Welcome Chennery Cardenas! She recently joined our team as a European Studies student and will help us with conducting research. We believe that her enthusiasm, knowledge and willpower will definitely bring her places. In this interview, we get to know Chennery and her opinion on the Dutch education system, educational inequality and why knowledge is essential for personal growth.

LLF: What does your daily life look like? 

Chennery: My everyday routine adheres to a strict timetable. After completing my morning routine, which includes everyday essentials, I typically commute to school. I make a brief detour at home for a bite to eat before heading to work as soon as I finish classes. After work, I do some homework, exercise, and eat. Before bedtime, there is time for some leisure after meals.

LLF: Where did you grow up and how has it impacted your life?

Chennery: I was born in the Netherlands, but I moved to Curacao at the age of six. My close-knit family is mostly located in Curacao. Due to the fact that we do everything together, I have learned the value of family, and my family means the world to me. They have taught me that friends come and go, but family is always there for you, which is why I value family and loyalty so highly.

LLF: What was school like there? Is there a big difference between school systems?

Chennery: The educational system is largely identical, with perhaps a few subject variations, but the schools overlap overall. Material is also provided in Dutch, and the same textbooks are used for subjects such as biology and mathematics as in the Netherlands.

LLF: Is there something which you would like to see changed within the Dutch school system? 

Chennery: I would want to see more equality between public and private schools in the Dutch educational system. The Dutch government funds primary, secondary, vocational and higher education in the Netherlands. Therefore, education is mostly free. However, most private schools still charge tuition and may offer superior education. In comparison to public schools which get funding from the government that is insufficient for them to deliver the finest education possible. Because of this, there is an obvious disparity between the levels of the pupils. This is really disappointing given that education should be equal throughout the country. There will always be a noticeable difference in level across the different sorts of schools, but we can work to minimize this disparity.

I feel the only way the government can do this is by modifying the free education statute. The government should allow parents who can pay for their children's education to do so and provide assistance to those who cannot. As a result of the existing system, neither the instructor nor the pupils are given the chance to grow, which I believe to be really troubling.

If there is one thing that I feel is essential in education, it is money, as previously mentioned, which will promote more educational equality. In addition, the government should allow all school boards to meet and discuss how they want to give education at each level, what resources each school will use, and what standards kids should have met at the conclusion of a specific level, such as the completion of basic education. When pupils go to the next level, there will be less of a disparity in their levels of knowledge.

LLF: At Little Leaders Foundation, education is a key issue. Would you say that education helped you grow into the person you are today? 

Chennery: I definitely think so. I have always been attentive to my studies because I understand the significance of education and the impact it may have on one's future. In addition to gaining information, going to school helps pupils build their competencies, or more precisely, their fundamental abilities, such as functioning in a team. In addition, I have always cherished the fact that I have access to a quality education, something that many people still strive for today. Moreover, the things you want in this life do not just fall into your lap; you must expend effort to get them.

I believe that acquiring knowledge and putting it into practice is the most powerful thing in the world, which is why I like reading. I am convinced that knowledge is the key to accomplishment. For this reason, I believe that having knowledge in your life will help you advance in life and make you wiser and more intelligent.

LLF: What is your motivation to be a volunteer at Little Leaders Foundation?

Chennery: The reason I wanted to volunteer is because as stated on your website, the little leaders foundation is an organization that advocates for the rights and opportunities of children so that they get equal rights. This objective appeals to me enormously and is something I am quite enthusiastic about. 

I feel that the Little League Foundation is an organization that embodies my principles and would assist significantly to my further skill development. I wanted to become a member of your team in the future and contribute to eliminating inequality and making the world a better place.

LLF: What is your task within the Little Leaders Foundation?

Chennery: I will be contributing as a researcher because it is the area which interests me the most. However, I am always willing to assist with other responsibilities as well such as fundraising for example. 

LLF: Where would you like to grow within the organization?

Chennery: I have no specific objective in mind. I like putting myself to the test and engaging in activities that are outside of my comfort zone, as they help me become a more developed version of myself. For the time being, I shall concentrate on accomplishing my research work as efficiently as possible.

LLF: Did you feel like a little leader when you were young? 

Chennery: Yes, I've always had the desire to assist people. As previously said, my goal has always been to lessen inequality or contribute in some manner to make the world a better place. Although we cannot control the conduct of others, we can control our own. Perhaps it is a cliche, but I really feel that one must be the change they want to see in the world.