August 31, 2021

Seeing a need created Foresee Foundation

Foresee Foundation has become synonymous with creative and innovative ways of approaching civil society issues to make a greater impact or even a change for the better. The foundation’s ethos of “Communication”, “Collaboration”, “Creativity” and “Critical thinking” allowed for a rapid response to devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Assessing the damage to their pre-Irma projects and the pandemic, and foreseeing a continued need, the foundation responded by assisting schools, after-school programs, day care centres with the reconstruction, by providing uniforms, playgrounds and financial aid for arts and cultural classes.

Seeing the need for the strengthening of non-profit foundations in the educational and social sector, Foresee Foundation initiated project “NPOwer” with the aim to assist and support civic society through capacity strengthening activities.

In keeping with the foundation’s ability to evolve, after the COVID-19 outbreak, the foundation decided to bring the St. Maarten Non Profit Organisations (NPO) community together through a series of initiatives aimed at empowering them and St. Maarten as a nation.

During 2021, the foundation will continue to reach out to children, youth and the larger community.

What does Foresee Foundation do and who is its target group?

Our organisation connects and assists Non Profit Organisations. Foresee (4C) Foundation’s name illustrates our vision of working with Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) using the Cs’ of Communication, Collaboration, Creative and Critical thinking.

We focus on innovative projects, connecting organisations, and the promotion of work (often volunteer) done by civil society. As a proponent of 21st learning, technology is often used as a tool to make positive changes.

How does the organisation contribute to a better St. Maarten for all?

With our projects, we work with educational, social, cultural, health and nature related organisations and support them through innovative projects. In an indirect way, we envision to help to build a stronger, better connected and more caring St. Maarten.

Give some examples of activities the organisation hosts or has hosted.

Over the years, we have implemented large integrated Technology projects like DigiKidz and DigiTeenz in schools. We set up the MediaLab in the library, organised ICT conferences for all educators on St. Maarten, we provided educational materials to over 30 organisations after Hurricane Irma, implemented the Soualichi Stories and the Program NPOwer which connects St. Maarten NPOs.

What is Foresee Foundation’s message to the community?

Times are challenging for many organisations. By rethinking what we do and being practical problem solvers, we can better use each other’s talents and skills! So keep using these 4Cs in your job and daily life!

How can someone sign up to volunteer or support the organisation?

You are welcome to contact Foresee at foreseefoundation@gmail.com, facebook.com/foreseefoundation.

Article published in the Daily Herald's Weekender Supplement. Friday August 27th, 2021