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COOLCHARITY
CoolCH. boek def 24-11-2006 11:17 Pagina 3
COOLCHARITY 32 33
If all goes well, his neighbours will soon be calling him
Abby Bakker and this good-looking black man will be a
Dutchman. Because that is what he would like, to belong
here.
Abu Bakr is from Sudan. After his parents and sisters were
killed during the civil war, he and his brother fled, both in
different directions. He never found his brother again.
In Sudan he was an accountant. Upon arrival in Holland he
was placed in an asylum seekers’ centre and volunteered
as a painter and handyman in an old people’s home. In
June !""# it was time to celebrate: Abu Bakr was allowed
to stay. He got a paid job as a painter in a different old
people’s home in Amstelveen. Here he met people and
made friends. But after obtaining his residence permit,
he had to leave the asylum seekers’ centre and the
authorities offered him accommodation in Medemblik.
How was he meant to get to work in Amstelveen on time?
Initially, Abby lived in a tiny room in the top of a dreary,
down-at-heel flat block. The kitchen and bathroom were
down the hall and the building was filled with stale
cooking smells. He paid more than ! $#" rent for the
space in Medemblik and much more for the hovel which
he rented illegally in Amstelveen – all because he didn’t
want to lose his job. Luckily, he has now found a room that
is a bit better and nearer to his work.
Abby would like to study. “First learn fluent Dutch, and
then study economics, or something with computers.” But
because Abu Bakr earns money through his part-time
painting job, he is not eligible for all sorts of welfare pro-
visions. He wants to learn the language properly, but he is
not allowed to go to the regional training centre because
there is no accommodation for him in Amstelveen and no
work in Medemblik. He saves and saves to be able to
finance his studies. He eats baked beans every day. “Baked
beans are good.”
Sometimes he feels sad, when he thinks of his family. But
he is determined to build up a life here. For six years he
longed for his residence permit and now that it has come,
life here seems to be full of obstacles. “And still,” says
Abu Bakr, “I am very grateful to Holland.”
Hanneke Groenteman
26.000 gezichten
www.26000gezichten.nl
Abu Bakr
CoolCH. 26000 gezichten 01 20-10-2006 09:47 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
If all goes well, his neighbours will soon be calling him
Abby Bakker and this good-looking black man will be a
Dutchman. Because that is what he would like, to belong
here.
Abu Bakr is from Sudan. After his parents and sisters were
killed during the civil war, he and his brother fled, both in
different directions. He never found his brother again.
In Sudan he was an accountant. Upon arrival in Holland he
was placed in an asylum seekers’ centre and volunteered
as a painter and handyman in an old people’s home. In
June !""# it was time to celebrate: Abu Bakr was allowed
to stay. He got a paid job as a painter in a different old
people’s home in Amstelveen. Here he met people and
made friends. But after obtaining his residence permit,
he had to leave the asylum seekers’ centre and the
authorities offered him accommodation in Medemblik.
How was he meant to get to work in Amstelveen on time?
Initially, Abby lived in a tiny room in the top of a dreary,
down-at-heel flat block. The kitchen and bathroom were
down the hall and the building was filled with stale
cooking smells. He paid more than ! $#" rent for the
space in Medemblik and much more for the hovel which
he rented illegally in Amstelveen – all because he didn’t
want to lose his job. Luckily, he has now found a room that
is a bit better and nearer to his work.
Abby would like to study. “First learn fluent Dutch, and
then study economics, or something with computers.” But
because Abu Bakr earns money through his part-time
painting job, he is not eligible for all sorts of welfare pro-
visions. He wants to learn the language properly, but he is
not allowed to go to the regional training centre because
there is no accommodation for him in Amstelveen and no
work in Medemblik. He saves and saves to be able to
finance his studies. He eats baked beans every day. “Baked
beans are good.”
Sometimes he feels sad, when he thinks of his family. But
he is determined to build up a life here. For six years he
longed for his residence permit and now that it has come,
life here seems to be full of obstacles. “And still,” says
Abu Bakr, “I am very grateful to Holland.”
Hanneke Groenteman
26.000 gezichten
www.26000gezichten.nl
Abu Bakr
CoolCH. 26000 gezichten 01 20-10-2006 09:47 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“People on the street are just like us,” argues Mark, !", the
coordinator of the Amsterdam Salvation Army Soup Bus.
“The only difference is that they have been unlucky or hurt
in some way.” Three evenings a week, Mark makes sure
that the Soup Bus drives through the capital and reaches
around #$$ homeless people. “We distribute the most
basic human needs: food, drink and love. But it is not all
sorrow and misery, we also have a chat with them and
joke around.”
For the past !% years, &%",$$$ litres of soup and #,%$$,$$$
litres of coffee are distributed every year. The Soup Bus
also does a weekly round in Rotterdam and Zwolle to
provide the homeless there with coffee, rolls, soup and
blankets. And to lend a sympathetic ear. “The clients are
diverse – from elderly alcoholics to lost backpackers; some
of them claim they are on their way to work. Good for
them! As long as they keep dreaming their dreams, they
keep their spirits up.”
Living together, sharing together
The Soup Bus is a good example of a project that is sup-
ported by %$|%$, a brand that was introduced by the
Salvation Army in &$$!. “As the advertising agency for the
Salvation Army, we were looking for new ways of reaching
a broader and younger audience,” explains Harry Puts of
Only, the brain behind %$|%$. “For instance, young people
communicate a lot through clothing. This is how the %$|%$
brand was developed in &$$!, with %$|%$ fashion as its
first product. That’s what’s great about %$|%$: that you
have a new way of telling the Salvation Army story and
showing that if you do things together and share things
together, you will get a better, nicer society.”
!"|!" fashion
Harry explains that %$|%$ fashion uses parts of discarded
clothing items from Salvation Army containers to create
new clothes. No two designs are ever identical: “Among ##
million kilos of clothes a year, you are bound to find some-
thing. Put the upper part of a pair of trousers and a curtain
together and you have a new skirt. It just goes to show
that even really old stuff, even mailbags, can be turned
into new clothes. The clothes are assembled by young
people working in a sheltered workshop.”
!"|!" soup
After %$|%$ fashion for young people and kids, and a
range of accessories, %$|%$ soup was introduced. “Besides
clothes, the Salvation Army of course has a strong connec-
tion with soup,” Harry comments. “Their roots lie in soup,
as they distribute litres and litres of soup every day to the
homeless. In a way you could see soup as a splendid meta-
phor for neighbourly love. That’s how we developed the
idea of compiling a special soup cookbook.” The book’s
layout is a blend of &$ different cookery and photography
styles. It was developed by Les Patrons Cuisiniers (#'
Dutch top chefs) in collaboration with the Photographers
Association of the Netherlands (&$ photographers) who all
worked free of charge to complete the project.
With thanks to Mark Voorneveld and Harry Puts for contri-
butions to the text
Together we’re one50|50
www.5050world.com
CoolCH.50-50 01 20-10-2006 09:51 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“People on the street are just like us,” argues Mark, !", the
coordinator of the Amsterdam Salvation Army Soup Bus.
“The only difference is that they have been unlucky or hurt
in some way.” Three evenings a week, Mark makes sure
that the Soup Bus drives through the capital and reaches
around #$$ homeless people. “We distribute the most
basic human needs: food, drink and love. But it is not all
sorrow and misery, we also have a chat with them and
joke around.”
For the past !% years, &%",$$$ litres of soup and #,%$$,$$$
litres of coffee are distributed every year. The Soup Bus
also does a weekly round in Rotterdam and Zwolle to
provide the homeless there with coffee, rolls, soup and
blankets. And to lend a sympathetic ear. “The clients are
diverse – from elderly alcoholics to lost backpackers; some
of them claim they are on their way to work. Good for
them! As long as they keep dreaming their dreams, they
keep their spirits up.”
Living together, sharing together
The Soup Bus is a good example of a project that is sup-
ported by %$|%$, a brand that was introduced by the
Salvation Army in &$$!. “As the advertising agency for the
Salvation Army, we were looking for new ways of reaching
a broader and younger audience,” explains Harry Puts of
Only, the brain behind %$|%$. “For instance, young people
communicate a lot through clothing. This is how the %$|%$
brand was developed in &$$!, with %$|%$ fashion as its
first product. That’s what’s great about %$|%$: that you
have a new way of telling the Salvation Army story and
showing that if you do things together and share things
together, you will get a better, nicer society.”
!"|!" fashion
Harry explains that %$|%$ fashion uses parts of discarded
clothing items from Salvation Army containers to create
new clothes. No two designs are ever identical: “Among ##
million kilos of clothes a year, you are bound to find some-
thing. Put the upper part of a pair of trousers and a curtain
together and you have a new skirt. It just goes to show
that even really old stuff, even mailbags, can be turned
into new clothes. The clothes are assembled by young
people working in a sheltered workshop.”
!"|!" soup
After %$|%$ fashion for young people and kids, and a
range of accessories, %$|%$ soup was introduced. “Besides
clothes, the Salvation Army of course has a strong connec-
tion with soup,” Harry comments. “Their roots lie in soup,
as they distribute litres and litres of soup every day to the
homeless. In a way you could see soup as a splendid meta-
phor for neighbourly love. That’s how we developed the
idea of compiling a special soup cookbook.” The book’s
layout is a blend of &$ different cookery and photography
styles. It was developed by Les Patrons Cuisiniers (#'
Dutch top chefs) in collaboration with the Photographers
Association of the Netherlands (&$ photographers) who all
worked free of charge to complete the project.
With thanks to Mark Voorneveld and Harry Puts for contri-
butions to the text
Together we’re one50|50
www.5050world.com
CoolCH.50-50 01 20-10-2006 09:51 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
The campaign continued in Liberia. In October !""#, on
the eve of the elections, over $,""" demonstrators took to
the streets of the capital Monrovia, many of them wearing
the trademark Pinkpop/Amnesty hats. The demonstration
ended with a manifestation during which the $!,"""
signatures that were collected at Pinkpop were handed
over to a delegation of politicians. That same week,
a radio report made at Pinkpop, in which thousands of
visitors chanted “Vote Against Rape!”, was repeatedly
aired on !# Liberian radio stations.
The campaign proved successful. In December, new legis-
lation was introduced. It was a big step forward. The
new law broadened the definition of rape and denied
bail to anyone charged with raping a minor. The law also
increased sentences for the most serious offences,
allowing life imprisonment to be imposed for the rape of
a minor and for gang rape. In June !""#, the first life
sentence was pronounced against a man who raped a
child. According to AFELL, the support of Amnesty
International and the Dutch public which raised its voice
against rape, was very important and motivating.
With thanks to Wata Modad, Executive Director of the
Women and Children Rehabilitation Resource Centre
Amnesty International
www.amnesty.nl
‘Peace is just assweet as it can be.’
Wata Modad lives in Liberia, a country that has been ravis-
hed by terrible civil war. During years of fighting between
the government and rebel forces, rape was widespread
and systematic. Women who resisted were killed: “You do
or die.” After the conflict ended, sexual violence was still
rampant. Perpetrators, both old and new, were not held
accountable and existing laws failed to stop violence
against women.
Wata Modad is a symbol of the struggle against sexual
violence in her country. She runs a network of rehabilita-
tion centres for victims, which offer material support,
trauma counselling and training. “I have been working
with victims for more than ten years now,” she says, “but
every story still defies my imagination. Our activities help
women to regain control over their lives.” Amnesty
International invited Wata to the Netherlands to support
the campaign “Vote Against Rape!”, which Amnesty
launched together with the Association of Female Lawyers
in Liberia (AFELL). Together with AFELL, Amnesty appealed
to Liberian political parties participating in the !""#
elections to end impunity for rape and other forms of
sexual violence.
At the Dutch music festival Pinkpop, where Amnesty was
campaigning, Wata Modad stressed that new legislation
was long overdue. “In Liberia, rape is not a serious offence.
People don’t think of it as a crime, especially during the
war. But the wave of rape in Liberia is so high, that it must
be placed on the electoral agenda. After the elections, it
should be considered a serious offence.”
The festival at Pinkpop was designed to encourage AFELL
and people like Wata Modad in Liberia. “We will carry this
message back to Liberia,” Wata said. “We will try to con-
vince the Liberians that peace is just as sweet as it can be.”
CoolCH.Amnesty 02 20-10-2006 09:54 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
The campaign continued in Liberia. In October !""#, on
the eve of the elections, over $,""" demonstrators took to
the streets of the capital Monrovia, many of them wearing
the trademark Pinkpop/Amnesty hats. The demonstration
ended with a manifestation during which the $!,"""
signatures that were collected at Pinkpop were handed
over to a delegation of politicians. That same week,
a radio report made at Pinkpop, in which thousands of
visitors chanted “Vote Against Rape!”, was repeatedly
aired on !# Liberian radio stations.
The campaign proved successful. In December, new legis-
lation was introduced. It was a big step forward. The
new law broadened the definition of rape and denied
bail to anyone charged with raping a minor. The law also
increased sentences for the most serious offences,
allowing life imprisonment to be imposed for the rape of
a minor and for gang rape. In June !""#, the first life
sentence was pronounced against a man who raped a
child. According to AFELL, the support of Amnesty
International and the Dutch public which raised its voice
against rape, was very important and motivating.
With thanks to Wata Modad, Executive Director of the
Women and Children Rehabilitation Resource Centre
Amnesty International
www.amnesty.nl
‘Peace is just assweet as it can be.’
Wata Modad lives in Liberia, a country that has been ravis-
hed by terrible civil war. During years of fighting between
the government and rebel forces, rape was widespread
and systematic. Women who resisted were killed: “You do
or die.” After the conflict ended, sexual violence was still
rampant. Perpetrators, both old and new, were not held
accountable and existing laws failed to stop violence
against women.
Wata Modad is a symbol of the struggle against sexual
violence in her country. She runs a network of rehabilita-
tion centres for victims, which offer material support,
trauma counselling and training. “I have been working
with victims for more than ten years now,” she says, “but
every story still defies my imagination. Our activities help
women to regain control over their lives.” Amnesty
International invited Wata to the Netherlands to support
the campaign “Vote Against Rape!”, which Amnesty
launched together with the Association of Female Lawyers
in Liberia (AFELL). Together with AFELL, Amnesty appealed
to Liberian political parties participating in the !""#
elections to end impunity for rape and other forms of
sexual violence.
At the Dutch music festival Pinkpop, where Amnesty was
campaigning, Wata Modad stressed that new legislation
was long overdue. “In Liberia, rape is not a serious offence.
People don’t think of it as a crime, especially during the
war. But the wave of rape in Liberia is so high, that it must
be placed on the electoral agenda. After the elections, it
should be considered a serious offence.”
The festival at Pinkpop was designed to encourage AFELL
and people like Wata Modad in Liberia. “We will carry this
message back to Liberia,” Wata said. “We will try to con-
vince the Liberians that peace is just as sweet as it can be.”
CoolCH.Amnesty 02 20-10-2006 09:54 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
It is with genuine pride that Gladys welcomes visitors to
her new home. Through her living room window one can
still see the remains of her mud hut, which is crumbling in
a nearby field. She is delighted with her new home, as she
no longer had the energy to maintain the small hut. Like
many other elderly women in the village, Gladys, !", has
lost her husband and her sons. Her only surviving child is
a daughter who has eight children. But thanks to AMREF
(African Medical and Research Foundation), all her grand-
children have a bright future ahead of them. “There is an
increasing awareness about the AIDS threat, the children
can go to school, there is clean drinking water, we have
learnt a lot about healthy nutrition and there is medical
care if we need it.”
In Butuntumula in the Luweero region of Central Uganda,
AMREF is not just working on healthcare issues, but also
on housing, water and food production. There is a strange
atmosphere in Butuntumula. As a visitor, Jacqueline
Lampe does not immediately understand why people are
friendly and hospitable and everyone seems to be
working hard. Then, after some time, it becomes clear -
there are hardly any adults! Most children are being cared
for by their grandparents. More than a third of the chil-
dren in Luweero live with their grandparents because their
parents have died of HIV/AIDS.
Just like elsewhere in Africa, these orphans have to turn to
their extended families, who are often stretched to the
limit. As the grandparents are unable to cope with the full
burden of childcare, certain family tasks need to be taken
over by the community – and that includes the internatio-
nal community.
AMREF’s Aids Orphans Project helps the elderly care for
children. AMREF gives these children a future by providing
healthy food, clean water, safety, education and healthcare.
And it encourages local authorities, schools and other
organisations to pursue the same goals.
As Samuel Semuyaba, the chairman of the Butuntumula
town council, comments: “We need so many things. To
really achieve something, we have to bring everyone toge-
ther and abandon the fragmented approach. There is no
point in offering children schooling, if they are going fall
ill by drinking polluted water.”
Despite the fact that Gladys has seen the generation of her
children disappear almost entirely, she is enthusiastic
about the improvements in the last few years. Since #$$%,
AMREF has built #! modern primary schools with large
classrooms, homes for teachers and rainwater cisterns.
