Shelter & basic care
A roof and a home. Your donation literally helps alleviate hunger and restore health.
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Foundation for Children in Great Need
An Indian Bridge between the Past and Future of Vulnerable Children in Indonesia
The Kids in Dire Straits Foundation is committed to helping Indonesian children in need. We do this through the Children of the Colony: the identity of Indo and Indo-Dutch people, born from over 340 years of history between the Netherlands and Indonesia, connected by the symbolic Peranakan bridge.
Through the foundation, they work to provide care, opportunities, and future prospects for vulnerable children, while respecting their heritage and our shared social responsibility.
The history of Indo-Dutch people, or Indo-Dutch children, is unknown to many. During the colonial era, many of these children were not recognized, grew up without a formal identity, and often lived invisible in society. They were among the most vulnerable groups and had little prospect of a future.
For years, this past was rarely discussed. Many stories remained limited to families, causing large parts of this history to disappear from view in both the Netherlands and Indonesia.
The Kids in Dire Straits Foundation aims to bring this forgotten chapter back to light. Not only to do justice to the past, but also because this history teaches us something important about the present.
Even today, many children in Indonesia grow up in extremely vulnerable circumstances, lacking safety, opportunities, or recognition. Just like the "invisible children" of colonial times, they face vulnerability, exclusion, and a future that is not a given.
By acknowledging this shared history, a bridge of understanding, compassion, and responsibility is created. It reminds us that behind every child—past and present—there is a story that deserves attention, must be heard, and protected.
Together with local communities in Indonesia and partners in the Netherlands, the Kids in Dire Straits Foundation helps give these children a voice, opportunities, and a future. Because real help begins with knowing and acknowledging their story.
Our projects
Mental guidance
With personal attention, group sessions and creative therapies, we ensure that no child is left alone.
Education
Education is the key to independence and a hopeful future
Adoptive families
These are families who take in one or more orphans and provide them with a safe and good home.
“Ardi (9): A boy who regained his color”
He was brought in by some relatives who, due to poverty, couldn't properly care for him and thought the orphanage was a good solution. The relatives wanted to try it, but if it didn't work out, they would take him back. Initially, he ate small amounts, was withdrawn, and quiet. His eyes were dull and tearful, and he looked tired. With daily nutritious meals, sufficient rest, and medical checkups, Ardi slowly began to improve. He quickly connected with the other children and was soon surrounded by friends. Within a few weeks, he gained weight, his skin became radiant, he had fewer stomach aches, was calmer, participated in games and played in the group, and laughed a lot when he played with his friends. After about a month, he ran to his caregiver for the first time, laughing.
His caregiver said:
"He's found his place and home and is happy again."
You can make a difference today
Your donation directly provides basic care, housing, medical assistance, and support for children without a home or identity.
A donation means:
- a bed to sleep in
- a safe place to grow up
- education and future prospects
- a child who officially exists
Together, Dutch, Indonesian, and Chinese-Indonesian communities provide care, hope, and opportunities for children in need. (Netherlands and Indonesia connected).
Help orphans and poor children, orphanages, adoptive families, and schools in need: DONATE!
Together we make the difference
With your help, we can achieve more and achieve our goals.
Join our team!
We're looking for passionate people who want to contribute to our mission, whether as a volunteer, partner, or donor.
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Contact
Amstelveenseweg 643
1081 JD Amsterdam
The Netherlands
+31 20 64 41 094
info@stichtingkids.org
www.stichtingkids.org
Chamber of Commerce number: 97123994
Rabobank: IBAN NL05RABO 0144851229
Registered as an ANBI since April 28, 2025. Donations, gifts, and bequests are tax-deductible.