SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - The Government of Statia proudly congratulates Mega D Youth Foundation (MYF) on winning one of three prestigious 2026 Appeltjes van Oranje Awards, presented by the Oranje Fonds in the Netherlands. Selected from ten nominated organisations across the Kingdom, the foundation received the award in recognition of its work supporting children and young people on Statia.
Mega D Youth Foundation was one of only two nominees from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, alongside eight organisations from the European Netherlands. Of the ten nominees, three were selected to receive an award, making this a significant achievement for the foundation and the island of Statia.
The Appeltjes van Oranje Awards are presented annually by the Oranje Fonds, a charitable foundation that supports social initiatives throughout the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The awards recognise outstanding organisations that make a meaningful difference in their communities. This year's theme, "Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Together," focuses on initiatives that help people overcome poverty by creating opportunities, developing skills and providing practical support.
Mega D Youth Foundation earned this recognition through its dedication to improving the lives of children and young people on Statia. Through initiatives such as the Food with Heart Project, the foundation addresses food insecurity by providing nutritious meals, educational support and opportunities for young people to develop practical life skills, including agriculture, responsibility and entrepreneurship. These efforts help equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and skills needed for a better future.
Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Dion Humphreys, Founder and Director of Mega D Youth Foundation, emphasised that the award belongs to the wider community.
“In short, this is not for MYF, this is for Statia and all the children on the island,” Humphreys said.
The award was presented on Thursday, 8 October 2026, during the 24th Appeltjes van Oranje Award Ceremony at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, in the presence of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix.
As one of the three award recipients, Mega D Youth Foundation receives a bronze statuette designed by Princess Beatrix and a monetary award of €25,000 to support its continued work.
Island Commissioner of Education, Reuben Merkman, congratulated the foundation on this achievement, stating:
“This recognition is a proud moment for Statia and a testament to the important work Mega D Youth Foundation continues to do for our children and young people. Education extends beyond the classroom, and organisations like Mega D play a vital role in creating opportunities, nurturing talent and supporting the development of our youth. I congratulate the entire team on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued commitment to the next generation.”
The Government of Statia commends the leadership, staff, volunteers and supporters of Mega D Youth Foundation for their dedication and service to the community.
This achievement demonstrates that even from a small island like Statia, initiatives driven by compassion, commitment and a shared vision for our children can make a meaningful impact and gain recognition across the Kingdom.
The Government extends its congratulations to Mega D Youth Foundation on this outstanding achievement and wishes the organisation continued success in creating opportunities and building a brighter future for Statia's children.
About Mega D Youth Foundation
Mega D Youth Foundation (MYF) is a community organisation based on Statia, dedicated to supporting the wellbeing, education and development of children and young people. Founded and led by Dion Humphreys, the foundation provides opportunities through after-school programmes, educational support, nutritious meals and activities that encourage positive values and practical life skills. Its initiatives, including the Food with Heart Project, aim to empower young people and contribute to a stronger, healthier community.
