General
Vulnerable Children Can Enjoy Childhood Again Through Volunteer Companionship
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The Dutch volunteer initiative Vitalismaatjes pairs vulnerable children with companions to provide attention and activities, aiming to prevent the need for professional youth care. In the case of seven-year-old Vicky, whose family struggles to give her individual focus due to a sibling's needs and parental travel, companion Kyrsten Jongenotter engages in crafts and cooking. The organization, established in 1978 as the Netherlands' oldest buddy project, currently supports 121 active pairs and has assisted nearly 2,500 children since its inception.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's