The foundation of the partnership between Partou and UNICEF lies in a shared mission. While UNICEF focuses globally on children’s rights and programs in vulnerable communities, Partou translates this mission into daily professional practice on the work floor. “It’s great to see how we join forces from different perspectives,” Suzanne Laszlo begins. “At Partou, the expertise lies in direct contact with children and their parents in the Netherlands; in strengthening that first, crucial start.”
The foundation: the first 1,000 days
An important part of the shared mission of Partou and UNICEF is the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. According to Suzanne, this period is decisive for the rest of a person’s life. Everything a child receives during this phase, healthy nutrition, safety, warmth, and attention, forms the foundation for physical and mental development.
“This development cannot be caught up later,” Suzanne emphasizes. “You can learn math later on, but the foundation for resilience and self-confidence is laid now. If we offer children a safe haven in this phase, they carry it with them for the rest of their lives, often without even realizing it and it only brings benefits later on.”
Positive parenting
Suzanne shares examples from her travels for UNICEF, from the Caribbean to refugee camps in Jordan. An important recurring theme, alongside basic needs, is the relationship between parent and child. What we often see, for example, is that children are approached negatively, partly due to the pressure and stress parents experience because of difficult circumstances, and partly due to cultural habits.
“Many parents around the world are struggling. Some work multiple jobs to make ends meet, while others try to raise their children safely in the challenging conditions of a refugee camp,” she explains. “The key is to find moments of connection in the daily routine. Talk to your child in the car, read a book together while cooking. It’s about making real contact.”
In Jordan, she saw how sports and play activities for children were combined with conversations for parents about rewarding and disciplining, which has a huge impact on family harmony.
The role of childcare in the Netherlands
There is also still much to gain in the Netherlands, particularly in communication with parents. Suzanne sees an important role for childcare as a partner to parents, without being moralizing. “Parents learn the most from other parents who are in a similar situation,” she advises. Childcare can facilitate this by providing a platform where experiences can be shared on an equal footing.
She also sees opportunities in sharing expertise. A good example is the expertise needed in caring for Ukrainian children, when UNICEF trained volunteers in setting up child-friendly spaces. “The knowledge of an organization like Partou is invaluable,” Suzanne says.
A child-friendly future
Looking at the future of the Netherlands, Suzanne envisions a system in which every child and every parent has access to high-quality childcare. This not only promotes social skills and language development, but also normalizes differences between children from an early age.
Scientific research shows that every euro invested in a child’s early development ultimately yields ten euros for society through lower healthcare costs and better integration into the labor market.
“Children are the judges, doctors, and teachers of the future,” Suzanne concludes. “As adults, we have a collective responsibility to prepare them so they can face that future with confidence. Whether it’s addressing social media behavior or providing a stable place for refugee children: every step we take now for their well-being determines what our society will look like in twenty years. That is why investing in children is the best investment you can make.”
For a resilient society
Impact is often found in the smallest moments. Each of those moments may seem small, but together they make a world of difference. For children, parents, colleagues, and the society of tomorrow. In our annual report, you’ll read how we work every day to create a warm and safe place for every child.