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. Its selection as one of the three award recipients marks a significant achievement for the foundation and the island.

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 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 also commends the foundation’s staff, volunteers and supporters, whose contributions have helped make this achievement possible. The award highlights the impact that community-driven initiatives from a small island like Statia can have across the Kingdom.

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.

Watch the award ceremony:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPmO2nF4WtQ