Children's Perspective Academy in Sremska Kamenica
January 14, 2025
At the end of 2024, four enthusiastic Trias foster care professionals, reinforced by coach Hanne Peerenboom, experienced an unforgettable week at SOS Dečije Selo (Children's Village) in Sremska Kamenica, Serbia, as part of Children's Perspective Academy. During this intensive week, they provided Serbian foster care professionals with practical tools, inspiring workshops and moments of deep insights, with personal development at the center. The interactive sessions, full of knowledge sharing, exchange and practical tips, generated a lot of enthusiasm and concrete tools. Especially the focus on personal leadership made a lasting impression on the participants, who went home with fresh ideas and renewed energy.
Impressions of a participant
Erna Tempelman of Trias jeugdhulp expressed it as follows: "It was great to meet Serbian colleagues and also to notice a great enthusiasm in them regarding their work. It was great that they were so eager to learn and to get started enthusiastically in the workshops offered. It was very valuable to exchange knowledge and experiences together! (Could we in the Netherlands also do more often with other foster care organizations, for example!).A lot stays with me, but what I think of first now is that a foster care supervisor in Serbia always makes a 40-hour work week (one cannot work part-time) and the caseload consists of 50 children or 28 families!"
A decade of impact: 10 years of KP Academy
The training week was given an extra festive dimension by the 10th anniversary of KP Academy. This milestone moment was celebrated with more than 20 representatives of Serbian organizations that have been closely involved in the cooperation in recent years. Together with Željka Burgund, president of Fice Serbia, they looked back on a decade of successful cooperation. The anniversary was marked by warm memories, gratitude and shared pride in the results achieved.
"In 2016, Children's Perspective Academy entered my professional life and to this day has remained an important part of it. The impact this program has had on me, my colleagues and our organization is invaluable. We have learned from each other, shared with each other, overcome obstacles and - made friendships that remain. It has been an honor to be a part of this journey and I look forward to the many valuable Academy years to come."
- Jasna Vujičić, director Safe House Pančevo, 2016
Reflecting and looking ahead
During the anniversary, reflection and forward-looking thinking took center stage. In candid conversations, experiences, lessons and challenges were discussed. These moments highlighted not only the professional impact of the program, but also the personal growth it brought about for all involved.
The lasting effect
Children's Perspective looks back with pride on the achievements of KP Academy. The collaboration with Serbian youth and foster organizations has created lasting impact. Whether it is new insights, personal growth or the power of collaboration, the impact is palpable. Children's Perspective looks confidently to the future and is committed with renewed motivation to the international program, which continues to inspire and contribute to positive change in youth and foster care.