Gladys knows that her grandchildren have more opportu-
nities than she had as a little girl. The children today are
aware of the AIDS threat, they have more chance of com-
pleting primary school, they have clean water and they
have learnt about good hygiene. Today, there is also pro-
fessional staff who can help put their lives on the right
track: teachers at school, instructors for professional
training and healthcare workers in the clinics. “They have
more chance than we did of finding a job and escaping
poverty,” says Gladys. “They are the living proof that there
is a future for our people in Luweero.”
Jacqueline Lampe, Director AMREF Flying Doctors Nederland
After the lost generationAMREF
www.amref.nl
CoolCH.Amref 01 20-10-2006 09:56 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
It is with genuine pride that Gladys welcomes visitors to
her new home. Through her living room window one can
still see the remains of her mud hut, which is crumbling in
a nearby field. She is delighted with her new home, as she
no longer had the energy to maintain the small hut. Like
many other elderly women in the village, Gladys, !", has
lost her husband and her sons. Her only surviving child is
a daughter who has eight children. But thanks to AMREF
(African Medical and Research Foundation), all her grand-
children have a bright future ahead of them. “There is an
increasing awareness about the AIDS threat, the children
can go to school, there is clean drinking water, we have
learnt a lot about healthy nutrition and there is medical
care if we need it.”
In Butuntumula in the Luweero region of Central Uganda,
AMREF is not just working on healthcare issues, but also
on housing, water and food production. There is a strange
atmosphere in Butuntumula. As a visitor, Jacqueline
Lampe does not immediately understand why people are
friendly and hospitable and everyone seems to be
working hard. Then, after some time, it becomes clear -
there are hardly any adults! Most children are being cared
for by their grandparents. More than a third of the chil-
dren in Luweero live with their grandparents because their
parents have died of HIV/AIDS.
Just like elsewhere in Africa, these orphans have to turn to
their extended families, who are often stretched to the
limit. As the grandparents are unable to cope with the full
burden of childcare, certain family tasks need to be taken
over by the community – and that includes the internatio-
nal community.
AMREF’s Aids Orphans Project helps the elderly care for
children. AMREF gives these children a future by providing
healthy food, clean water, safety, education and healthcare.
And it encourages local authorities, schools and other
organisations to pursue the same goals.
As Samuel Semuyaba, the chairman of the Butuntumula
town council, comments: “We need so many things. To
really achieve something, we have to bring everyone toge-
ther and abandon the fragmented approach. There is no
point in offering children schooling, if they are going fall
ill by drinking polluted water.”
Despite the fact that Gladys has seen the generation of her
children disappear almost entirely, she is enthusiastic
about the improvements in the last few years. Since #$$%,
AMREF has built #! modern primary schools with large
classrooms, homes for teachers and rainwater cisterns.
Gladys knows that her grandchildren have more opportu-
nities than she had as a little girl. The children today are
aware of the AIDS threat, they have more chance of com-
pleting primary school, they have clean water and they
have learnt about good hygiene. Today, there is also pro-
fessional staff who can help put their lives on the right
track: teachers at school, instructors for professional
training and healthcare workers in the clinics. “They have
more chance than we did of finding a job and escaping
poverty,” says Gladys. “They are the living proof that there
is a future for our people in Luweero.”
Jacqueline Lampe, Director AMREF Flying Doctors Nederland
After the lost generationAMREF
www.amref.nl
CoolCH.Amref 01 20-10-2006 09:56 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“The first National Tree Day was celebrated in Apeldoorn
on !" April !#$% with more than !,&"" children. Almost $"
years later, !"",""" children in '"" towns in the
Netherlands participated in the event. (""% will mark
the $"th anniversary of Holland’s National Tree Day, an
occasion that will be celebrated on a large scale, because
Holland’s school age children have over this period
planted more than !" million trees, which has contributed
to making the country green and healthy. As the oldest
institution in the world for nature education for children,
we have developed a rich tradition which we want to
perpetrate in future in collaboration with the town
councils and of course the children.
In the Jubilee Year we also hope to be able to celebrate the
Second European Tree Day. It would be a follow-up to the
European Tree Day we organised in May !##% in the
European Commission building in Brussels in the presence
of all the ministers of agriculture and forestry of the mem-
ber states. We want to stimulate all these countries to
work with their youth towards a green, healthy world
through the planting of trees.”
Peter J. Derksen, director of National Tree Day Association
After the planting of the trees on Tree Day, the children
often hang a tree wish in their tree. Thus Aniek recently
also hung a tree wish in her tree:
“Our tree is our hero
That is the only thing that counts.
They give us paper,
And also joy.
They give us life
NEVER again let the trees go!”
A very different sort of Tree Day…
“The tree connects rain and wind
the world with the clouds
in order to transmit our greeting
through its branches upwards
where they, so dearly beloved by us,
populate the kingdom of heaven.”
The above poem can be found at the memorial in the
Queen Wilhelmina Forest in Dronten: a memorial forest
that was created on the initiative of the National Tree Day
Foundation in collaboration with KWF-Kankerbestrijding
(the Dutch anti-cancer campaign organisation) and the
Staatsbosbeheer (Forestry Commission). At this spot relati-
ves of deceased cancer patients can plant a “Tree for Life”
and have their name engraved on glass panels.
Anonymous message: “On the occasion of the ‘Trees for
Life Day’ last November, I was allowed to plant a tree for
my beloved wife Ans in the Queen Wilhelmina Forest with
my three children. It was an overwhelming day with many
emotions. Many, many tears were shed and it felt so incre-
dibly good. Ans died of breast cancer. We miss her every
day and that is not always easy to understand for ‘the
outsider’. Here in the forest we were with fellow-sufferers,
together without knowing each other, without even
speaking to each other, but there was an atmosphere of
equality and shared sorrow. Wonderful! We see this day as
a milestone in our further life. We have planted a tree, a
‘Tree for Life’, to perpetrate the warmth of a loved one.”
Boomfeestdag
www.boomfeestdag.nl
2007:50 years of National Tree Day
CoolCH.Boomfeestdag 01 24-08-2006 09:44 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“The first National Tree Day was celebrated in Apeldoorn
on !" April !#$% with more than !,&"" children. Almost $"
years later, !"",""" children in '"" towns in the
Netherlands participated in the event. (""% will mark
the $"th anniversary of Holland’s National Tree Day, an
occasion that will be celebrated on a large scale, because
Holland’s school age children have over this period
planted more than !" million trees, which has contributed
to making the country green and healthy. As the oldest
institution in the world for nature education for children,
we have developed a rich tradition which we want to
perpetrate in future in collaboration with the town
councils and of course the children.
In the Jubilee Year we also hope to be able to celebrate the
Second European Tree Day. It would be a follow-up to the
European Tree Day we organised in May !##% in the
European Commission building in Brussels in the presence
of all the ministers of agriculture and forestry of the mem-
ber states. We want to stimulate all these countries to
work with their youth towards a green, healthy world
through the planting of trees.”
Peter J. Derksen, director of National Tree Day Association
After the planting of the trees on Tree Day, the children
often hang a tree wish in their tree. Thus Aniek recently
also hung a tree wish in her tree:
“Our tree is our hero
That is the only thing that counts.
They give us paper,
And also joy.
They give us life
NEVER again let the trees go!”
A very different sort of Tree Day…
“The tree connects rain and wind
the world with the clouds
in order to transmit our greeting
through its branches upwards
where they, so dearly beloved by us,
populate the kingdom of heaven.”
The above poem can be found at the memorial in the
Queen Wilhelmina Forest in Dronten: a memorial forest
that was created on the initiative of the National Tree Day
Foundation in collaboration with KWF-Kankerbestrijding
(the Dutch anti-cancer campaign organisation) and the
Staatsbosbeheer (Forestry Commission). At this spot relati-
ves of deceased cancer patients can plant a “Tree for Life”
and have their name engraved on glass panels.
Anonymous message: “On the occasion of the ‘Trees for
Life Day’ last November, I was allowed to plant a tree for
my beloved wife Ans in the Queen Wilhelmina Forest with
my three children. It was an overwhelming day with many
emotions. Many, many tears were shed and it felt so incre-
dibly good. Ans died of breast cancer. We miss her every
day and that is not always easy to understand for ‘the
outsider’. Here in the forest we were with fellow-sufferers,
together without knowing each other, without even
speaking to each other, but there was an atmosphere of
equality and shared sorrow. Wonderful! We see this day as
a milestone in our further life. We have planted a tree, a
‘Tree for Life’, to perpetrate the warmth of a loved one.”
Boomfeestdag
www.boomfeestdag.nl
2007:50 years of National Tree Day
CoolCH.Boomfeestdag 01 24-08-2006 09:44 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Campus Nieuw West’s ICT KidZZ Academy gives kids with
a difficult home situation in Amsterdam Nieuw West a
helping hand. Every Wednesday afternoon, a group of
children learn computer skills with coaches from KPN,
Nuon and Getronics PinkRoccade. The programme lasts
three years: it starts with kids of twelve years old and runs
until the second year of secondary school. Coaches focus
on the internet, the hardware and software of the compu-
ter and homework supervision. The project started with
four pupils two years ago, today !" pupils from five
schools are participating. Betty Kooij, the deputy head-
master of primary school De Globe says: “The ICT KidZZ
Academy has a great effect on kids. The quality of their
work is much higher, the children are more confident and
their classmates see them as real whiz-kids.”
Hans Hoeksema (KPN), one of the coaches, comments:
“Bringing twelve-year-old children in contact with profes-
sionals who want to further their development for three
years gives them an immense extra stimulus to make
plans for the future, finish school and get their diplomas.
Working with other professionals, I coach kids in the
second year of the ICT KidZZ Academy. It’s a group of four,
two girls and two boys. They like having fun and chat a
lot. They’ve made a newspaper and are now learning
how computers work, by taking an old PC apart and put-
ting it back together again with functioning program-
mes. If you offer kids interesting subjects and a good
environment, they are keen to get to work.”
Coach Coen Cornelissen (Nuon) talks a lot to the children
about what they have experienced and how it’s going at
school. “The topics come flying at me: one minute I’m
drawing a map of the Middle East to explain how close
Syria is to Turkey, the next minute I am explaining how the
female cycle works, which brings about a mixture of
giggles and interest. It’s a great experience: it’s fun to
teach and touching to see how much trust the children
give you. Beforehand I would never have thought it would
affect me so much.”
Director Frans Duynstee (Nuon) is also enthusiastic about
the ICT KidZZ Academy. “Our company wants to make a
conscious contribution to long-term social welfare, that’s
one of the reasons we are participating wholeheartedly in
the Campus Nieuw West projects. But also because it’s just
great fun. Staff feel involved and get to know a new target
group; they may be future clients or fellow workers.”
ICT kidZZ AcademyCampus Nieuw West
www.campusnieuwwest.nl
CoolCH.Campus Nieuw West 01 07-09-2006 15:31 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Campus Nieuw West’s ICT KidZZ Academy gives kids with
a difficult home situation in Amsterdam Nieuw West a
helping hand. Every Wednesday afternoon, a group of
children learn computer skills with coaches from KPN,
Nuon and Getronics PinkRoccade. The programme lasts
three years: it starts with kids of twelve years old and runs
until the second year of secondary school. Coaches focus
on the internet, the hardware and software of the compu-
ter and homework supervision. The project started with
four pupils two years ago, today !" pupils from five
schools are participating. Betty Kooij, the deputy head-
master of primary school De Globe says: “The ICT KidZZ
Academy has a great effect on kids. The quality of their
work is much higher, the children are more confident and
their classmates see them as real whiz-kids.”
Hans Hoeksema (KPN), one of the coaches, comments:
“Bringing twelve-year-old children in contact with profes-
sionals who want to further their development for three
years gives them an immense extra stimulus to make
plans for the future, finish school and get their diplomas.
Working with other professionals, I coach kids in the
second year of the ICT KidZZ Academy. It’s a group of four,
two girls and two boys. They like having fun and chat a
lot. They’ve made a newspaper and are now learning
how computers work, by taking an old PC apart and put-
ting it back together again with functioning program-
mes. If you offer kids interesting subjects and a good
environment, they are keen to get to work.”
Coach Coen Cornelissen (Nuon) talks a lot to the children
about what they have experienced and how it’s going at
school. “The topics come flying at me: one minute I’m
drawing a map of the Middle East to explain how close
Syria is to Turkey, the next minute I am explaining how the
female cycle works, which brings about a mixture of
giggles and interest. It’s a great experience: it’s fun to
teach and touching to see how much trust the children
give you. Beforehand I would never have thought it would
affect me so much.”
Director Frans Duynstee (Nuon) is also enthusiastic about
the ICT KidZZ Academy. “Our company wants to make a
conscious contribution to long-term social welfare, that’s
one of the reasons we are participating wholeheartedly in
the Campus Nieuw West projects. But also because it’s just
great fun. Staff feel involved and get to know a new target
group; they may be future clients or fellow workers.”
ICT kidZZ AcademyCampus Nieuw West
www.campusnieuwwest.nl
CoolCH.Campus Nieuw West 01 07-09-2006 15:31 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
When I went to India in !""#, my youngest daughter, who
is always interested in children, noticed a group of
orphans playing in the street. They invited us to their
orphanage where we played and sang with the children.
The orphanage was in a very bad state.
Back in the Netherlands, I was able to collect money, part-
ly because I head a yoga centre and have many contacts.
This was the beginning of the Caveri Foundation. The
foundation has taken the children’s home in Whitefield,
near Bangalore, entirely under its care. It allows children
from the slums and from poor families to go to school. It
also distributes food in the slums of several villages.
The Caveri Foundation is based on the idea that all fear
can be transformed into love.
The conditions in the children’s home have improved
immensely, also through renovations to the building. The
home is run by Joseph and Juanthy, two volunteers who
spare no effort to give the children what they need,
regardless of whether they are disabled or not.
Marapha was brought to the orphanage when he was two-
and-a-half years old. He had been used as an attraction to
earn money when he was a baby and was tossed into the
air by a monkey. When it appeared that Marapha had a
neck injury, he was disowned by his parents. This was how
he ended up with Joseph and Juanthy. A doctor advised
them against taking the child because he was in such a
bad state. He couldn’t walk and looked like a one-year-old
baby. Marapha was so afraid that he couldn’t bear to be
alone for even a moment. During the first three months,
Juanthy kept him with her all the time. Now, two years on,
Marapha is the life and soul of the orphanage. He is help-
less, lies around on the floor, but he is also beaming and
everyone adores him.
Despite the fact that the orphanage has to make do with
very limited means, it is an example of love. The house is
always cheerful and welcoming and the children look
healthy. The exchange that takes place here and the love
that it brings, is the energy that comes back to everyone
who is connected to it. Collecting money for this orphan-
age is a contribution to the love that is so openly shared
and given there.
At first Caveri seemed to be about supporting an orphan-
age through money, but it has proven to be an example
of the way that love works. Giving and receiving is one
and the same energy. There is no single donor and no sin-
gle recipient. Where love is shared, all is one. This can
never be expressed in money.
After extensive medical tests it has become clear that
Marapha’s brain is so damaged that the impulses from his
brain no longer reach his organs and that he will not sur-
vive.
Ganga Hoogendoorn
Sharing love in IndiaCAVERI
www.caveri.nl
Marapha
CoolCH.Caveri 02 13-06-2006 09:41 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
When I went to India in !""#, my youngest daughter, who
is always interested in children, noticed a group of
orphans playing in the street. They invited us to their
orphanage where we played and sang with the children.
The orphanage was in a very bad state.
Back in the Netherlands, I was able to collect money, part-
ly because I head a yoga centre and have many contacts.
This was the beginning of the Caveri Foundation. The
foundation has taken the children’s home in Whitefield,
near Bangalore, entirely under its care. It allows children
from the slums and from poor families to go to school. It
also distributes food in the slums of several villages.
The Caveri Foundation is based on the idea that all fear
can be transformed into love.
The conditions in the children’s home have improved
immensely, also through renovations to the building. The
home is run by Joseph and Juanthy, two volunteers who
spare no effort to give the children what they need,
regardless of whether they are disabled or not.
Marapha was brought to the orphanage when he was two-
and-a-half years old. He had been used as an attraction to
earn money when he was a baby and was tossed into the
air by a monkey. When it appeared that Marapha had a
neck injury, he was disowned by his parents. This was how
he ended up with Joseph and Juanthy. A doctor advised
them against taking the child because he was in such a
bad state. He couldn’t walk and looked like a one-year-old
baby. Marapha was so afraid that he couldn’t bear to be
alone for even a moment. During the first three months,
Juanthy kept him with her all the time. Now, two years on,
Marapha is the life and soul of the orphanage. He is help-
less, lies around on the floor, but he is also beaming and
everyone adores him.
Despite the fact that the orphanage has to make do with
very limited means, it is an example of love. The house is
always cheerful and welcoming and the children look
healthy. The exchange that takes place here and the love
that it brings, is the energy that comes back to everyone
who is connected to it. Collecting money for this orphan-
age is a contribution to the love that is so openly shared
and given there.
