bpost helps SOS Children’s Villages raise awareness of childhood trauma through stamps
Even today, one in ten children in Belgium grows up in unsafe conditions – a reality with potentially serious consequences. To help amplify this message from SOS Children’s Villages, bpost is launching a new stamp sheet.
Thursday 28 August 2025The reality is stark: one in ten children in Belgium grows up in an unsafe environment. Abuse, neglect and maltreatment leave deep, often lifelong scars on their victims. Yet childhood trauma often goes unnoticed and untreated. The good news is: raising awareness can make a real difference.
10 stamps, 130 stories
A thematic stamp sheet from bpost was unveiled this Thursday August 28th at the Antwerp Butterfly Palace, in the presence of survivors and Federal Minister Annelies Verlinden (Justice). The sheet features ten stamps, each inspired by a part of the collective artwork City Jewel. This artwork, exhibited for one month at the Butterfly Palace in Antwerp, uses artistic beads to tell the stories of more than childhood trauma survivors.
"Behind every bead lies a story that needs to be heard. They also show that healing is possible, with recognition, time, guidance and support," says Hilde Boeykens, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages. "This is an invitation to listen and act."
Tina Hernalsteen, director of Retail & Banking at bpost, adds: "At bpost, we're proud to support initiatives that highlight socially relevant issues. The City Jewel (Stadsjuweel) has been a wonderful source of inspiration for the images on these stamps. In this way, we help promote recognition and a better approach to childhood trauma in Belgium. In the past, we have also issued stamps addressing themes such as pregnancy loss, loneliness and human rights."
"Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment," Vanessa Matz, Minister for Modernisation adds. "Through these special stamps, bpost draws attention to an often-hidden issue. This is an example of the social commitment that a public enterprise can demonstrate."
The stamps are available at all bpost post offices, as well as online through the eShop. Every letter sent with a bead stamp becomes a small act of awareness and hope.
