By Foresee Foundation
Imagine a stage where the unsung heroes of the non-profit world take centre stage, their remarkable stories brought to life through words and images. This is the magic of “Spotlight” – a captivating weekly feature presented by NPOwer, a project of the Foresee Foundation. Today, we proudly celebrate the publication of the 100th edition of this series, as we pause to contemplate the trailblazing path it has carved and the profound impact it has on the non-profit organizations (NPOs) it shines a light on.
Established in mid-2021, this project became a reality through funding from Samenwerkende Fondsen complemented by a half-page full-colour donation from The Daily Herald. NPOwer is profoundly grateful for this support, as it enables us to shine a light on NPOs, to recognize volunteers, and to promote both new and ongoing initiatives to a broad audience.
Each week, this feature spotlights a different NPO, providing exposure to the diverse range of causes and communities served by local organizations. Additionally, these Spotlights offer opportunities to address current issues and highlight pressing needs faced by NPOs and the communities they serve. This section serves as a platform to inform the community about critical topics within the non-profit sector. It is also a chance to learn about the individuals who are driving change on St. Maarten.
“Spotlight” is more than just a showcase; it is a conversation starter. We use this platform to address pressing issues faced by NPOs and the communities they support. It’s a space where we try to shine a light on the urgent needs, challenges, and successes of the non-profit sector.
What further enriches this “Spotlight” collection is its ability to illustrate the connections between these organizations and individuals. Each column adds depth, and together they contribute to the vibrant tapestry of St. Maarten’s multifaceted NPO landscape.
In addition to publication in The Daily Herald, each Spotlight is shared through NPOwer’s social media channels to maximize visibility. By showcasing the diversity of the non-profit community, Spotlight aims to inspire engagement, collaboration, and support.
A crowning moment!
In February 2023, during a visit by members of the royal family to St. Maarten, we reached a pinnacle moment. A collection of our Spotlight editions was compiled into a beautiful hardcover book and presented to the royal family. It was a unique opportunity to offer them a glimpse into the remarkable dedication of St. Maarten’s NPO sector. This book was a volunteer effort, brought to life by the efforts of Rob and Jose Verschueren, Rajesh Chintaman and Kevin “Suppa” Petrona. It marked a high point for our project, which is driven by the goal of promoting and highlighting the NPO sector in the most positive light possible. The organizations and individuals featured in the book now stand as ambassadors, representing the dedication of the NPO sector to our island.
Looking forward to 2024!
NPOwer plans to continue featuring the work and the individuals who make it all possible. To be featured, NPOs must be registered with NPOwer’s database and submit a request to showcase their organization, a special activity that has made a significant impact, or a volunteer who has contributed to the success of an NPO. Our goal is to feature over 50 NPOs in 2024.
Together, we can illuminate the path toward a brighter and more compassionate future for St. Maarten. Thank you for being a part of the “Spotlight” family, where every act of kindness and every gesture of goodwill is celebrated and cherished.