At first Caveri seemed to be about supporting an orphan-
age through money, but it has proven to be an example
of the way that love works. Giving and receiving is one
and the same energy. There is no single donor and no sin-
gle recipient. Where love is shared, all is one. This can
never be expressed in money.
After extensive medical tests it has become clear that
Marapha’s brain is so damaged that the impulses from his
brain no longer reach his organs and that he will not sur-
vive.
Ganga Hoogendoorn
Sharing love in IndiaCAVERI
www.caveri.nl
Marapha
CoolCH.Caveri 02 13-06-2006 09:41 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
• The contact between foreigners and Dutch people is
important. Work is the best, but it is difficult to achieve
results immediately. But existing organisations can take
initiatives, organise activities, like sport, dialogue or sha-
ring a meal. A matching centre can also be good.
• Schools should involve parents by organising dialogues,
but also by making them aware and letting them partici-
pate in the multicultural society.
=> I met someone who didn’t listen to others, but only
pointed to what they did wrong.
=> I am happy that the majority had good intentions,
wanted to understand each other and bring about
change and that gives hope.
Tsige
• Judging people based on behaviour and not on looks,
origins, etc.
• Fighting poverty, that will solve many frustrations!
• Also more youth centres/facilities, in all parts of
Amsterdam, accessible, intercultural!
• More parties! (neighbourhood), getting to know each
other through that.
• Neighbourhood activities => mixing cultures in all
neighbourhoods.
• No elitist neighbourhoods (i.e. rich vs. poor): mixing
expensive and cheap housing everywhere. Prevent ghetto-
forming, no American situations!
• Anti-bullying education at schools, work etc.
Eef
• Respect.
• The society of cultures must change, so getting to know
someone first is better than judging immediately.
• And if someone of Moroccan or Turkish origin has done
something, it is only that person, and not all of them. Not
all Moroccans and Turks are like that.
• More peace.
Imane
• Call all Amsterdammers Amsterdammers.
• Make it clear that you can only tackle convictions, also
extreme ones, with other convictions, because doing
comes after thinking.
• Keep explaining why we believe, think or do something
and if you don’t know, find out.
• Claim the space, also in the media, to be able to tell your
story; not only results and the like.
• Perpetuate the dialogue and ritualise being an
Amsterdammer.
• Ritualisation, celebrations, and yes to parties in the town
centre.
Anno
These notes were made by Amsterdammers during their
dialogue with fellow townsmen at one of the !"# tables
during the first Day of Dialogue ("! December "##$)
around the theme “Living and working in Amsterdam”.
Day of Dialogue Good ideas for Amsterdam
www.amsterdamdialoog.nl
*). .
CoolCH.Dagvandedialoog 02 24-08-2006 09:34 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
• The contact between foreigners and Dutch people is
important. Work is the best, but it is difficult to achieve
results immediately. But existing organisations can take
initiatives, organise activities, like sport, dialogue or sha-
ring a meal. A matching centre can also be good.
• Schools should involve parents by organising dialogues,
but also by making them aware and letting them partici-
pate in the multicultural society.
=> I met someone who didn’t listen to others, but only
pointed to what they did wrong.
=> I am happy that the majority had good intentions,
wanted to understand each other and bring about
change and that gives hope.
Tsige
• Judging people based on behaviour and not on looks,
origins, etc.
• Fighting poverty, that will solve many frustrations!
• Also more youth centres/facilities, in all parts of
Amsterdam, accessible, intercultural!
• More parties! (neighbourhood), getting to know each
other through that.
• Neighbourhood activities => mixing cultures in all
neighbourhoods.
• No elitist neighbourhoods (i.e. rich vs. poor): mixing
expensive and cheap housing everywhere. Prevent ghetto-
forming, no American situations!
• Anti-bullying education at schools, work etc.
Eef
• Respect.
• The society of cultures must change, so getting to know
someone first is better than judging immediately.
• And if someone of Moroccan or Turkish origin has done
something, it is only that person, and not all of them. Not
all Moroccans and Turks are like that.
• More peace.
Imane
• Call all Amsterdammers Amsterdammers.
• Make it clear that you can only tackle convictions, also
extreme ones, with other convictions, because doing
comes after thinking.
• Keep explaining why we believe, think or do something
and if you don’t know, find out.
• Claim the space, also in the media, to be able to tell your
story; not only results and the like.
• Perpetuate the dialogue and ritualise being an
Amsterdammer.
• Ritualisation, celebrations, and yes to parties in the town
centre.
Anno
These notes were made by Amsterdammers during their
dialogue with fellow townsmen at one of the !"# tables
during the first Day of Dialogue ("! December "##$)
around the theme “Living and working in Amsterdam”.
Day of Dialogue Good ideas for Amsterdam
www.amsterdamdialoog.nl
*). .
CoolCH.Dagvandedialoog 02 24-08-2006 09:34 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
The sound of !" drums bursts through the Cape Town
gym. The youngest boys and girls start moving to the
rhythm, break-dance, freestyle. Cool airs become childlike
grins, stiff poses turn to fluent movements. Drummer
Mark Dodsworth throws in some yells: “Take res-pons-a-
bil-ity-for-life!” and “Condomise don’t compromise”.
Accompanied by the drums, the rhythmical response
echoes through the space.
Next there is role-playing: how to say “no”, how to
respond to violence, how to stick to your principles. In a
short video, the South African Bridget openly admits she
has AIDS. There is a shocked silence, even though she is
one of the #$ million cases in Southern Africa. But she
dares to admit it, which often entails instant expulsion
from the village community. In this atmosphere of secrecy
and shame, mothers with AIDS often continue to breast-
feed, because for them the thought of the neighbours
finding out is even worse than infecting their own child.
Silence and taboos can be real killers, literally. As can inertia.
During Dance!Life’s school project in South Africa, a boy is
asked what he would do if his mother came home and
announced that she had AIDS. “Me?” the boys exclaims
nervously. It is as though he really cannot imagine such a
situation, even though there are #,""" new cases of HIV
infection a day in South Africa and a number of those are
likely to occur in his township. “I would leave her,” he says
as though stating the obvious. Silence.
A much younger boy, in the back of the classroom, raises
his hand. Softly he starts to speak, but with every word
he seems to become more emotional. “Who brought you
into this world? Who fed you? Who would give her life
for you? Your mother! If she is strong enough to openly
tell you she has AIDS, then it is your turn to be there for
her!” First there is a tense silence, then a huge wave of
applause surges through the classroom. Spine-chilling.
Children and young people are perfectly capable of infor-
ming each other, especially since they often already know
the facts. They are even growing tired of the endless line
of teachers, preachers and other finger-wagging adults.
The question is whether young people get enough oppor-
tunity to break down the silence and the taboos, and whe-
ther they really support each other. How can one create a
climate in which young people around the world will take
control in the fight against a virus that affects %!,""" other
young people every day?
This text was compiled with the help of a facilitator at the
Dance!Life school project in Cape Town.
Dance4Life
www.dance4life.nl
STOP AIDS NOW! in collaboration with WPF presents: dance4Life
CoolCH.dance4life01 12-05-2006 11:09 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
The sound of !" drums bursts through the Cape Town
gym. The youngest boys and girls start moving to the
rhythm, break-dance, freestyle. Cool airs become childlike
grins, stiff poses turn to fluent movements. Drummer
Mark Dodsworth throws in some yells: “Take res-pons-a-
bil-ity-for-life!” and “Condomise don’t compromise”.
Accompanied by the drums, the rhythmical response
echoes through the space.
Next there is role-playing: how to say “no”, how to
respond to violence, how to stick to your principles. In a
short video, the South African Bridget openly admits she
has AIDS. There is a shocked silence, even though she is
one of the #$ million cases in Southern Africa. But she
dares to admit it, which often entails instant expulsion
from the village community. In this atmosphere of secrecy
and shame, mothers with AIDS often continue to breast-
feed, because for them the thought of the neighbours
finding out is even worse than infecting their own child.
Silence and taboos can be real killers, literally. As can inertia.
During Dance!Life’s school project in South Africa, a boy is
asked what he would do if his mother came home and
announced that she had AIDS. “Me?” the boys exclaims
nervously. It is as though he really cannot imagine such a
situation, even though there are #,""" new cases of HIV
infection a day in South Africa and a number of those are
likely to occur in his township. “I would leave her,” he says
as though stating the obvious. Silence.
A much younger boy, in the back of the classroom, raises
his hand. Softly he starts to speak, but with every word
he seems to become more emotional. “Who brought you
into this world? Who fed you? Who would give her life
for you? Your mother! If she is strong enough to openly
tell you she has AIDS, then it is your turn to be there for
her!” First there is a tense silence, then a huge wave of
applause surges through the classroom. Spine-chilling.
Children and young people are perfectly capable of infor-
ming each other, especially since they often already know
the facts. They are even growing tired of the endless line
of teachers, preachers and other finger-wagging adults.
The question is whether young people get enough oppor-
tunity to break down the silence and the taboos, and whe-
ther they really support each other. How can one create a
climate in which young people around the world will take
control in the fight against a virus that affects %!,""" other
young people every day?
This text was compiled with the help of a facilitator at the
Dance!Life school project in Cape Town.
Dance4Life
www.dance4life.nl
STOP AIDS NOW! in collaboration with WPF presents: dance4Life
CoolCH.dance4life01 12-05-2006 11:09 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“As a teenager I often went to the Wereldwinkel (Third
World Shop) in Bergen op Zoom where I bought Fair Trade
Original products. Today, I still sometimes go to the Fair
Trade Shop in my neighbourhood. It’s actually because of
my sister, she’s much more conscious of development pro-
blems. I sometimes still buy presents for her or for my
mum there. I like to choose practical things, that you can
use in the kitchen for instance, or music. I wouldn’t be so
tempted to buy trinkets like statuettes, I would rather
bring things like that back as a souvenir.
Personally, I am especially interested in food products on
sale in my supermarket because it’s so easy. I always go to
the same supermarket, so I am dependent on what’s on
sale there. Unfortunately, the range of Fair Trade Original
products in my branch is limited. I recently received a pepper
grinder as a present from someone. We use it a lot; it
would be great if it was also on sale at my supermarket.
And if the Fair Trade chocolate confetti is put on sale here,
I am immediately switching brands.
I do believe that you can contribute to a better world
through your purchasing behaviour. As long as more
people start doing it. That is why I find the introduction
of the products in the supermarket such a positive step.
The new packaging also helps I think, it is in any case very
recognisable. And that is the way to reach consumers like
myself. Because if they catch my eye, I am definitely willing
to try them. And if it’s good, the price doesn’t really matter
to me.
I have travelled in developing countries several times and
was confronted with the way people live and work. That’s
also why the story of the rice or cacao farmer who wants
to reap greater returns from his efforts appeals to me. But
I also find it important that the local organisation becomes
more professional, because I know that getting those
products here is quite complex. And I want to be sure that
the farmers’ profits don’t go to the export organisation.
That has to be addressed. After all, I can’t really go to get
the cacao from the farmer myself.
I really hope that the chocolate confetti will be in the shop
soon, as I eat it every day. And otherwise I just need to be
patient. We are moving soon, so that offers new chances.
I’m not going to make a detour for it, but I will definitely
keep my eyes open for Fair Trade Original products.”
Karen Sanderse, Fair Trade Original consumer in Amsterdam
Fair Trade Original
www.fairtrade.nl
Change global shopping habits
Karen Sanderse with her
daughter by the rice
section in the Albert Heijn
branch where she
always shops.
CoolCH. Fair Trade 04 24-08-2006 10:42 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“As a teenager I often went to the Wereldwinkel (Third
World Shop) in Bergen op Zoom where I bought Fair Trade
Original products. Today, I still sometimes go to the Fair
Trade Shop in my neighbourhood. It’s actually because of
my sister, she’s much more conscious of development pro-
blems. I sometimes still buy presents for her or for my
mum there. I like to choose practical things, that you can
use in the kitchen for instance, or music. I wouldn’t be so
tempted to buy trinkets like statuettes, I would rather
bring things like that back as a souvenir.
Personally, I am especially interested in food products on
sale in my supermarket because it’s so easy. I always go to
the same supermarket, so I am dependent on what’s on
sale there. Unfortunately, the range of Fair Trade Original
products in my branch is limited. I recently received a pepper
grinder as a present from someone. We use it a lot; it
would be great if it was also on sale at my supermarket.
And if the Fair Trade chocolate confetti is put on sale here,
I am immediately switching brands.
I do believe that you can contribute to a better world
through your purchasing behaviour. As long as more
people start doing it. That is why I find the introduction
of the products in the supermarket such a positive step.
The new packaging also helps I think, it is in any case very
recognisable. And that is the way to reach consumers like
myself. Because if they catch my eye, I am definitely willing
to try them. And if it’s good, the price doesn’t really matter
to me.
I have travelled in developing countries several times and
was confronted with the way people live and work. That’s
also why the story of the rice or cacao farmer who wants
to reap greater returns from his efforts appeals to me. But
I also find it important that the local organisation becomes
more professional, because I know that getting those
products here is quite complex. And I want to be sure that
the farmers’ profits don’t go to the export organisation.
That has to be addressed. After all, I can’t really go to get
the cacao from the farmer myself.
I really hope that the chocolate confetti will be in the shop
soon, as I eat it every day. And otherwise I just need to be
patient. We are moving soon, so that offers new chances.
I’m not going to make a detour for it, but I will definitely
keep my eyes open for Fair Trade Original products.”
Karen Sanderse, Fair Trade Original consumer in Amsterdam
Fair Trade Original
www.fairtrade.nl
Change global shopping habits
Karen Sanderse with her
daughter by the rice
section in the Albert Heijn
branch where she
always shops.
CoolCH. Fair Trade 04 24-08-2006 10:42 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Krisje Hunfeld (!") and Judith Martens (!#) are self-conscious,
clever and ambitious; their young lives are on track, which
is just as well, as they both work for a women’s shelter.
Every day, they are looking for ways to change their
clients’ lives for the better. Hunfeld works as an ambulato-
ry caseworker and individual care coordinator and
Martens is a project coordinator for Social Activation.
In their work, they encounter women and girls with
problems on a daily basis: either a pregnant girl of $", or
a women who is being abused by her husband. Sometimes
it is an immigrant teenager who is being threatened with
honour killing or a welfare mother who can’t cope with
raising her three children on her own. For security reasons
these women regularly spend short or longer periods in
(emergency)shelters; they also often receive help in their
own living environment. In the conversation they have
upon admission, the women discuss what they need to
get themselves back on track. As a caseworker, Hunfled
then makes every effort to make it happen. “It’s not always
easy. Their backpacks are often already pretty full of misery,
and every step in the right direction is a success,” she says.
Growing stronger
As a project coordinator for Social Activation, Martens
focuses on what comes next: making the women stronger,
so that they have less chance of getting into trouble again.
“We always work together with them to look for ways of
giving lost ambitions a new chance. This means that we
encourage the teen mum to finish school and offer the
welfare mother a course that will make raising her three
children easier. And then you see that these women, who
at first often doubt their abilities, become proud of them-
selves. It’s nice to see how enthusiastic clients become and
how much they change for the better.
This approach appeals to both professionals. “We don’t
like to just put a plaster on the wound and only focus on
the women’s problems. It is more productive to look at
what the women can do. That makes them stronger and
less vulnerable. And it makes it less likely that they will
run into trouble again. But still, these women often have
a disadvantage they can’t make up for, because of the
unfortunate circumstances they grew up and/or live in.”
Laughing
It is demanding to have to cope with so much misery on a
daily basis. “We are indeed dealing with the least pleasant
side of society,” says Hunfeld. “But one gets used to things
and you learn to put things in perspective. One has to. The
worst is when there are children involved.” Martens adds:
“While I’m quite good at letting go, those kids tend to
haunt my dreams. But honestly, it isn’t all sorrow here. We
have our laughs too – both between colleagues and with
clients!”
This piece was compiled at the Bocht, an organisation for
women's shelters and the tackling of domestic violence.
de Bocht
www.debocht.nl
“Giving lost ambitionsa chance”
CoolCH. Federatie Opvang 02 30-08-2006 14:04 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Krisje Hunfeld (!") and Judith Martens (!#) are self-conscious,
clever and ambitious; their young lives are on track, which
is just as well, as they both work for a women’s shelter.
Every day, they are looking for ways to change their
clients’ lives for the better. Hunfeld works as an ambulato-
ry caseworker and individual care coordinator and
Martens is a project coordinator for Social Activation.
In their work, they encounter women and girls with
problems on a daily basis: either a pregnant girl of $", or
a women who is being abused by her husband. Sometimes
it is an immigrant teenager who is being threatened with
honour killing or a welfare mother who can’t cope with
raising her three children on her own. For security reasons
these women regularly spend short or longer periods in
(emergency)shelters; they also often receive help in their
own living environment. In the conversation they have
upon admission, the women discuss what they need to
get themselves back on track. As a caseworker, Hunfled
then makes every effort to make it happen. “It’s not always
easy. Their backpacks are often already pretty full of misery,
and every step in the right direction is a success,” she says.
