First ‘Superpower Day’ organized by KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds and Kinderpostzegels a great success
Joining forces to strengthen children’s resilience and connectedness
On Wednesday 10 July, 150 children took part in the first ever Superpower Day for children who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation. Together with KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, we organized a fantastic afternoon for the participants. The theme was ‘The hunt for your superpower’, giving children a fun way to build their confidence and resilience. In 2025, we want to roll out these Superpower Days even more widely to reach many more children. We also want to improve online connectivity within this target group.
Discovering your own superpower
This first edition of Superpower Day took place at the PEC Zwolle stadium. We invited children from years 7 and 8 at local primary schools who are experiencing temporary or structural problems at school and feel lonely or alone. They had the opportunity to meet other children, play exciting games, meet rapper Qucee and watch singer Alessio perform.
In groups, the children went on a journey through five ‘worlds’ where they could discover their own superpowers. The games were about being yourself, overcoming setbacks, and seizing opportunities. By completing all the challenges, the children unlocked a surprise performance by singer Alessio.
It was a really fun afternoon. I came with a friend and we played games with other kids all afternoon.
Superpower Days to be rolled out more widely
The Superpower Days are part of the new strategic partnership between KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds and Kinderpostzegels. Based on the joint mission ‘connecting together’, over the next three years we will strive to help children who are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation. Sofie Vriends, director of Kinderpostzegels: “We want to make children feel that they are not alone and to help break through their isolation. In 2025, we want to expand the Superpower Days to reach even more children. In the future, we also want to improve online connectivity within this target group, so that children and young people can discover their own superpowers and learn how to use them in this way.”
It’s important for children to develop resilience. When I was young, I thought I was the only kid who had mental health issues, but many others suffer too, and that's why I think it's important to get involved in this initiative.
More impact together
Mark Versteegen, director of the KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds, is also enthusiastic about the cooperation with Kinderpostzegels. “Social contact is important to all of us. Online and offline connections aren’t a given for everyone. The KPN Mooiste Contact Fonds has been bringing people together, including children and young people, for nearly 15 years. To do this, we leverage all possible communication channels and tools, not to mention the enthusiasm of the many thousands of KPN colleagues who volunteer their time. During the recent Superpower Day, our volunteers also made an important contribution to building resilience in children – and they will do the same on Superpower Days to come. We’re very proud of that.”
Loneliness: a growing problem
Loneliness is a growing problem among children and young people. It is often associated with poverty or a difficult domestic situation.
- 230,000 children grow up in poverty in the Netherlands.
- 1 in 4 children has a parent with an addiction or mental health problem.
- 1 in 8 children receives assistance from youth welfare services.
Many of these children are completely on their own. They have problems at school, their world gets smaller and smaller, and they end up isolated. Their lives lack a good foundation for developing resilience.