At Liseo Boneriano, the second action of the Out of the Grip campaign was carried out this week. Actors approached students during the break with a proposal that seemed innocent. Moments later, it became clear: it was staged. The message? Criminal exploitation can start so simply.
Local influencers, Immigration and Naturalization Service Caribbean Netherlands (IND CN), KPCN, KMar, and Regional Information and Expertise Center Caribbean Netherlands (RIEC CN) distributed flyers and engaged in conversations with youth. The Out of the Grip campaign focuses on youth in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba and raises awareness of the growing problem of criminal exploitation.
Parents and Teachers: Stay Alert
Criminal exploitation is a silent form of modern child labor. Youth are drawn into a web not by violence, but by pressure or temptation. And once caught in that web, they cannot easily escape.
Watch for signs such as: secretive behavior, quick money or gifts, suddenly older friends, or constant pressure through messages. Doubt is enough to take action: talk to a mentor, ask questions, or report your concerns anonymously.
Taking Responsibility Together
“We must teach youth that they can say no, even if something seems innocent,” say Junny Lopez, head of RIEC CN, and Sylvester Dieteren, foreign chain coordinator of IND CN. Schools play a key role in this, but parents and coaches do as well. Only if we all stay alert can we keep youth out of the grip of criminals.”
Next Years School Package
The actions demonstrate how important it is for youth to recognize the signs in time. Therefore, starting in 2026, a school package will be available for all schools. This will begin in grade 8, so that students go to high school aware and resilient. The package contains short assignments, examples, and conversation tips for the classroom.
The Out of the Grip campaign is part of the Human Trafficking Program 2025 and is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and Security, IND CN, and RIEC CN, along with schools and aid organizations.