Growing stronger
As a project coordinator for Social Activation, Martens
focuses on what comes next: making the women stronger,
so that they have less chance of getting into trouble again.
“We always work together with them to look for ways of
giving lost ambitions a new chance. This means that we
encourage the teen mum to finish school and offer the
welfare mother a course that will make raising her three
children easier. And then you see that these women, who
at first often doubt their abilities, become proud of them-
selves. It’s nice to see how enthusiastic clients become and
how much they change for the better.
This approach appeals to both professionals. “We don’t
like to just put a plaster on the wound and only focus on
the women’s problems. It is more productive to look at
what the women can do. That makes them stronger and
less vulnerable. And it makes it less likely that they will
run into trouble again. But still, these women often have
a disadvantage they can’t make up for, because of the
unfortunate circumstances they grew up and/or live in.”
Laughing
It is demanding to have to cope with so much misery on a
daily basis. “We are indeed dealing with the least pleasant
side of society,” says Hunfeld. “But one gets used to things
and you learn to put things in perspective. One has to. The
worst is when there are children involved.” Martens adds:
“While I’m quite good at letting go, those kids tend to
haunt my dreams. But honestly, it isn’t all sorrow here. We
have our laughs too – both between colleagues and with
clients!”
This piece was compiled at the Bocht, an organisation for
women's shelters and the tackling of domestic violence.
de Bocht
www.debocht.nl
“Giving lost ambitionsa chance”
CoolCH. Federatie Opvang 02 30-08-2006 14:04 Pagina 2
Together with nine other colleagues, Carolyn and Kevin
make three children’s news bulletins a week. All staff is
trained in workshops that are organised by The Back Lot in
collaboration with the NOS Jeugdjournaal training course
for journalists and cameramen. Besides journalism tuition,
the training includes learning about cameras, sound, light
and editing.
In the long term, our dream is to broadcast five days a
week. We’re working on it.
Hannah Draaibaar, chief editor Tien Minuten Journaal
COOLCHARITY 32 33
On !! October !""# we started the Tien Minuten
Jeugdjournaal, a ten-minute children’s news programme.
We broadcast three times a week on the STVS and ABC
channels. A milestone! In Surinam there was no programme
like this and with this project we have joined the few
countries in the world who broadcast a news bulletin
specially for children. It gives children an own voice. We
immediately seized upon the offer that Free Voice gave
us to develop this project.
It’s the beginning of the week for Tien Minuten. We make
news for children between the ages of !" and !#. The idea
of Free Voice to set up a special news and current affairs
programme for kids in developing countries is a real
winner. The idea works: a survey carried out by the
production company, The Back Lot, shows that $! per cent
of the target group watches the news bulletins two to
three times a week. The Amsterdam-based channel AT%
also broadcasts the programme. Feedback shows that it is
very much appreciated, not just within the Surinam
community, but far beyond.
Collaborator Kevin Headley goes out every day to make
features. One topic moved him in particular: a portrait of
Kevin Fernald.
“Last year Kevin Fernald was chosen as the most promi-
sing sportsman of the year "&&'. I wanted to make a
feature about him and his sport Tae Kwondo. Together
with my colleague, we followed him for an afternoon.
What was great about the item was that his father Ivan
Fernald, an ex-Tae Kwondo champion, is his coach. The
piece also clearly showed how much he admires his father
and wants to follow in his footsteps. It was very touching,
because in Surinam you rarely see fathers doing things
with their kids.”
Carolyn has presented the Tien Minuten Jeugdjournaal
from the very beginning. For her, a day of broadcasting
looks like this:
“Wednesday morning. There’s great activity in the news-
room. Most items have already been shot, but the texts
still need to be written and the images need to be edited.
It’s already ten o’clock. I must hurry, I quickly record an
item, tell the editor that she can start editing and go off to
the hairdresser. Luckily I am no longer nervous when I
present. As long as I prepare properly, the recording goes
well. In the studio I read over the texts again. Often a few
sentences change at the last minute. Before we start,
I remind myself to simply tell the stories. Within ten
minutes it’s on tape.”
Free Voice Kids News in Surinam
www.freevoice.nl
CC.FreeVoice01 06-07-2006 12:56 Pagina 2
Together with nine other colleagues, Carolyn and Kevin
make three children’s news bulletins a week. All staff is
trained in workshops that are organised by The Back Lot in
collaboration with the NOS Jeugdjournaal training course
for journalists and cameramen. Besides journalism tuition,
the training includes learning about cameras, sound, light
and editing.
In the long term, our dream is to broadcast five days a
week. We’re working on it.
Hannah Draaibaar, chief editor Tien Minuten Journaal
COOLCHARITY 32 33
On !! October !""# we started the Tien Minuten
Jeugdjournaal, a ten-minute children’s news programme.
We broadcast three times a week on the STVS and ABC
channels. A milestone! In Surinam there was no programme
like this and with this project we have joined the few
countries in the world who broadcast a news bulletin
specially for children. It gives children an own voice. We
immediately seized upon the offer that Free Voice gave
us to develop this project.
It’s the beginning of the week for Tien Minuten. We make
news for children between the ages of !" and !#. The idea
of Free Voice to set up a special news and current affairs
programme for kids in developing countries is a real
winner. The idea works: a survey carried out by the
production company, The Back Lot, shows that $! per cent
of the target group watches the news bulletins two to
three times a week. The Amsterdam-based channel AT%
also broadcasts the programme. Feedback shows that it is
very much appreciated, not just within the Surinam
community, but far beyond.
Collaborator Kevin Headley goes out every day to make
features. One topic moved him in particular: a portrait of
Kevin Fernald.
“Last year Kevin Fernald was chosen as the most promi-
sing sportsman of the year "&&'. I wanted to make a
feature about him and his sport Tae Kwondo. Together
with my colleague, we followed him for an afternoon.
What was great about the item was that his father Ivan
Fernald, an ex-Tae Kwondo champion, is his coach. The
piece also clearly showed how much he admires his father
and wants to follow in his footsteps. It was very touching,
because in Surinam you rarely see fathers doing things
with their kids.”
Carolyn has presented the Tien Minuten Jeugdjournaal
from the very beginning. For her, a day of broadcasting
looks like this:
“Wednesday morning. There’s great activity in the news-
room. Most items have already been shot, but the texts
still need to be written and the images need to be edited.
It’s already ten o’clock. I must hurry, I quickly record an
item, tell the editor that she can start editing and go off to
the hairdresser. Luckily I am no longer nervous when I
present. As long as I prepare properly, the recording goes
well. In the studio I read over the texts again. Often a few
sentences change at the last minute. Before we start,
I remind myself to simply tell the stories. Within ten
minutes it’s on tape.”
Free Voice Kids News in Surinam
www.freevoice.nl
CC.FreeVoice01 06-07-2006 12:56 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“I have been working as a volunteer at FunCare!Kids for
two years now, organising Fun Days for children who have
a (chronically) ill or disabled family member. These
children are healthy, and from a young age they are asked
help out with household chores. Compared to other
children of the same age, they have more responsibilities.
When they can attend a Fun Day, the gratitude is very
apparent. Both the children and the parents are really
enthusiastic. It makes me realise that by giving just a little
bit of my time and experience, I can really make a difference.
“It’s wonderful to be able to contribute to a child’s happi-
ness. The smiles on the kids’ faces after a day of fun and
games give me a great feeling of satisfaction. When I see
my nephew Tim playing, I know exactly what I want to
give to the children who come to the Fun Days: the
chance to enjoy themselves without having to worry
about the situation back home.
Of course all kinds of things need to be taken care to
prepare a Fun Day. First one has to find a location and
draw up a programme that is suitable for the age group.
It’s different every time. I’ve organised a Circus Day, a
Sailing Day and a Harry Potter Day. The Circus Day is held
every year, and at the end of the day the children perform
real circus acts. The Harry Potter Day was set entirely in
the atmosphere of the first book; they even played a game
of Quidditch. These are just some of the theme days we
organise for different age groups.
“We often work with associations and companies, which
makes it very important to keep up those relationships.
We now organise five Fun Days a year and entertain
between "# and "## kids a day.”
Rob Karman
Project Manager and volunteer at FunCare!Kids
Being a carefree kid for a dayFunCare 4 Kids
www.FunCare4Kids.org
CC.FunCare4Kids 01 06-07-2006 13:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“I have been working as a volunteer at FunCare!Kids for
two years now, organising Fun Days for children who have
a (chronically) ill or disabled family member. These
children are healthy, and from a young age they are asked
help out with household chores. Compared to other
children of the same age, they have more responsibilities.
When they can attend a Fun Day, the gratitude is very
apparent. Both the children and the parents are really
enthusiastic. It makes me realise that by giving just a little
bit of my time and experience, I can really make a difference.
“It’s wonderful to be able to contribute to a child’s happi-
ness. The smiles on the kids’ faces after a day of fun and
games give me a great feeling of satisfaction. When I see
my nephew Tim playing, I know exactly what I want to
give to the children who come to the Fun Days: the
chance to enjoy themselves without having to worry
about the situation back home.
Of course all kinds of things need to be taken care to
prepare a Fun Day. First one has to find a location and
draw up a programme that is suitable for the age group.
It’s different every time. I’ve organised a Circus Day, a
Sailing Day and a Harry Potter Day. The Circus Day is held
every year, and at the end of the day the children perform
real circus acts. The Harry Potter Day was set entirely in
the atmosphere of the first book; they even played a game
of Quidditch. These are just some of the theme days we
organise for different age groups.
“We often work with associations and companies, which
makes it very important to keep up those relationships.
We now organise five Fun Days a year and entertain
between "# and "## kids a day.”
Rob Karman
Project Manager and volunteer at FunCare!Kids
Being a carefree kid for a dayFunCare 4 Kids
www.FunCare4Kids.org
CC.FunCare4Kids 01 06-07-2006 13:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“We live in an old house,” says Kristo Nushi, a member of
the Heifer farmers group in Mertish, Albania. “I have three
sons. One of them is married and lives with his wife and
children. My other sons live with us. There is such high
unemployment; no one in our family has a job with a
regular income.
“We received a cow from Heifer, and she gives us milk and
a reliable income. She’s a fantastic acquisition; thanks to
her we are never hungry anymore. This cow also feeds us
mentally. Before we joined this project, we never talked
about our options. It has helped us re-find our lust for life
and our life. Today my family and I see that we have a future.
With this cow we can once again dream about a better life
for our children.”
“Now I can look after my family.”
Koli Ciko lives with his wife and five children in Mertish.
“My family has suffered a lot,” he says. “We have five chil-
dren and they need healthy meals every day. But my wife
and I had no income and couldn’t buy food for them. My
wife has been sick for years and she was recently opera-
ted. I needed money to buy medicine and healthy food for
her. Thanks to our cow, I can now look after my wife and
children.”
“A wedding dress for my daughter!”
When the Dhima family received a Heifer cow, their grea-
test wish came true. The family lives in a building that was
used as a local storage space during the communist
regime. “We spent our whole life in poverty,” says Mrs. Lili
Dhima. “There is no work, no income and that makes it
very tough to raise three children. In this country, prices
are high and I couldn’t afford clothes and school books for
my three daughters.
“Now I can give my daughter a wedding dress, and that
has always been one of her dreams. But the cow brings
more than just money. She gives fresh milk for my chil-
dren Merisa, Erieta and Julieta. And there is enough milk
left over to sell to others. Thanks to the cow we can now
afford a more comfortable home and pay the school fees
for our children. The cow gives us the power to overcome
poverty and gives us hope for a better future.”
With this cow we can dream againHeifer
www.heifer.nl
CoolCH.Heifer 01 23-05-2006 09:45 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“We live in an old house,” says Kristo Nushi, a member of
the Heifer farmers group in Mertish, Albania. “I have three
sons. One of them is married and lives with his wife and
children. My other sons live with us. There is such high
unemployment; no one in our family has a job with a
regular income.
“We received a cow from Heifer, and she gives us milk and
a reliable income. She’s a fantastic acquisition; thanks to
her we are never hungry anymore. This cow also feeds us
mentally. Before we joined this project, we never talked
about our options. It has helped us re-find our lust for life
and our life. Today my family and I see that we have a future.
With this cow we can once again dream about a better life
for our children.”
“Now I can look after my family.”
Koli Ciko lives with his wife and five children in Mertish.
“My family has suffered a lot,” he says. “We have five chil-
dren and they need healthy meals every day. But my wife
and I had no income and couldn’t buy food for them. My
wife has been sick for years and she was recently opera-
ted. I needed money to buy medicine and healthy food for
her. Thanks to our cow, I can now look after my wife and
children.”
“A wedding dress for my daughter!”
When the Dhima family received a Heifer cow, their grea-
test wish came true. The family lives in a building that was
used as a local storage space during the communist
regime. “We spent our whole life in poverty,” says Mrs. Lili
Dhima. “There is no work, no income and that makes it
very tough to raise three children. In this country, prices
are high and I couldn’t afford clothes and school books for
my three daughters.
“Now I can give my daughter a wedding dress, and that
has always been one of her dreams. But the cow brings
more than just money. She gives fresh milk for my chil-
dren Merisa, Erieta and Julieta. And there is enough milk
left over to sell to others. Thanks to the cow we can now
afford a more comfortable home and pay the school fees
for our children. The cow gives us the power to overcome
poverty and gives us hope for a better future.”
With this cow we can dream againHeifer
www.heifer.nl
CoolCH.Heifer 01 23-05-2006 09:45 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
This is a sentence I have used many times when picking up
the phone. Since I started working as a volunteer for the
Kindertelefoon, a children’s helpline, two years ago, I have
had many phone and chat conversations with children
between the ages of ! and "!.
I started working here because I think it is really good that
there is an organisation which children can turn to if they
are worried, a place where people take children seriously
and look at a child’s perception of things. Our society is
very individualistic and everyone is constantly busy. At the
Kindertelefoon we take time to listen to the children and
to help them find a solution.
During an intensive training course I learnt how to have
conversations with children and acquired the necessary
skills. There are many facets to this. You think you see the
problem and immediately want to start solving it, but
often there is more to it. Every child experiences a
problem in a different way. By showing the children that
they can do something themselves, you also build their
confidence.
I have many different kinds of conversations and it is nice
when a child hangs up with a feeling of relief. But sometimes
it’s difficult. Bullying is a big problem for instance.
Children hope that I have a solution. I wish it were that
simple. Often they’ve already tried many things: they’ve
told their parents, but the parents say they should just
bully back. Not all children are able to do this. They’ve told
the teacher, who talks to the bully or bullies, and makes
them talk to each other, but outside school it only gets
worse. At their wit’s end, the children then phone the
Kindertelefoon. As a member of staff, you don’t want to
disappoint them, but you also know that you can’t make it
stop.
So what can you offer at such a time? By showing com-
passion and by identifying the children’s feelings, they
feel understood in a way that they often don’t elsewhere.
It’s also important to give compliments. As soon as I do
that, I can hear them cheer up a bit. I give the children
confidence and let them know that they count. Some
children are just happy to get their story of their chest,
others want solutions to reduce the bullying. First I let the
child think about what he or she would want to do and
whether this is possible. If he or she doesn’t seem to get
anywhere, I offer some possibilities. Children are always
free to determine what they feel most comfortable with.
At the end of the conversation, I compliment the children
with all the things they have come up with.
Many people say it must be really tough to work at the
Kindertelefoon. But I actually don’t think so. Of course, I
sometimes have difficult conversations, but I have learnt
to let them go. And I am also happy if a child who phones
in distress, hangs up with a sense of relief. It gives me the
feeling that this work contributes to children’s well-being.
Carolien Gravemaker, volunteer
Kindertelefoon
www.kindertelefoon.nl
“Hello, the Kindertelefoon
speaking...”
CoolCH. Kindertelefoon 01 25-07-2006 11:32 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
This is a sentence I have used many times when picking up
the phone. Since I started working as a volunteer for the
Kindertelefoon, a children’s helpline, two years ago, I have
had many phone and chat conversations with children
between the ages of ! and "!.
I started working here because I think it is really good that
there is an organisation which children can turn to if they
are worried, a place where people take children seriously
and look at a child’s perception of things. Our society is
very individualistic and everyone is constantly busy. At the
Kindertelefoon we take time to listen to the children and
to help them find a solution.
During an intensive training course I learnt how to have
conversations with children and acquired the necessary
skills. There are many facets to this. You think you see the
problem and immediately want to start solving it, but
often there is more to it. Every child experiences a
problem in a different way. By showing the children that
they can do something themselves, you also build their
confidence.
I have many different kinds of conversations and it is nice
when a child hangs up with a feeling of relief. But sometimes
it’s difficult. Bullying is a big problem for instance.
Children hope that I have a solution. I wish it were that
simple. Often they’ve already tried many things: they’ve
told their parents, but the parents say they should just
bully back. Not all children are able to do this. They’ve told
the teacher, who talks to the bully or bullies, and makes
them talk to each other, but outside school it only gets
worse. At their wit’s end, the children then phone the
Kindertelefoon. As a member of staff, you don’t want to
disappoint them, but you also know that you can’t make it
stop.
