Anne-Bo Foundation and Rabobank help young women access higher education
For many young women, going to college or university isn’t a given. Perhaps they’re the first in their family to attend college or university, or lack financial means, or are refugees, or they simply have no one to lean on. The Anne-Bo Foundation supports these young women so that, after their studies, they can go out into the world independent and financially self-sufficient to make their dreams come true. As a partner, Rabobank contributes to this mission in a number of ways.
What does the Anne-Bo Foundation do?
The Anne-Bo Foundation was founded in memory of Anne-Bo, who died at the age of 19 from a congenital heart defect. After losing her daughter, Annemieke van de Wouw channeled her grief into a clear mission: to honor her daughter and give as many young women as possible the same opportunities Anne-Bo had.
The foundation offers young women scholarships covering their entire course of study, along with a dedicated coach to guide them. It also organizes meetings and workshops. For four years, the women receive personal guidance on their studies and finances. Students often build a close bond with their coach. With financial stability, confidence and guidance, they have room to learn and grow, instead of just surviving. So far, 550 young women have enrolled in college or university, and the first group has graduated. Each of them gets the chance to find her own path, changing not only her own life, but also that of her family, across generations.
Rabobank as a partner
Financially healthy living is an important theme for Rabobank. Maartje Gosselink, Head of Financially Healthy Living at Rabobank: “A good education lays an important foundation for a financially healthy life. That’s why we’re enthusiastic about the Anne-Bo Foundation. As a partner, we want to help the foundation grow into a nationwide network, so that even more young women can be supported in their studies and development.”
Annemieke van de Wouw: “Thanks to our partnership with Rabobank, next year we’ll be able to help not 110 but 200 young women. With our scholarship they can enroll in college or university knowing that they’ll be able to complete their studies too. It’s incredibly valuable to be able to offer these motivated women even more opportunities together. The partnership also helps us become more professional and attract more funding. And more financial support means more scholarships.”
Investing in equal opportunities
Rabobank wants to encourage everyone to take a step towards a (more) financially healthy life, and firmly believes that everyone is capable of doing this. The bank does this by inspiring and motivating people, encouraging them to talk more about money, and providing insight and clarity through practical tips and tools. As a cooperative bank without shareholders, Rabobank gives part of its profits back to society every year, for example through social initiatives such as the Anne-Bo Foundation. In this way, the bank contributes to a society with equal opportunities for everyone.