Inaugural reading Mariëtte Lusse: Opportunities for children growing up in poverty

Growing up in poverty can have serious consequences for children's well-being and development, and thus for their future prospects. However, there is a lack of expertise among professionals in dealing with poverty. The mission of the professorship is to strengthen the capacity of (future) professionals to deal with issues related to growing up in poverty, both at the individual and the systemic level. The aim is to contribute to improving opportunities for children growing up in poverty.

National Fund for Children’s Aid

Frans Spierings, director of the Research Centre Urban Talent, welcomed the participants and explained the origins of the professorship Child Poverty. A few years ago, the National Fund for Children’s Aid and the municipality of Rotterdam took the initiative for the Child Poverty research programme, in which Mariëtte Lusse works together with Nicole Lucassen (endowed professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam). Frans Spierings, “I am proud that we have put the focus on poverty on the map and that we can continue the research.”

From the National Fund for Children's Aid, Deputy Director Marijke van Doorn will be present. She will explain how the fund helps children and young people between the ages of 0 and 21 who are growing up in poverty through practical help, actions and cooperation with civil society organisations. Her most concrete advice is clear, “Have an eye for the child in poverty, see and acknowledge them, help them.”

Connecting with education and the city

Ostara de Jager-Bes spoke after a round of workshops offering four workshops on various studies that have been and are still being carried out by the professorship. She is the director of the School of Social Work and explained how the professorship contributes to the Social Work study programme. "Poverty is a very important issue for the Social Work study programme and for the city of Rotterdam. Our research agenda is therefore linked to the professorship Child Poverty. We want to give the professionals we train a perspective for action."

The last speaker before the inaugural reading was the new alderman for Poverty Alleviation, Debt Relief, Language and Benefits, Abigail Norville. "If you not very well familiar with poverty, you are likely to make the wrong assumptions. Poverty can happen to anyone, it has always been here and it will always be here. We can make a difference by reaching out to those who need our help. One in seven children grows up in poverty.

Two research themes

During her inaugural lecture, Mariëtte Lusse presented the first results of the two research lines of her professorship. The first research theme focuses on the role of youth professionals in the early identification of poverty and in improving children's future opportunities. The role of these professionals is becoming increasingly clear. However, it is important to ensure a more structural focus on poverty. The second theme focuses on the role of service providers in a holistic approach to family poverty. Here we see that - especially in acute situations - a lot of time is spent on bureaucratic regulations. This time could instead be spent on strengthening the family and caring for children. Collaboration between all the volunteers and professionals involved in families in the neighbourhoods also deserves more attention. 

Joint responsibility

During the lesson, Lusse used videos to let others speak: parents, professionals, a student and a teacher. They showed what they think is important and highlight some great practical examples, such as Family Together and Team Future. Lusse concludes the lesson with the message that by sharing responsibility for children growing up in poverty, we contribute to their opportunities. The investment in children is an investment in society as a whole.

Promise to the city

Hanneke Reuling, member of the Executive Board at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, traditionally ends an inaugural reading. This time, however, not with an official inauguration. Mariëtte Lusse is already a professor at RUAS on the theme of working with parents. Reuling praised her, “The promise to the city, long-term commitments, reliability and reciprocity are incredibly important in our research. I see this in everything you say. You are a figurehead for teaching and research at RUAS.”

Donation

Because it is Child Poverty Day, it is not Mariëtte Lusse who will receive a cheque and a donation to the fund, but the National Fund for Children's Aid. Reuling also thanked the municipality of Rotterdam. Not only for its role in the initiative for the child poverty research programme, but also for its efforts to prevent students at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences from dropping out prematurely because of money worries.