So what can you offer at such a time? By showing com-
passion and by identifying the children’s feelings, they
feel understood in a way that they often don’t elsewhere.
It’s also important to give compliments. As soon as I do
that, I can hear them cheer up a bit. I give the children
confidence and let them know that they count. Some
children are just happy to get their story of their chest,
others want solutions to reduce the bullying. First I let the
child think about what he or she would want to do and
whether this is possible. If he or she doesn’t seem to get
anywhere, I offer some possibilities. Children are always
free to determine what they feel most comfortable with.
At the end of the conversation, I compliment the children
with all the things they have come up with.
Many people say it must be really tough to work at the
Kindertelefoon. But I actually don’t think so. Of course, I
sometimes have difficult conversations, but I have learnt
to let them go. And I am also happy if a child who phones
in distress, hangs up with a sense of relief. It gives me the
feeling that this work contributes to children’s well-being.
Carolien Gravemaker, volunteer
Kindertelefoon
www.kindertelefoon.nl
“Hello, the Kindertelefoon
speaking...”
CoolCH. Kindertelefoon 01 25-07-2006 11:32 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
I walk back towards the “Vorstengraf” on the “de Hamert”
estate. The panorama near the Pikmeeuwenwater is one
of my favourite spots. It is peaceful and the ideal place to
recover after a day of intense concentration.
Our !"th anniversary celebrations have just ended and
now several groups of professionals want to see our work.
Today we had students from a German university and
representatives from the agricultural sector.
It’s hard to imagine now, but just one generation ago this
wildlife area was in danger of being developed. The previ-
ous owner had died and the heirs auctioned the vast area
of forests, moors and pools. Our foundation tried to buy
it, but a group of German farmers offered more. Het
Limburgs Landschap successfully lodged a complaint
against their development plans. The “useless” piece of
land was again put up for sale and after lengthy negoti-
ations our foundation was able to secure the estate bit by
bit. Now it is part of the National Park de Maasduinen in
North Limburg.
Securing wildlife areas through purchase and clever
management is the main task of Stichting het Limburgs
Landschap (Foundation the Limburg Landscape). Since a
group of worried Limburgers founded the organisation in
!"#!, $" nature reserves with a total surface area of %,#&&
hectares have been secured, showing that much has been
achieved in those %$ years. The protection of nature has
in the meantime been integrated into government policy.
This means that developers are confronted with limitati-
ons in certain places, which sometimes leads to aggrava-
tion on their part. At such times, communication about
long-term interests is very important.
This morning, I first talked to a group of German students
about town and country planning in the Netherlands.
Gradually people in other parts of Europe are realising
that measures need to be taken to give the economics and
ecology equal weight, and the role of a private organisation
like ours sparks interest abroad.
Afterwards I head for a meeting and excursion with a
group of agricultural leaders. Part of the agricultural lands
that are being made available in the region will be turned
into nature reserves, and farmers often regard the activ-
ities of Het Limburgs Landschap with concern. This is why
it is important to be informed about everyone’s intentions.
Farmers are going through difficult times because of eco-
nomic developments. It is good to see that even this group
understands that a place like de Hamert should not be
lost. Having nature close by is not a threat, but an oppor-
tunity. Every time I see this landscape, I am more convin-
ced of the importance of our work.
Oh, and that Vorstengraf I mentioned is a more than
#,$$$-year-old, entirely intact burial mound. This makes it
even more exciting: for #,$$$ years no one has known
what things look like in there. Speaking of long term.
Edmond Staal, staff member external relations, Stichting
het Limburgs Landschap
Het Limburgs Landschap After the party
www.limburgslandschap.nl
CoolCH.Limburgs Lanschap 01 25-07-2006 12:12 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
I walk back towards the “Vorstengraf” on the “de Hamert”
estate. The panorama near the Pikmeeuwenwater is one
of my favourite spots. It is peaceful and the ideal place to
recover after a day of intense concentration.
Our !"th anniversary celebrations have just ended and
now several groups of professionals want to see our work.
Today we had students from a German university and
representatives from the agricultural sector.
It’s hard to imagine now, but just one generation ago this
wildlife area was in danger of being developed. The previ-
ous owner had died and the heirs auctioned the vast area
of forests, moors and pools. Our foundation tried to buy
it, but a group of German farmers offered more. Het
Limburgs Landschap successfully lodged a complaint
against their development plans. The “useless” piece of
land was again put up for sale and after lengthy negoti-
ations our foundation was able to secure the estate bit by
bit. Now it is part of the National Park de Maasduinen in
North Limburg.
Securing wildlife areas through purchase and clever
management is the main task of Stichting het Limburgs
Landschap (Foundation the Limburg Landscape). Since a
group of worried Limburgers founded the organisation in
!"#!, $" nature reserves with a total surface area of %,#&&
hectares have been secured, showing that much has been
achieved in those %$ years. The protection of nature has
in the meantime been integrated into government policy.
This means that developers are confronted with limitati-
ons in certain places, which sometimes leads to aggrava-
tion on their part. At such times, communication about
long-term interests is very important.
This morning, I first talked to a group of German students
about town and country planning in the Netherlands.
Gradually people in other parts of Europe are realising
that measures need to be taken to give the economics and
ecology equal weight, and the role of a private organisation
like ours sparks interest abroad.
Afterwards I head for a meeting and excursion with a
group of agricultural leaders. Part of the agricultural lands
that are being made available in the region will be turned
into nature reserves, and farmers often regard the activ-
ities of Het Limburgs Landschap with concern. This is why
it is important to be informed about everyone’s intentions.
Farmers are going through difficult times because of eco-
nomic developments. It is good to see that even this group
understands that a place like de Hamert should not be
lost. Having nature close by is not a threat, but an oppor-
tunity. Every time I see this landscape, I am more convin-
ced of the importance of our work.
Oh, and that Vorstengraf I mentioned is a more than
#,$$$-year-old, entirely intact burial mound. This makes it
even more exciting: for #,$$$ years no one has known
what things look like in there. Speaking of long term.
Edmond Staal, staff member external relations, Stichting
het Limburgs Landschap
Het Limburgs Landschap After the party
www.limburgslandschap.nl
CoolCH.Limburgs Lanschap 01 25-07-2006 12:12 Pagina 2
In spite of this, Yanar continues her struggle. "Together
with the OWFI I am continuing to fight against the politics
in Iraq. It is absolutely unacceptable that the discrimina-
tion and repression of women is being tolerated and kept
in place in our country. Thanks to new financing from
Mama Cash, we are going to launch a radio and television
station, so that we can disseminate our message to an
even larger group. I don’t see myself in politics. I prefer
going out in the streets to talk to people and change their
mentality.”
Interview with thanks to Annie Pijnenborg.
OWFI's newsletter Al-Mousawat and other OWFI activities
were made possible thanks to a Mama Cash subsidy. Mama
Cash has supported OWFI since its foundation.
COOLCHARITY 32 33
”With the war in Iraq, police protection has weakened,
making women even more vulnerable. The new constitution
turns women into second-class citizens,” says women’s
activist Yanar Mohammed. Despite the unstable situation
in Iraq, Yanar left Canada where she had spent many
years, and returned to her homeland on her own, without
her husband and son. There she created the Organisation
of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), a radical movement
of progressive women and men who fight for the em-
powerment and protection of women.
"A friend from Baghdad told me on the phone that homes
were being looted. Everybody felt un-safe, danger lurked
on every street corner. Women were being kidnapped,
abused and raped, while their husbands were out fighting
at the front. “You have to come, Yanar,” he said. “In
Canada, I had remained an active participant in demon-
strations, but I felt I had to go back to influence and
change the situation on the ground.”
“OWFI offers shelter to women who have to escape
honour killings or domestic violence. So far, we have set
up two Women’s Shelters, where we can offer them
protection and shelter. So far we have saved !" women.
I am convinced that they would no longer be alive if they
had not taken refuge with us.”
OWFI works to empower women. “We provide training to
women’s activists to teach them how to motivate other
women to stand up for their rights. Many women in Iraq
are very religious and they often have the feeling that
their religion, politics and the economic situation are
against them. OWFI aims to make women more assertive.
We also organise conferences and demonstrations and
we publish the Al-Mousawat (Equality) newspaper.”
Yanar has become a role model for many women. How
does she deal with that? “I have often placed myself in the
spotlights, because I realise that I need the media to bring
certain topics in the public eye. I see the fact that I have
become an example for many women as a step towards
the goal I want to reach. Unfortunately, past threats mean
that I currently have to walk the streets with a body-
guard."
A Mama Cash project in IraqMama Cash
www.mamacash.org
Daily life of women in Iraq.
Yanar Mohammed
CoolCH.mamacash 01 21-06-2006 11:41 Pagina 2
In spite of this, Yanar continues her struggle. "Together
with the OWFI I am continuing to fight against the politics
in Iraq. It is absolutely unacceptable that the discrimina-
tion and repression of women is being tolerated and kept
in place in our country. Thanks to new financing from
Mama Cash, we are going to launch a radio and television
station, so that we can disseminate our message to an
even larger group. I don’t see myself in politics. I prefer
going out in the streets to talk to people and change their
mentality.”
Interview with thanks to Annie Pijnenborg.
OWFI's newsletter Al-Mousawat and other OWFI activities
were made possible thanks to a Mama Cash subsidy. Mama
Cash has supported OWFI since its foundation.
COOLCHARITY 32 33
”With the war in Iraq, police protection has weakened,
making women even more vulnerable. The new constitution
turns women into second-class citizens,” says women’s
activist Yanar Mohammed. Despite the unstable situation
in Iraq, Yanar left Canada where she had spent many
years, and returned to her homeland on her own, without
her husband and son. There she created the Organisation
of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), a radical movement
of progressive women and men who fight for the em-
powerment and protection of women.
"A friend from Baghdad told me on the phone that homes
were being looted. Everybody felt un-safe, danger lurked
on every street corner. Women were being kidnapped,
abused and raped, while their husbands were out fighting
at the front. “You have to come, Yanar,” he said. “In
Canada, I had remained an active participant in demon-
strations, but I felt I had to go back to influence and
change the situation on the ground.”
“OWFI offers shelter to women who have to escape
honour killings or domestic violence. So far, we have set
up two Women’s Shelters, where we can offer them
protection and shelter. So far we have saved !" women.
I am convinced that they would no longer be alive if they
had not taken refuge with us.”
OWFI works to empower women. “We provide training to
women’s activists to teach them how to motivate other
women to stand up for their rights. Many women in Iraq
are very religious and they often have the feeling that
their religion, politics and the economic situation are
against them. OWFI aims to make women more assertive.
We also organise conferences and demonstrations and
we publish the Al-Mousawat (Equality) newspaper.”
Yanar has become a role model for many women. How
does she deal with that? “I have often placed myself in the
spotlights, because I realise that I need the media to bring
certain topics in the public eye. I see the fact that I have
become an example for many women as a step towards
the goal I want to reach. Unfortunately, past threats mean
that I currently have to walk the streets with a body-
guard."
A Mama Cash project in IraqMama Cash
www.mamacash.org
Daily life of women in Iraq.
Yanar Mohammed
CoolCH.mamacash 01 21-06-2006 11:41 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“When Dutch Moroccans go to Morocco for holidays or a
family visit they are often confronted with the country’s
problems and the dark sides of Morocco: poverty, social
inequalities, slums, street children. Harrowing situations,
which many of them would like to do something about,”
says Ila Kasem, a Dutch Moroccan who came to Holland at
the age of three when his father came to work here.
“People would like to do something about the inequali-
ties, but back in Holland it is often difficult to do anything.
Not because people don’t want to, but simply because
they don’t know where to start.” Kasem and three other
Dutch Moroccans decided to do something about this by
creating a fund to fight poverty in Morocco.
“My parents brought money to Morocco, but only to
the family. That’s how it worked with first generation
immigrants. Things are slowly changing with the second
and third generation. They still feel a connection to their
country of origin, but they are also seeking other approa-
ches, new ways of doing something for Morocco. We are
less bound to the close family circle than the first genera-
tion was.”
In !""#, the year in which Morocco and the Netherlands
celebrated $"" years of relations, the Morocco Fund came
into being. “We wanted to create a non-religious organi-
sation, a transparent fund that was operated from the
Netherlands and that would allow Dutch Moroccans and
anyone else who has a connection to Morocco to do
something for the country.”
The Morocco Fund fights poverty and promotes sustainable
development throughout Morocco. The focal points are
education, healthcare, equal rights, clean drinking water,
culture and sport. Children, disabled people and people
living in rural environments are specifically targeted by
the projects which the fund supports.
“Those are the groups that are worst affected by poverty
and social exclusion. Thus in !""# we are supporting
a home for mentally disabled children in Berkane in
northern Morocco. It is shocking to see how few facilities
there are for the disabled in Morocco: waiting lists for
these kinds of projects are huge. This home provides $%
children with the care and attention they need.”
Another example is a centre for street children in
Casablanca. Volunteers from the organisation collect the
children from the street and provide them with shelter
and education. This gives the children a chance to work
on their future, so that they will be able to take part in
society. “These are great initiatives, and there are so many
of them in Morocco. We want to make the connection
between these organisations and Dutch Moroccans and
other Dutch people who want to contribute somehow.
Through our fund we can structurally support the positive
initiatives in Morocco from Holland.”
“We started in !""& and immediately encountered great
enthusiasm, especially among young Dutch Moroccans.
Every week we receive applications from young people who
want to volunteer for the fund or who want to do a study
placement on a project in Morocco. That is one of our goals
as wel: we don’t want to just provide financial support
to Moroccan charities, we also want to be platform for
exchange of knowledge and experience. More than
anything, it is that great involvement of young people here
that is very positive, it has a lot of potential. They want to do
something constructive, they are proud of Morocco, and
that’s great. Because Morocco is not only a country with pro-
blems, it is also a country full of beautiful and good things.
Marokko Fonds Strengthening ties betweenMorocco and Holland
www.marokkofonds.nl
CoolCH. Marokko fonds 01 06-07-2006 16:43 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“When Dutch Moroccans go to Morocco for holidays or a
family visit they are often confronted with the country’s
problems and the dark sides of Morocco: poverty, social
inequalities, slums, street children. Harrowing situations,
which many of them would like to do something about,”
says Ila Kasem, a Dutch Moroccan who came to Holland at
the age of three when his father came to work here.
“People would like to do something about the inequali-
ties, but back in Holland it is often difficult to do anything.
Not because people don’t want to, but simply because
they don’t know where to start.” Kasem and three other
Dutch Moroccans decided to do something about this by
creating a fund to fight poverty in Morocco.
“My parents brought money to Morocco, but only to
the family. That’s how it worked with first generation
immigrants. Things are slowly changing with the second
and third generation. They still feel a connection to their
country of origin, but they are also seeking other approa-
ches, new ways of doing something for Morocco. We are
less bound to the close family circle than the first genera-
tion was.”
In !""#, the year in which Morocco and the Netherlands
celebrated $"" years of relations, the Morocco Fund came
into being. “We wanted to create a non-religious organi-
sation, a transparent fund that was operated from the
Netherlands and that would allow Dutch Moroccans and
anyone else who has a connection to Morocco to do
something for the country.”
The Morocco Fund fights poverty and promotes sustainable
development throughout Morocco. The focal points are
education, healthcare, equal rights, clean drinking water,
culture and sport. Children, disabled people and people
living in rural environments are specifically targeted by
the projects which the fund supports.
“Those are the groups that are worst affected by poverty
and social exclusion. Thus in !""# we are supporting
a home for mentally disabled children in Berkane in
northern Morocco. It is shocking to see how few facilities
there are for the disabled in Morocco: waiting lists for
these kinds of projects are huge. This home provides $%
children with the care and attention they need.”
Another example is a centre for street children in
Casablanca. Volunteers from the organisation collect the
children from the street and provide them with shelter
and education. This gives the children a chance to work
on their future, so that they will be able to take part in
society. “These are great initiatives, and there are so many
of them in Morocco. We want to make the connection
between these organisations and Dutch Moroccans and
other Dutch people who want to contribute somehow.
Through our fund we can structurally support the positive
initiatives in Morocco from Holland.”
“We started in !""& and immediately encountered great
enthusiasm, especially among young Dutch Moroccans.
Every week we receive applications from young people who
want to volunteer for the fund or who want to do a study
placement on a project in Morocco. That is one of our goals
as wel: we don’t want to just provide financial support
to Moroccan charities, we also want to be platform for
exchange of knowledge and experience. More than
anything, it is that great involvement of young people here
that is very positive, it has a lot of potential. They want to do
something constructive, they are proud of Morocco, and
that’s great. Because Morocco is not only a country with pro-
blems, it is also a country full of beautiful and good things.
Marokko Fonds Strengthening ties betweenMorocco and Holland
www.marokkofonds.nl
CoolCH. Marokko fonds 01 06-07-2006 16:43 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“Did you know that the genes of the orang-utan and the
human are for !" percent identical?” says Chris Zegers, the
ambassador of the Stichting Monkey Business, which
campaigns to preserve the habitat of the endangered
orang-utan. “Maybe that’s why I feel so attracted to these
beautiful, playful and tremendously strong animals.”
