Oxford Academy and Municipality of The Hague offer 55 children new opportunities after benefits affair

Ronald Mooiman

In recent years, Oxford Academy and the Municipality of The Hague have helped more than 55 children affected by the benefits affair. What started as an attempt to eliminate learning disabilities grew into an initiative that gave families perspective and trust again.

The consequences of the allowance affair were clearly visible in many families in The Hague. Children fell behind in school, lacked structure and saw their study motivation decline. At the same time, parents often felt powerless. Years of uncertainty and complex procedures at various agencies had seriously affected trust in the government.

It was precisely in that context that the collaboration between Oxford Academy and the municipality arose. By combining educational guidance with personal attention to families, children were able to catch up step by step and regain perspective on their school career.

“From the start, we followed developments around the benefits affair and talked to parents,” says Sahin Yildirim, director of external affairs at Oxford Academy. “Many families had lost faith in the government. Through open discussions with parents and strong cooperation with the municipality of The Hague, we were able to make a real difference for 55 children.”

For parents, the support meant more than just homework help for their children. It also offered peace of mind during a period that was marked by stress and uncertainty for many families.

A parent says:
“After years of uncertainty and stress, it felt like no one was hearing us. Thanks to the guidance of Oxford Academy, our child regained structure and trust. That also gave us hope as a family.”

The impact was also noticeable for the students themselves.
“I was far behind in school and thought I would never make it again,” says one of the students. “With the guidance, I've caught up with my grades and I feel at home at school again.”

The results show that cooperation between education and local government can mean more than just school support. For the families involved, it was a first step towards recovery — and a sense that they matter again.

For both Oxford Academy and the Municipality of The Hague, the project is an example of how targeted cooperation can bring concrete change. Where distrust and disadvantage prevailed, space has now been created for trust, development and new opportunities for dozens of children in The Hague.

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