the European Netherlands and the Caribbean, 4C Foundation helped open the door, ensuring that the work being done in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten could be seen, valued and included on a national stage.
This year’s theme asked organizations a simple but powerful question: How does your volunteer organization make a difference, and why is that valuable to society? Participants were invited to answer through a one-minute video capturing the impact of their volunteers and the heart behind their work.
And, to 4C’s delight, the Dutch Caribbean showed up.
From St. Maarten, several organizations stepped forward, each offering a different view of what community care looks like.
Leaders for Change highlighted the importance of supporting vulnerable families and individuals through practical assistance and compassion. VolunteerSX showed the value of connecting people ready to give their time with organizations in need of helping hands. The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation reminded viewers that volunteerism also builds futures by encouraging young people to explore science, technology and innovation.
Home Away From Home Seniors Foundation brought attention to the importance of caring for elders and creating spaces where seniors remain active, connected and remembered. SXM DOET demonstrated the power of collective action, bringing volunteers and organizations together to strengthen community spaces. Perpetual Plastics by EPIC highlighted how recycling and upcycling can happen through creativity and inclusion. Freegan Food showed their amazing food bank that helps to feed the community as well as their coaching program. Project Michael Seebaran showcased diverse volunteer work also representing St. Maarten, adding to the island’s strong presence among the submissions.
The National Volunteer Awards event was created to recognize volunteers and the organizations that make their work possible. Volunteerism often happens quietly, through people who coach, mentor, organize, care, serve and show up without asking for anything in return. Yet, this work is fundamental to strong and connected societies.
As part of the International Year of the Volunteer 2026, the awards shine a light on the ways volunteer initiatives create meaningful social impact. Participating organizations also have the opportunity to receive one national prize of €10,000, five prizes of €3,000 and sixty prizes of €1,000. These awards are organized under the umbrella of VrijwilligerswerkNL, a dedicated body that champions the spirit and vital interests of the volunteer sector throughout the Netherlands.
For 4C, however, this moment is about more than prizes. It is about visibility, recognition and belonging.
Too often, organizations in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom carry out essential work without being seen in national spaces. Opening the National Volunteer Awards to the Dutch Caribbean helps change that. It creates room for our organizations to share their stories, celebrate their volunteers and remind the wider Kingdom that community work in the Caribbean is not small.
It is essential.