When did he discover that he really wanted to help these
threatened animals? “I was standing in the rainforest in
Borneo, where I had come to film orang-utans, and I was
surrounded by a large open space that had once been
overgrown with tropical greenery. It was so confrontational
to see this in reality instead of on TV. I had travelled across
the world and even here, in this natural environment,
it wasn’t possible to let the orang-utan live in the wild.
It really affected me.”
This is why, when Chris was asked to become an ambassador
for the Stichting Monkey Business three years ago, he
immediately accepted. “I consider myself lucky that I can
travel a lot and that I see beautiful places as part of my job.
In Borneo I realised that if we don’t do anything, we soon
won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of nature anymore.”
Every day, two football fields worth of tropical rainforest
are cut down in Sumatra to create oil palm tree plantations.
The palm oil that is extracted from the trees is used in
countless food and cosmetic products. The orang-utan is
rapidly losing his habitat through the felling of trees. If
this continues at the same rate, there will be no tropical
rainforest left in ten years and the orang-utan will be
extinct.
“Sometimes it can be discouraging, but that doesn’t get
you anywhere. I believe in having a positive attitude!”
That is why Monkey Business organises parties, at which
they raise awareness and raise funds for the orang-utan.
“There is always a special atmosphere at these events,
because so many great people, famous bands and DJs are
willing to work selflessly and for free to make it a good
party to protect the orang-utan.”
With the money it collects, Monkey Business supports the
Sumatran Conservation Programme (SOCP). The organisation
offers shelter to orang-utans who have been driven from
their habitat, abused in the illegal animal trade or whose
parents have been killed. The animals are placed in a
rehabilitation programme after which they are released in
a protected nature reserve in the south of Sumatra.
“From the beginning, I felt very involved with Monkey
Business. It’s a nice organisation, with a pioneer mentality.
It’s a group of creative, dedicated people who enthusias-
tically work together towards a cause they believe in. This
positive attitude appeals to me. Contributing to a better
world and at the same time having a nice time, is an ideal
combination for reaching out to young people. That’s
why it doesn’t cost me any energy to work for Monkey
Business; on the contrary, it gives me energy.”
Monkey Business Save the orang-utan and thetropical rainforest
www.saveme.nl
CoolCH. Monkey Business 02 28-08-2006 17:31 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“Did you know that the genes of the orang-utan and the
human are for !" percent identical?” says Chris Zegers, the
ambassador of the Stichting Monkey Business, which
campaigns to preserve the habitat of the endangered
orang-utan. “Maybe that’s why I feel so attracted to these
beautiful, playful and tremendously strong animals.”
When did he discover that he really wanted to help these
threatened animals? “I was standing in the rainforest in
Borneo, where I had come to film orang-utans, and I was
surrounded by a large open space that had once been
overgrown with tropical greenery. It was so confrontational
to see this in reality instead of on TV. I had travelled across
the world and even here, in this natural environment,
it wasn’t possible to let the orang-utan live in the wild.
It really affected me.”
This is why, when Chris was asked to become an ambassador
for the Stichting Monkey Business three years ago, he
immediately accepted. “I consider myself lucky that I can
travel a lot and that I see beautiful places as part of my job.
In Borneo I realised that if we don’t do anything, we soon
won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of nature anymore.”
Every day, two football fields worth of tropical rainforest
are cut down in Sumatra to create oil palm tree plantations.
The palm oil that is extracted from the trees is used in
countless food and cosmetic products. The orang-utan is
rapidly losing his habitat through the felling of trees. If
this continues at the same rate, there will be no tropical
rainforest left in ten years and the orang-utan will be
extinct.
“Sometimes it can be discouraging, but that doesn’t get
you anywhere. I believe in having a positive attitude!”
That is why Monkey Business organises parties, at which
they raise awareness and raise funds for the orang-utan.
“There is always a special atmosphere at these events,
because so many great people, famous bands and DJs are
willing to work selflessly and for free to make it a good
party to protect the orang-utan.”
With the money it collects, Monkey Business supports the
Sumatran Conservation Programme (SOCP). The organisation
offers shelter to orang-utans who have been driven from
their habitat, abused in the illegal animal trade or whose
parents have been killed. The animals are placed in a
rehabilitation programme after which they are released in
a protected nature reserve in the south of Sumatra.
“From the beginning, I felt very involved with Monkey
Business. It’s a nice organisation, with a pioneer mentality.
It’s a group of creative, dedicated people who enthusias-
tically work together towards a cause they believe in. This
positive attitude appeals to me. Contributing to a better
world and at the same time having a nice time, is an ideal
combination for reaching out to young people. That’s
why it doesn’t cost me any energy to work for Monkey
Business; on the contrary, it gives me energy.”
Monkey Business Save the orang-utan and thetropical rainforest
www.saveme.nl
CoolCH. Monkey Business 02 28-08-2006 17:31 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Founded by two experienced Dutch entrepreneurs in
!""#, NOTS approaches development aid from a business
point of view by encouraging and supporting small busi-
ness development and educational projects in develo-
ping countries.
NOTS stands for “Not One the Same”, embodying the orga-
nisation’s vision of development aid and the funding of
projects: every individual and every problem is different
and therefore no single solution can be the same. Both the
investors and the recipients of support have different aspi-
rations and different needs, and NOTS therefore aims to
cater to these individual requirements on a case-by-case
basis.
NOTS invests in business and education projects in
Argentina, Bolivia, Kenya, Ghana and India. Examples of
projects that benefit from NOTS support include a shelter
for street children in Hyderabad in India, a business
training programme for HIV-infected women in Kenya and
a local radio station in Bolivia that provides farmers with
information on the market prices of their crops and other
data that can increase their productivity.
NOTS forms direct and personal connections between
investors – as NOTS sponsors are known – and projects.
Investors can pick and choose the project they want
to support. Through quarterly updates, investors are
informed about the evolution of their projects and the
way their money is being spent.
“NOTS is like a facilitator that helps business people invest
in development in an entrepreneurial manner,” explains
NOTS co-founder, Bart Hartman. “Depending on their
needs, we identify suitable investments for them. This
can vary from a large investment in a business – almost
like ‘adopting’ a business – to smaller investments in a
micro-credit fund. Some people don’t want to just invest
money, they are also keen to invest time; to go on
location and work on a certain project. In this case, we can
put them in touch with local projects and companies. And
some entrepreneurs from the developed world are keen
to produce a limited edition of one of their products, with
a percentage of the revenues going to a NOTS project.”
A recent example of this form of investment was the
production of designer watches that are now for sale on a
dedicated website, www.notswatches.com. With !" euros
of the sale going to a NOTS project, buyers visiting the web-
site can select not just the model and design of their watch,
but also the project they want their !" euros to go to.
By giving people in the developing world the means and
skills to become productive members of their community,
NOTS in the long term aims to enable them to become
self-sufficient and independent of donations.
With thanks to Bart Hartman, a co-founder of NOTS
Enterprising development aidNOTS
www.nots.nl
CoolCH.NOTS 01 16-06-2006 09:11 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Founded by two experienced Dutch entrepreneurs in
!""#, NOTS approaches development aid from a business
point of view by encouraging and supporting small busi-
ness development and educational projects in develo-
ping countries.
NOTS stands for “Not One the Same”, embodying the orga-
nisation’s vision of development aid and the funding of
projects: every individual and every problem is different
and therefore no single solution can be the same. Both the
investors and the recipients of support have different aspi-
rations and different needs, and NOTS therefore aims to
cater to these individual requirements on a case-by-case
basis.
NOTS invests in business and education projects in
Argentina, Bolivia, Kenya, Ghana and India. Examples of
projects that benefit from NOTS support include a shelter
for street children in Hyderabad in India, a business
training programme for HIV-infected women in Kenya and
a local radio station in Bolivia that provides farmers with
information on the market prices of their crops and other
data that can increase their productivity.
NOTS forms direct and personal connections between
investors – as NOTS sponsors are known – and projects.
Investors can pick and choose the project they want
to support. Through quarterly updates, investors are
informed about the evolution of their projects and the
way their money is being spent.
“NOTS is like a facilitator that helps business people invest
in development in an entrepreneurial manner,” explains
NOTS co-founder, Bart Hartman. “Depending on their
needs, we identify suitable investments for them. This
can vary from a large investment in a business – almost
like ‘adopting’ a business – to smaller investments in a
micro-credit fund. Some people don’t want to just invest
money, they are also keen to invest time; to go on
location and work on a certain project. In this case, we can
put them in touch with local projects and companies. And
some entrepreneurs from the developed world are keen
to produce a limited edition of one of their products, with
a percentage of the revenues going to a NOTS project.”
A recent example of this form of investment was the
production of designer watches that are now for sale on a
dedicated website, www.notswatches.com. With !" euros
of the sale going to a NOTS project, buyers visiting the web-
site can select not just the model and design of their watch,
but also the project they want their !" euros to go to.
By giving people in the developing world the means and
skills to become productive members of their community,
NOTS in the long term aims to enable them to become
self-sufficient and independent of donations.
With thanks to Bart Hartman, a co-founder of NOTS
Enterprising development aidNOTS
www.nots.nl
CoolCH.NOTS 01 16-06-2006 09:11 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
"My struggle for press freedom in Liberia nearly cost me
my life several times. I was imprisoned; I was shot and
our office was set on fire. But I nevertheless returned to
my home country. The decision was difficult. But I just
had to come back; there is so much to be done still.”
After living in exile in the Netherlands for eight years,
oneMen pioneer Tom Kamara successfully launched
the paper version of the only independent Liberian news-
paper, the New Democrat, on !" March #$$%. In the last
few years, security fears meant the paper only published
its news reports on the internet. The paper’s objective
news reporting wasn’t to the liking of the Taylor regime.
Ex-president Taylor prevented journalists from doing their
work and drove them to flee the country.
“Being back in Liberia is completely different than I had
imagined. It was a shock to find that my country was
so badly devastated. The capital doesn’t even have basic
facilities, like paved roads and electricity. In such circum-
stances it is a huge challenge to publish a newspaper. My
aim is to make the New Democrat play a leading role
in the transition to democracy in Liberia. During the
elections last year, we published extra editions.
I am pleased that there is hope for restoration in my country.
Press freedom has been re-established, in theory in any
case, because it is striking that the New Democrat is the
only paper that makes use of this newly acquired freedom.
All the other papers are connected to politicians and are
far from objective. There is a great need for reliable infor-
mation, also in the rural areas, where people are cut off
from the news sources. That’s why we make sure that our
paper is also distributed outside the capital.
Despite the fragile beginnings of peace, I am still often
scared. If you write the truth in Africa, you get into trouble.
I have already been threatened several times. In the
evenings after work, I go home as quickly as I can. There
are still many Taylor henchmen around, who are not too
pleased with my critical pen. Some people say I am mad
and believe that I am risking my life. But thanks to the
support of many, I find the force to carry on.”
oneMen
www.onemen.org
‘More than once they tried to kill me. I am not a soldier.
I am not a criminal. I am a journalist.’
CoolCH.OneMen 01 23-05-2006 09:54 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
"My struggle for press freedom in Liberia nearly cost me
my life several times. I was imprisoned; I was shot and
our office was set on fire. But I nevertheless returned to
my home country. The decision was difficult. But I just
had to come back; there is so much to be done still.”
After living in exile in the Netherlands for eight years,
oneMen pioneer Tom Kamara successfully launched
the paper version of the only independent Liberian news-
paper, the New Democrat, on !" March #$$%. In the last
few years, security fears meant the paper only published
its news reports on the internet. The paper’s objective
news reporting wasn’t to the liking of the Taylor regime.
Ex-president Taylor prevented journalists from doing their
work and drove them to flee the country.
“Being back in Liberia is completely different than I had
imagined. It was a shock to find that my country was
so badly devastated. The capital doesn’t even have basic
facilities, like paved roads and electricity. In such circum-
stances it is a huge challenge to publish a newspaper. My
aim is to make the New Democrat play a leading role
in the transition to democracy in Liberia. During the
elections last year, we published extra editions.
I am pleased that there is hope for restoration in my country.
Press freedom has been re-established, in theory in any
case, because it is striking that the New Democrat is the
only paper that makes use of this newly acquired freedom.
All the other papers are connected to politicians and are
far from objective. There is a great need for reliable infor-
mation, also in the rural areas, where people are cut off
from the news sources. That’s why we make sure that our
paper is also distributed outside the capital.
Despite the fragile beginnings of peace, I am still often
scared. If you write the truth in Africa, you get into trouble.
I have already been threatened several times. In the
evenings after work, I go home as quickly as I can. There
are still many Taylor henchmen around, who are not too
pleased with my critical pen. Some people say I am mad
and believe that I am risking my life. But thanks to the
support of many, I find the force to carry on.”
oneMen
www.onemen.org
‘More than once they tried to kill me. I am not a soldier.
I am not a criminal. I am a journalist.’
CoolCH.OneMen 01 23-05-2006 09:54 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
When I think back to it, I get a warm feeling inside – the
atmosphere that day was so special… I was working in a
small hospital in Soweto and we were expecting our first
visit from Baba Sylla, John Kattenberg and Stef Bakker
from Orange Babies. Luckily they were just as nervous as
we were.
The small hospital ward was crowded; that morning more
mothers with HIV had come in to give birth. I told them
that a Dutch group was coming and that they worked in
fashion. I didn’t know exactly what they did, but we orga-
nised a surprise fashion show. I had given the women
beautifully coloured slings and drawn red hearts on their
round bellies. Our guests really got the show of their lives.
Up till today, those women are still so grateful because
they received medicine to save their babies. If you are
infected and use the medicine during pregnancy, there is
a big chance that the child will be born healthy. But until
then, there had been no money to pay for medicine.
But the AIDS problem cannot be solved simply through
medicine that stops babies from getting infected. It is a
much broader problem that is deep-rooted in society, in
South Africa’s social norms and in the way people believe
they should treat each other. One day a woman came into
the hospital. She had been kicked and beaten, her back
was black and blue. That’s what happens when you tell
your family you have HIV: you are disowned.
When you see that, you consider yourself lucky, though I
haven’t been spared myself. My dearest wish was to see
my daughter grow up. When I was pregnant with her nine
years ago, I suddenly fell ill and had to be rushed to hos-
pital. That’s where they told me I had AIDS.
The doctor talked to me about HIV and AIDS for hours on
end, but all I was interested in was my child. At the time
there was no artificial breast milk yet, and I asked the doc-
tor whether I should stop breast-feeding. But he said I
might as well carry on, because it was too late anyway. I
continued to breast-feed because otherwise my baby
would have gone hungry. But I also knew I was killing my
baby.
How can you forget something like that? It’s impossible.
The simple question of why anyone should have to
endure such grief, leaves you feeling paralysed and
helpless. So much has changed now, and today we can
help mothers. And besides medicine, there is something
else that helps you survive: hope. Hope generates the
energy to fight. I have found the courage to make some-
thing of my life, probably because there are still so many
women who can’t say the same.
Florence Ngobeni works at the Chris Hani Baragwanath
Hospital in Soweto. She gives counselling and lectures on
HIV and AIDS around the world. In !""# she lost her
daughter to the illness with which she has to live every
day.
Giving mothers new hopeOrange Babies
www.orangebabies.com
CoolCH. Orange Babies 01 09-06-2006 15:29 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
When I think back to it, I get a warm feeling inside – the
atmosphere that day was so special… I was working in a
small hospital in Soweto and we were expecting our first
visit from Baba Sylla, John Kattenberg and Stef Bakker
from Orange Babies. Luckily they were just as nervous as
we were.
The small hospital ward was crowded; that morning more
mothers with HIV had come in to give birth. I told them
that a Dutch group was coming and that they worked in
fashion. I didn’t know exactly what they did, but we orga-
nised a surprise fashion show. I had given the women
beautifully coloured slings and drawn red hearts on their
round bellies. Our guests really got the show of their lives.
Up till today, those women are still so grateful because
they received medicine to save their babies. If you are
infected and use the medicine during pregnancy, there is
a big chance that the child will be born healthy. But until
then, there had been no money to pay for medicine.
But the AIDS problem cannot be solved simply through
medicine that stops babies from getting infected. It is a
much broader problem that is deep-rooted in society, in
South Africa’s social norms and in the way people believe
they should treat each other. One day a woman came into
the hospital. She had been kicked and beaten, her back
was black and blue. That’s what happens when you tell
your family you have HIV: you are disowned.
When you see that, you consider yourself lucky, though I
haven’t been spared myself. My dearest wish was to see
my daughter grow up. When I was pregnant with her nine
years ago, I suddenly fell ill and had to be rushed to hos-
pital. That’s where they told me I had AIDS.
The doctor talked to me about HIV and AIDS for hours on
end, but all I was interested in was my child. At the time
there was no artificial breast milk yet, and I asked the doc-
tor whether I should stop breast-feeding. But he said I
might as well carry on, because it was too late anyway. I
continued to breast-feed because otherwise my baby
would have gone hungry. But I also knew I was killing my
baby.
