{"id":174704,"date":"2025-01-09T12:52:50","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T11:52:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/?p=174704"},"modified":"2025-12-19T11:27:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T10:27:39","slug":"city-launches-initiative-for-students-with-problematic-debts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/2025\/01\/09\/city-launches-initiative-for-students-with-problematic-debts\/","title":{"rendered":"City launches initiative for students with problematic debts"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a new programme, the Rotterdam municipality aims to help young people struggling with problematic debts. Mina Morko\u00e7, a municipal councillor for GroenLinks and Law student, is one of the driving forces behind the initiative: \u201cWhen you\u2019re young, having a sense of future prospects is crucial.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The initiative is aimed at Rotterdam residents aged 18 to 26 with problematic debts and limited repayment capacity, helping them continue their studies or achieve other key life goals. In addition to debt cancellation or restructuring, the programme offers support such as budget coaching. \u201cStudents often think: \u2018I can always borrow more.\u2019 But they don\u2019t always realise that they\u2019ll have to pay it back later\u201d, says Morko\u00e7. The project aims to raise awareness about the consequences of debt and to break the stigma surrounding it.<\/p>\n

Energy allowance<\/h2>
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The programme was prompted by the exclusion of students from the energy allowance. In 2022, Rotterdam received 3.2 million euros to support students facing rising energy costs. This was intended to be distributed via individual special assistance. However, due to strict eligibility requirements \u2013 for example, a student loan was counted as income \u2013 more than 2 million euros went unused. Student organisations and councillors criticised the policy, arguing that the requirements were unrealistic and discouraging.<\/p>\n

Morko\u00e7 calls this a missed opportunity and submitted a motion to ensure the funds would still be used to provide basic security for young Rotterdammers: \u201cThat money is now finally being used for young people with financial difficulties, with lower thresholds and a clear focus on support.\u201d<\/p>\n

Debt-free future<\/h2>

The goal is to assist 200 to 300 young people. The selection criteria are straightforward: problematic debts and minimal repayment capacity. Two key conditions apply: participants must agree to financial coaching and continue their studies. These requirements are crucial for successfully completing the programme, which focuses on both personal development and overall progress.<\/p>\n

To achieve this, a budget of 2 million euros will be allocated, sourced from the unused portion of the 3.2 million euros originally earmarked for energy compensation. The initiative supports young people, primarily students, in achieving a debt-free future within 18 months while continuing their education. For those who don\u2019t quite meet the criteria, alternative forms of assistance will be explored. \u201cThe idea is that no one is left behind\u201d, Morko\u00e7 explains.<\/p>\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\u2018This is an opportunity to truly make a difference for vulnerable young people in Rotterdam\u2019\n\t<\/blockquote>\n\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

For now, it\u2019s a temporary project. However, Morko\u00e7 hopes that helping young Rotterdammers with debts will become a permanent part of municipal policy.<\/p>\n

The first success has already been achieved: the initial participants have started. The municipality will report annually on the programme\u2019s progress. For Morko\u00e7, the goal is clear: \u201cThis is an opportunity to truly make a difference for vulnerable young people in Rotterdam.\u201d<\/p>\n\t

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For registration or more information, you can contact the Rotterdam Youth Desk by phone (010 267 13 00) or email (info@jongerenloket.rotterdam.nl<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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