Second school action ‘Out of the Grip’ opens eyes – Say no to criminals!
At Liseo Boneriano, the second action of the ‘Out of the Grip’ campaign took place this week. Actors approached students during the break with a proposal that seemed harmless. Moments later it became clear it was staged. The message? Criminal exploitation can begin this easily.
Local influencers, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service Caribbean Netherlands (IND CN), KPCN, KMar, and the Regional Information and Expertise Centre Caribbean Netherlands (RIEC CN) handed out flyers and spoke with young people..The ‘Out of the Grip’ campaign is aimed at young people on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba and draws attention to the growing problem of criminal exploitation.
Parents and teachers: stay alert
Criminal exploitation is a quiet form of modern child labour. Young people are not coerced with violence; pressure or temptation pulls them into a web. Once entangled, getting out is not easy. Watch for signals such as secretive behavior, quick money or gifts, suddenly older friends, or constant pressure via messages. Even a feeling of doubt is reason enough to act: talk to a mentor, ask further questions, or share your concerns anonymously.
Taking responsibility together
“We must teach young people that they can say no, even if something looks innocent,” says Junny Lopez, head of the RIEC CN, and Sylvester Dieteren, immigration chain coordinator at IND CN. Schools play a key role, and so do parents and coaches. Only if we all stay alert can we keep young people out of the grip of criminals”.
School package in 2026
These actions show how important it is for young people to recognise the signals in time. That is why, starting in 2026, a school package will be available for all schools. It will start already in group 8, so students enter secondary school more aware and resilient. The package includes short assignments, examples and discussion tips for use in class.
The ‘Out of the Grip’ campaign is part of the Human Trafficking Annual Programme 2025 and is carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and Security, the IND CN and the RIEC CN, together with schools and aid organisations.