How can you forget something like that? It’s impossible.
The simple question of why anyone should have to
endure such grief, leaves you feeling paralysed and
helpless. So much has changed now, and today we can
help mothers. And besides medicine, there is something
else that helps you survive: hope. Hope generates the
energy to fight. I have found the courage to make some-
thing of my life, probably because there are still so many
women who can’t say the same.
Florence Ngobeni works at the Chris Hani Baragwanath
Hospital in Soweto. She gives counselling and lectures on
HIV and AIDS around the world. In !""# she lost her
daughter to the illness with which she has to live every
day.
Giving mothers new hopeOrange Babies
www.orangebabies.com
CoolCH. Orange Babies 01 09-06-2006 15:29 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“In !""# I bought an e-ticket to Peru – a few clicks that
were to change my life, though I could never have guessed
to what extent. I found the country fascinating and at the
same time the poverty made a deep impression on me. I
was particularly struck by the number of children with unt-
reated harelips. Apparently in Peru many children have
birth defects such as harelips, spina bifida (split spine) or
clubfeet. There is a variety of reasons for the
prevalence of these defects, including genetic factors and
social circumstances such as large families and unbalan-
ced diets.
If you are born with a harelip in Holland, it isn’t problem
from a medical point of view, as everyone is insured.
Sufferers are operated and receive aftercare if necessary.
In a country like Peru things are different. More than $%
per cent of the population is not insured.
In the past six years I have often thought: what have I
embarked on? The prejudices in the Netherlands and the
difficult situation in Peru can really affect your motivation.
But when I see the joy in the eyes of the children after they
have been operated, or when I hear that they are going
back to school, I know why I am doing this.
Sometimes I don’t understand those armchair philo-
sophers who maintain that development aid doesn’t
make a difference. People say it’s just a drop in the ocean,
but every drop is a drop, and many drops make a sea. We
have operated more than !,"#$ children in Peru.
And we haven’t reached our goal yet. The next step is the
realisation of a long-held dream to create our own chil-
dren’s revalidation hospital. This would offer a sustainable
solution for coming generations, as we would be better
equipped to train local doctors and nurses ourselves,
increase the number of operations and offer even better
care. Thanks to the &,''' square metres of land donated
by the town of Paucarpata this dream is now being turned
into reality.
Marjan van Mourik
Improving healthcare in PeruPAZ-Holandesa
www.pazholandesa.nl
CoolCH. PazHol 01 06-06-2006 13:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“In !""# I bought an e-ticket to Peru – a few clicks that
were to change my life, though I could never have guessed
to what extent. I found the country fascinating and at the
same time the poverty made a deep impression on me. I
was particularly struck by the number of children with unt-
reated harelips. Apparently in Peru many children have
birth defects such as harelips, spina bifida (split spine) or
clubfeet. There is a variety of reasons for the
prevalence of these defects, including genetic factors and
social circumstances such as large families and unbalan-
ced diets.
If you are born with a harelip in Holland, it isn’t problem
from a medical point of view, as everyone is insured.
Sufferers are operated and receive aftercare if necessary.
In a country like Peru things are different. More than $%
per cent of the population is not insured.
In the past six years I have often thought: what have I
embarked on? The prejudices in the Netherlands and the
difficult situation in Peru can really affect your motivation.
But when I see the joy in the eyes of the children after they
have been operated, or when I hear that they are going
back to school, I know why I am doing this.
Sometimes I don’t understand those armchair philo-
sophers who maintain that development aid doesn’t
make a difference. People say it’s just a drop in the ocean,
but every drop is a drop, and many drops make a sea. We
have operated more than !,"#$ children in Peru.
And we haven’t reached our goal yet. The next step is the
realisation of a long-held dream to create our own chil-
dren’s revalidation hospital. This would offer a sustainable
solution for coming generations, as we would be better
equipped to train local doctors and nurses ourselves,
increase the number of operations and offer even better
care. Thanks to the &,''' square metres of land donated
by the town of Paucarpata this dream is now being turned
into reality.
Marjan van Mourik
Improving healthcare in PeruPAZ-Holandesa
www.pazholandesa.nl
CoolCH. PazHol 01 06-06-2006 13:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
I'm tired; I got to bed at !am. As I shut my eyes, I can still
see the camera flashes and hear the cries of the press.
Images of last night collide with those of the last six
years, of when I began my journey. Yesterday we held the
premiere, in America, of Peace One Day, the documenta-
ry that drove the world to create a Peace Day with a fixed
calendar date. The work of countless incredible volun-
teers over these years has paid off and I am travelling
around the world with the film to promote awareness of
the day. Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller were there to
announce their backing of the project and it worked.
They've helped forge relationships for the next stage of
my journey - a new film, about continuing to raise aware-
ness of Peace Day - !" September.
It's great that so many celebrities want to use their status
to help raise awareness of Peace Day, but I also recognise
how many people helped me over the past few years, who
stay anonymous but are vital to Peace One Day's success.
It's a wonderful feeling that we all share the same dream.
It's now !."#am and I'm on my way to UN HQ for this
year's Peace Day ceremony. Once through security, I stroll
down the walkway towards the peace garden. It's a beau-
tiful day, blue sky, still and yet strange. The last time I did
this was $$ September %##$. I had arrived early for the
ceremony planned for that morning in which Secretary
General Kofi Annan was to ring the peace bell and
announce the creation of a United Nations' day of global
ceasefire and non-violence, fixed in the calendar as %$
September annually – Peace Day. But that never happe-
ned. The planes hit and the proceedings were cancelled.
This year feels like a cycle completed. I'm standing beside
Michael Douglas and a small group of others as Secretary
General Kofi Annan begins his speech. I think about the
journey that brought Peace Day into existence… What
happened on $$ September %##$ only strengthened my
belief in how much we need this day and it made me even
more determined to make sure that the day works.
This year Kofi Annan did ring the bell for Peace Day: a day
of global unity, of intercultural cooperation, a day where
we celebrate our common desire for a more peaceful
world. It seems obvious to me that the time has come for
the world to be united. Global unity is only possible when
we all become a part of a move towards such a vision and
%$ September is the starting point. What will it eventually
create? We have no idea. But one thing is certain, it is con-
structive, empowering and a step forward towards a uni-
ted world.
Furthermore, this day has immense practical applications.
When I originally conceived of this day I wanted it to be an
opportunity for ceasefire, and I'm working hard to help
make that a reality for the next year's Peace Day. As
Secretary-General Kofi Annan said to me "Individuals can
make a difference and if each of us does our bit, collecti-
vely we can make a major contribution."
What a great message.
Jeremy Gilley, Founder, Peace One Day
Peace One Day
www.peaceoneday.org
CoolCH.Peaceoneday 01 04-07-2006 06:37 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
I'm tired; I got to bed at !am. As I shut my eyes, I can still
see the camera flashes and hear the cries of the press.
Images of last night collide with those of the last six
years, of when I began my journey. Yesterday we held the
premiere, in America, of Peace One Day, the documenta-
ry that drove the world to create a Peace Day with a fixed
calendar date. The work of countless incredible volun-
teers over these years has paid off and I am travelling
around the world with the film to promote awareness of
the day. Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller were there to
announce their backing of the project and it worked.
They've helped forge relationships for the next stage of
my journey - a new film, about continuing to raise aware-
ness of Peace Day - !" September.
It's great that so many celebrities want to use their status
to help raise awareness of Peace Day, but I also recognise
how many people helped me over the past few years, who
stay anonymous but are vital to Peace One Day's success.
It's a wonderful feeling that we all share the same dream.
It's now !."#am and I'm on my way to UN HQ for this
year's Peace Day ceremony. Once through security, I stroll
down the walkway towards the peace garden. It's a beau-
tiful day, blue sky, still and yet strange. The last time I did
this was $$ September %##$. I had arrived early for the
ceremony planned for that morning in which Secretary
General Kofi Annan was to ring the peace bell and
announce the creation of a United Nations' day of global
ceasefire and non-violence, fixed in the calendar as %$
September annually – Peace Day. But that never happe-
ned. The planes hit and the proceedings were cancelled.
This year feels like a cycle completed. I'm standing beside
Michael Douglas and a small group of others as Secretary
General Kofi Annan begins his speech. I think about the
journey that brought Peace Day into existence… What
happened on $$ September %##$ only strengthened my
belief in how much we need this day and it made me even
more determined to make sure that the day works.
This year Kofi Annan did ring the bell for Peace Day: a day
of global unity, of intercultural cooperation, a day where
we celebrate our common desire for a more peaceful
world. It seems obvious to me that the time has come for
the world to be united. Global unity is only possible when
we all become a part of a move towards such a vision and
%$ September is the starting point. What will it eventually
create? We have no idea. But one thing is certain, it is con-
structive, empowering and a step forward towards a uni-
ted world.
Furthermore, this day has immense practical applications.
When I originally conceived of this day I wanted it to be an
opportunity for ceasefire, and I'm working hard to help
make that a reality for the next year's Peace Day. As
Secretary-General Kofi Annan said to me "Individuals can
make a difference and if each of us does our bit, collecti-
vely we can make a major contribution."
What a great message.
Jeremy Gilley, Founder, Peace One Day
Peace One Day
www.peaceoneday.org
CoolCH.Peaceoneday 01 04-07-2006 06:37 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Warmth
By now Kimberly is “clean”. “It was wonderful when
Kimberly was declared cancer free. But we knew that it
was not over yet. The medicine, the chemotherapy and
radiotherapy have long-lasting after-effects. It’s still like a
little time bomb she has to live with. Our life has changed
a lot through Kimberly’s illness. You live in constant fear.
We try to spend as much time as possible with the
children now. It’s reassuring to know that we will never
need to leave our daughter alone. If she ends up in
hospital again, we know that we can find a warm home
near Kimberly: the Ronald McDonald House.”
Ronald Mc Donald Kinderfonds
www.kinderfonds.nl
Ronald McDonald House: A home away
from homeThe Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds offers support to
families who have a sick or disabled child. Today there
are !" Ronald McDonald Houses in the Netherlands –
three of which are under development – where families
with ill children can come and stay. Other Kinderfonds
projects give sick or disabled children a chance to play, do
sports or go on holiday with their parents. The Kosten
family from Goes, Zeeland looks back on a stay in the
Ronald McDonald House Rotterdam.
In !""!, Eric and Miranda’s daughter Kimberly Kosten (#)
was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumour. It was
the beginning of a difficult time for the family. From one
day to the next, your daughter is transformed from a
cheery, playful little girl to a critically ill child who is
fighting for her life. “As a mother you feel something is
wrong,” says Miranda Kosten. Eric continues: “In the end we
learnt that Kimberly had a tumour behind her cerebellum.
It was a slap in the face for us. Our world fell apart for a
moment. Never in my life have I felt so much fear.”
“It took seven heavy chemo treatments and $! radio-
therapy treatments to save Kimberly’s life,” remembers
Miranda. “It’s surprising how cheerful and energetic
Kimberly still was during much of it. Things were looking
really bad for her. We were so happy when it became clear
that the chemotherapy was having an effect.”
Ray of hope
During Kimberly’s hospitalisation, the Kosten family stayed
in the Ronald McDonald House Rotterdam for more than
nine months. Eric comments: “I’ll never forget how we
walked into the Rotterdam House for the first time, dazed
by all the emotions. The way the volunteers welcomed us
was amazing. At that moment the Ronald McDonald
House was the only ray of hope in our lives. Over time it
has really become our second home.” Miranda adds: “The
home’s management and the volunteers were an enor-
mous support to us. You don’t have to explain anything.
They understand the situation you are in.”
“The Ronald McDonald House is really important when
your child is ill and far from home,” Eric says. “It was our
saviour. I don’t think we would have gotten through it
otherwise. Your whole life is affected: your relationship,
taking care of our son Ricardo, keeping the house clean.
Now we could still have a more or less normal family life
in spite of everything. Thanks to our stay in the Ronald
McDonald House we got through this difficult period.”
CoolCH. RonaldMCDonald 03La 23-08-2006 14:59 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Warmth
By now Kimberly is “clean”. “It was wonderful when
Kimberly was declared cancer free. But we knew that it
was not over yet. The medicine, the chemotherapy and
radiotherapy have long-lasting after-effects. It’s still like a
little time bomb she has to live with. Our life has changed
a lot through Kimberly’s illness. You live in constant fear.
We try to spend as much time as possible with the
children now. It’s reassuring to know that we will never
need to leave our daughter alone. If she ends up in
hospital again, we know that we can find a warm home
near Kimberly: the Ronald McDonald House.”
Ronald Mc Donald Kinderfonds
www.kinderfonds.nl
Ronald McDonald House: A home away
from homeThe Ronald McDonald Kinderfonds offers support to
families who have a sick or disabled child. Today there
are !" Ronald McDonald Houses in the Netherlands –
three of which are under development – where families
with ill children can come and stay. Other Kinderfonds
projects give sick or disabled children a chance to play, do
sports or go on holiday with their parents. The Kosten
family from Goes, Zeeland looks back on a stay in the
Ronald McDonald House Rotterdam.
In !""!, Eric and Miranda’s daughter Kimberly Kosten (#)
was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumour. It was
the beginning of a difficult time for the family. From one
day to the next, your daughter is transformed from a
cheery, playful little girl to a critically ill child who is
fighting for her life. “As a mother you feel something is
wrong,” says Miranda Kosten. Eric continues: “In the end we
learnt that Kimberly had a tumour behind her cerebellum.
It was a slap in the face for us. Our world fell apart for a
moment. Never in my life have I felt so much fear.”
“It took seven heavy chemo treatments and $! radio-
therapy treatments to save Kimberly’s life,” remembers
Miranda. “It’s surprising how cheerful and energetic
Kimberly still was during much of it. Things were looking
really bad for her. We were so happy when it became clear
that the chemotherapy was having an effect.”
Ray of hope
During Kimberly’s hospitalisation, the Kosten family stayed
in the Ronald McDonald House Rotterdam for more than
nine months. Eric comments: “I’ll never forget how we
walked into the Rotterdam House for the first time, dazed
by all the emotions. The way the volunteers welcomed us
was amazing. At that moment the Ronald McDonald
House was the only ray of hope in our lives. Over time it
has really become our second home.” Miranda adds: “The
home’s management and the volunteers were an enor-
mous support to us. You don’t have to explain anything.
They understand the situation you are in.”
“The Ronald McDonald House is really important when
your child is ill and far from home,” Eric says. “It was our
saviour. I don’t think we would have gotten through it
otherwise. Your whole life is affected: your relationship,
taking care of our son Ricardo, keeping the house clean.
Now we could still have a more or less normal family life
in spite of everything. Thanks to our stay in the Ronald
McDonald House we got through this difficult period.”
CoolCH. RonaldMCDonald 03La 23-08-2006 14:59 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Created in the Netherlands in !""#, the Clean Clothes
Campaign aims to improve working conditions in the
garment and sportswear industries around the world and
increase awareness of labour laws and the work
environment.
The campaign is supported by many thousands of individ-
uals and hundreds of organisations in nine countries. Over
the years, it has generated widespread public awareness
about the poor working conditions in the garment industry
and the role of multinational companies in perpetuating
these situations. Consumers today are increasingly con-
cerned about fair trade and decent working conditions for
employees in the fashion industry.
The campaign works on different levels. It reaches out to
consumers and informs them about the poor working
conditions in clothing and sportswear factories around
the world. Through campaigns, debates and publications,
consumers are encouraged to voice their concern to
companies and governments by writing letters.
In the countries where production takes place, the Clean
Clothes Campaign has built up relations with a range of
unions and NGOs that provide information about working
conditions. Together they discuss strategies to improve
conditions with the help of workers’ unions. The
campaign also puts pressure on companies to respect
the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) labour
conventions.
The combination of letter-writing and lobbying has over
the years delivered results. Major sports brands such as
adidas, Nike, Reebok and PUMA have now signed codes
of conduct which specify the maximum number of
work hours and give workers the right to set up unions
and workers’ collectives to defend their rights. The multi-
nationals have also joined the Fair Labour Association, a
multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to develop a more
systematic approach to code implementation, monitor-
ing and verification. ILO reports also show that child
labour has decreased and that safety standards have
improved in many factories.
At the same time, there is still a lot to be done. “We hear
reports of improvements, but it is very difficult to verify
these claims. There is a lack of transparency in the chain
of production which means that work from the large
factories is now often outsourced to illegal sweatshops
with terrible work conditions,” explains Jeroen Merk,
working at the Dutch secretariat of the Clean Clothes
Campaign.
“Still, if you compare the situation today to how it was
ten years ago, you can definitely see improvements,
especially with the larger brands like Nike, PUMA and
adidas. The fact that they have joined the Fair Labour
Association and that they are involved in discussions with
unions, means that it is easier to effect change. They have
realised that consultation with workers can also benefit
their company.
“Among the general public too, there is more awareness
about the poor work conditions in sweatshops in coun-
tries like Indonesia and Mexico. When people start massi-
vely writing letters and emails to a company like PUMA, it
has an effect. Thanks to anti-sweatshop campaigns, many
consumers today want to know that their clothes are
produced under decent conditions. To them it is just as
important as the price and quality of a product.”
Thanks to Jeroen Merk, Dutch secretariat of the Clean
Clothes Campaign
Fighting for workers rightsSKK
www.schonekleren.nl
CoolCH.SKK 02 24-08-2006 11:04 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Created in the Netherlands in !""#, the Clean Clothes
Campaign aims to improve working conditions in the
garment and sportswear industries around the world and
increase awareness of labour laws and the work
environment.
The campaign is supported by many thousands of individ-
uals and hundreds of organisations in nine countries. Over
the years, it has generated widespread public awareness
about the poor working conditions in the garment industry
and the role of multinational companies in perpetuating
these situations. Consumers today are increasingly con-
cerned about fair trade and decent working conditions for
employees in the fashion industry.
The campaign works on different levels. It reaches out to
consumers and informs them about the poor working
conditions in clothing and sportswear factories around
the world. Through campaigns, debates and publications,
consumers are encouraged to voice their concern to
companies and governments by writing letters.
In the countries where production takes place, the Clean
Clothes Campaign has built up relations with a range of
unions and NGOs that provide information about working
conditions. Together they discuss strategies to improve
conditions with the help of workers’ unions. The
campaign also puts pressure on companies to respect
the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) labour
conventions.
The combination of letter-writing and lobbying has over
the years delivered results. Major sports brands such as
adidas, Nike, Reebok and PUMA have now signed codes
of conduct which specify the maximum number of
work hours and give workers the right to set up unions
and workers’ collectives to defend their rights. The multi-
nationals have also joined the Fair Labour Association, a
multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to develop a more
systematic approach to code implementation, monitor-
ing and verification. ILO reports also show that child
labour has decreased and that safety standards have
improved in many factories.
At the same time, there is still a lot to be done. “We hear
reports of improvements, but it is very difficult to verify
these claims. There is a lack of transparency in the chain
of production which means that work from the large
factories is now often outsourced to illegal sweatshops
with terrible work conditions,” explains Jeroen Merk,
working at the Dutch secretariat of the Clean Clothes
Campaign.
“Still, if you compare the situation today to how it was
ten years ago, you can definitely see improvements,
especially with the larger brands like Nike, PUMA and
adidas. The fact that they have joined the Fair Labour
Association and that they are involved in discussions with
unions, means that it is easier to effect change. They have
realised that consultation with workers can also benefit
their company.
“Among the general public too, there is more awareness
about the poor work conditions in sweatshops in coun-
tries like Indonesia and Mexico. When people start massi-
vely writing letters and emails to a company like PUMA, it
has an effect. Thanks to anti-sweatshop campaigns, many
consumers today want to know that their clothes are
produced under decent conditions. To them it is just as
important as the price and quality of a product.”
Thanks to Jeroen Merk, Dutch secretariat of the Clean
Clothes Campaign
Fighting for workers rightsSKK
www.schonekleren.nl
CoolCH.SKK 02 24-08-2006 11:04 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
My name is Anita Tete. I am from a small village called
Bhijadhi in the state of Jharkhand, India. I am the eldest of
seven children and when I was !", my father, who was the
breadwinner of the family, got tuberculosis and I had to
start working to support my family. I left for Mumbai in
search of employment. Through a friend I found a job as a
domestic worker, which I did for three years. I worked
from ":#$ am until !!:#$ pm, washing clothes, cooking
and cleaning the house.
During this time, I heard that Vandana Public Welfare
Foundation was conducting counselling and motivating
sessions on how to become a para teacher. I attended this
programme and immediately enrolled with them to
attend the teacher training course. It was nine-month
course, where I learnt mathematics, Hindi, English, com-
munity health care and vocational training courses. After
completing the course, I got a job as a para teacher and
now I earn %#&' rupees ((' euros) a month. From being a
domestic worker, I have become a skilled worker. Back
home, my family’s situation has also improved. I sincerely
thank Vandana Public Welfare Foundation and Seva
Network Foundation for their support. Without their help,
this wouldn’t have happened to me.
“Now I can finally use a computer”“I was so happy when I heard there would be a cyber café
and a library here. When it actually happened, I immedia-
tely registered as a volunteer. Together with some other
girls I work in the library two days a week and we meet a
lot of people. I really like it. I also followed a course and
now I can finally use a computer. I know how to put texts
in a word-processing programme, how to save, copy and
so on. Soon there will be follow-up courses and I will defi-
nitely join. We’re all so happy with the cyber café and the
library which were set up thanks to Seva. I feel I spend my
free time usefully and pleasantly. Usefully, because I have
learned so many new skills effortlessly. I’ve also noticed
that I have an easier at time at school. The whole idea of
‘learning’ suddenly doesn’t seem so daunting. I used to
find it a nuisance. Now there seems to be nothing to it.”
Sharla Gahar, first-grade advanced elementary education
in Uitkijk, Suriname
Sharla is a volunteer in the library at the Educational
Centre “de Uitkijk”. On ) April &$$" a pilot project was
launched here with the help of Seva to buy furniture and
computers, and to set up a cyber café.
“In the end we will see that the direct relationship
between people and groups of people has better results,
not just in terms of development and poverty reduction,
but especially in terms of human dignity. People prefer to
live in poverty than to be treated without dignity. Seva
fights poverty without harming people’s dignity.”
Anil Ramdas, journalist, director of De Balie and member of
the Seva recommending committee
Seva Network Foundation
www.sevanetwork.net
“I have become a skilled worker”
CC SeVa 02 24-08-2006 16:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
My name is Anita Tete. I am from a small village called
Bhijadhi in the state of Jharkhand, India. I am the eldest of
seven children and when I was !", my father, who was the
breadwinner of the family, got tuberculosis and I had to
start working to support my family. I left for Mumbai in
search of employment. Through a friend I found a job as a
domestic worker, which I did for three years. I worked
from ":#$ am until !!:#$ pm, washing clothes, cooking
and cleaning the house.
During this time, I heard that Vandana Public Welfare
Foundation was conducting counselling and motivating
sessions on how to become a para teacher. I attended this
programme and immediately enrolled with them to
attend the teacher training course. It was nine-month
course, where I learnt mathematics, Hindi, English, com-
munity health care and vocational training courses. After
completing the course, I got a job as a para teacher and
now I earn %#&' rupees ((' euros) a month. From being a
domestic worker, I have become a skilled worker. Back
home, my family’s situation has also improved. I sincerely
thank Vandana Public Welfare Foundation and Seva
Network Foundation for their support. Without their help,
this wouldn’t have happened to me.
“Now I can finally use a computer”“I was so happy when I heard there would be a cyber café
and a library here. When it actually happened, I immedia-
tely registered as a volunteer. Together with some other
girls I work in the library two days a week and we meet a
lot of people. I really like it. I also followed a course and
now I can finally use a computer. I know how to put texts
in a word-processing programme, how to save, copy and
so on. Soon there will be follow-up courses and I will defi-
nitely join. We’re all so happy with the cyber café and the
library which were set up thanks to Seva. I feel I spend my
free time usefully and pleasantly. Usefully, because I have
learned so many new skills effortlessly. I’ve also noticed
that I have an easier at time at school. The whole idea of
‘learning’ suddenly doesn’t seem so daunting. I used to
find it a nuisance. Now there seems to be nothing to it.”
Sharla Gahar, first-grade advanced elementary education
in Uitkijk, Suriname
Sharla is a volunteer in the library at the Educational
Centre “de Uitkijk”. On ) April &$$" a pilot project was
launched here with the help of Seva to buy furniture and
computers, and to set up a cyber café.
“In the end we will see that the direct relationship
between people and groups of people has better results,
not just in terms of development and poverty reduction,
but especially in terms of human dignity. People prefer to
live in poverty than to be treated without dignity. Seva
fights poverty without harming people’s dignity.”
Anil Ramdas, journalist, director of De Balie and member of
the Seva recommending committee
Seva Network Foundation
www.sevanetwork.net
“I have become a skilled worker”
CC SeVa 02 24-08-2006 16:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 26 27
Dutch photographer Adriaan Backer, !", is travelling
around the world with a single mission: to reveal the true
face of the silent assassin, AIDS, and to break down the
taboos and silence surrounding the HIV virus. Many of his
photos were made in Hillbrow, a neighbourhood that is
considered to be the “cesspit of Africa”.
This is where the poorest of the poor live: the unem-
ployed, refugees from other parts of Africa, drug and
alcohol addicts and countless AIDS orphans who have no
relatives anymore and who have come to Johannesburg in
search of help or a job. They are met by gangsters, who
force both boys and girls into prostitution. The child pro-
stitutes get many clients because with its many hotels
Hillbrow is one of the most important stopover points for
South Africans when they are travelling. The consequence
is that the children get HIV/AIDS and subsequently infect
thousands of travellers, who in turn spread the virus
throughout the country. Adriaan’s camera tells the story
of the children, but also of the hopeful initiatives sur-
rounding them.
Every evening, the Twilight Children shelter opens its
doors for street children. In their “bakkie” – the South
African term for pick-up truck – staff drive around to dis-
tribute food and !#,### condoms a month, while at the
same time talking to traumatised children.
In her tiny home, Oma Morphese looks after $" children of
AIDS patients. Morphese has taken the children in because
she does not want them to end up on the streets and fall
into the hands of the prostitution criminals. But if you
knock on Oma Morphese’s door late at night, there is a big
chance the door will not be opened, because there are $"
matrasses blocking the front door.
STOP AIDS NOW! helps Oma Morphese, Twilight Children
and many other AIDS projects in developing countries
through counselling, the support of AIDS orphans, caring
for the sick, providing affordable medication or the devel-
opment of a vaccine. AIDS needs to be fought on all fronts,
because it is rapidly turning into the greatest disaster that
has ever threatened the global community.
With thanks to Adriaan Backer
United in the fight against AIDSSTOP AIDS NOW!
www.stopaidsnow.nl
CoolCH.Stopaidsnow 01 23-05-2006 10:15 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 26 27
Dutch photographer Adriaan Backer, !", is travelling
around the world with a single mission: to reveal the true
face of the silent assassin, AIDS, and to break down the
taboos and silence surrounding the HIV virus. Many of his
photos were made in Hillbrow, a neighbourhood that is
considered to be the “cesspit of Africa”.
This is where the poorest of the poor live: the unem-
ployed, refugees from other parts of Africa, drug and
alcohol addicts and countless AIDS orphans who have no
relatives anymore and who have come to Johannesburg in
search of help or a job. They are met by gangsters, who
force both boys and girls into prostitution. The child pro-
stitutes get many clients because with its many hotels
Hillbrow is one of the most important stopover points for
South Africans when they are travelling. The consequence
is that the children get HIV/AIDS and subsequently infect
thousands of travellers, who in turn spread the virus
throughout the country. Adriaan’s camera tells the story
of the children, but also of the hopeful initiatives sur-
rounding them.
Every evening, the Twilight Children shelter opens its
doors for street children. In their “bakkie” – the South
African term for pick-up truck – staff drive around to dis-
tribute food and !#,### condoms a month, while at the
same time talking to traumatised children.
In her tiny home, Oma Morphese looks after $" children of
AIDS patients. Morphese has taken the children in because
she does not want them to end up on the streets and fall
into the hands of the prostitution criminals. But if you
knock on Oma Morphese’s door late at night, there is a big
chance the door will not be opened, because there are $"
matrasses blocking the front door.
STOP AIDS NOW! helps Oma Morphese, Twilight Children
and many other AIDS projects in developing countries
through counselling, the support of AIDS orphans, caring
for the sick, providing affordable medication or the devel-
opment of a vaccine. AIDS needs to be fought on all fronts,
because it is rapidly turning into the greatest disaster that
has ever threatened the global community.
With thanks to Adriaan Backer
United in the fight against AIDSSTOP AIDS NOW!
www.stopaidsnow.nl
CoolCH.Stopaidsnow 01 23-05-2006 10:15 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“I had expected that I would need more time to adapt
when I arrived in Kenya, but it wasn’t so bad. As I work
for Yacht, a recruitment agency for professional temps, I
am used to being the ‘new kid on the block’, and living up
to expectations. The diversity of projects and organisa-
tions I work with, and the different levels at which I
interact, mean that I quickly feel at home within an
organisation. It’s the same here.
My role is to advise the directors of the Eldoret Diocese
about the future of their orthopaedic workshop. The
Diocese offers housing to disabled children in a number of
small care homes. Their orthopaedic workshop is the only
productive and well-organised workshop in the whole
region. They make mobility aids such as crutches, wheel-
chairs and artificial legs. Originally these were only meant
for the children in the homes, but today they are also used
by other people with a disability. The Diocese wants the
workshop to become self-sufficient. They can develop the
capacity but they can’t raise the prices because the custo-
mers can’t afford to pay more. That means that the work-
shop needs to raise funds or find donors. An interesting
period!
I am learning to listen again, especially to the things that
are said –and not said– between the lines. Communication
is very important and it is interesting to experience how
subtle it can be. Here I really have to be alert when people
are talking. I have to take the time to first talk about
personal things and only then talk about business. Things
like that are also useful back home. By building up more
personal relationships with colleagues, it is easier to
obtain results later on.
Someone once told me that you get to know your own
culture best by experiencing another culture. It’s the same
when it comes to yourself and your attitude to life. At
home I have a comfortable social network. Here I’m on my
own. I’m getting to know a different side of myself,
because the people here demand different skills and beha-
viour from me than at home. I believe everyone can benefit
from taking a step back for a while, and looking at them-
selves and their culture from a distance. It makes me
conscious of my strengths and weaknesses.
I am glad that I decided to do this and would recommend
it to others. It’s really cool to share my knowledge and
experience with people in a less developed country. It’s
great to discuss different insights and show people diffe-
rent ways of thinking and acting. They learn from me, but
I learn just as much from them. And it’s also really nice to
work in another country for a while and see your own way
of working from a different perspective.
Elwin Wolters, interim professional at Yacht, working in
Kenya for half a year with the international development
organisation VSO. Yacht is part of Randstad Holding nv.
Randstad Holding has a partnership with VSO since !""#
“I am learning to really listen again!”VSO
www.vso.nl
www.randstad.com/vso
CoolCH.VSO 02 06-07-2006 10:00 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“I had expected that I would need more time to adapt
when I arrived in Kenya, but it wasn’t so bad. As I work
for Yacht, a recruitment agency for professional temps, I
am used to being the ‘new kid on the block’, and living up
to expectations. The diversity of projects and organisa-
tions I work with, and the different levels at which I
interact, mean that I quickly feel at home within an
organisation. It’s the same here.
My role is to advise the directors of the Eldoret Diocese
about the future of their orthopaedic workshop. The
Diocese offers housing to disabled children in a number of
small care homes. Their orthopaedic workshop is the only
productive and well-organised workshop in the whole
region. They make mobility aids such as crutches, wheel-
chairs and artificial legs. Originally these were only meant
for the children in the homes, but today they are also used
by other people with a disability. The Diocese wants the
workshop to become self-sufficient. They can develop the
capacity but they can’t raise the prices because the custo-
mers can’t afford to pay more. That means that the work-
shop needs to raise funds or find donors. An interesting
period!
I am learning to listen again, especially to the things that
are said –and not said– between the lines. Communication
is very important and it is interesting to experience how
subtle it can be. Here I really have to be alert when people
are talking. I have to take the time to first talk about
personal things and only then talk about business. Things
like that are also useful back home. By building up more
personal relationships with colleagues, it is easier to
obtain results later on.
Someone once told me that you get to know your own
culture best by experiencing another culture. It’s the same
when it comes to yourself and your attitude to life. At
home I have a comfortable social network. Here I’m on my
own. I’m getting to know a different side of myself,
because the people here demand different skills and beha-
viour from me than at home. I believe everyone can benefit
from taking a step back for a while, and looking at them-
selves and their culture from a distance. It makes me
conscious of my strengths and weaknesses.
I am glad that I decided to do this and would recommend
it to others. It’s really cool to share my knowledge and
experience with people in a less developed country. It’s
great to discuss different insights and show people diffe-
rent ways of thinking and acting. They learn from me, but
I learn just as much from them. And it’s also really nice to
work in another country for a while and see your own way
of working from a different perspective.
Elwin Wolters, interim professional at Yacht, working in
Kenya for half a year with the international development
organisation VSO. Yacht is part of Randstad Holding nv.
Randstad Holding has a partnership with VSO since !""#
“I am learning to really listen again!”VSO
www.vso.nl
www.randstad.com/vso
CoolCH.VSO 02 06-07-2006 10:00 Pagina 2
33
And then she was on her own.
Viktorija, !", was born in a small Kosovan village of #$$
inhabitants. Eleven years ago during the war, the village
was attacked. Only %# villagers survived. Viktorija witnes-
sed the bloody killings and saw her father, mother and
two brothers, but also her neighbours and many playma-
tes being murdered. She never found her best friend
Barbara again. Her father was the only one she spoke to
before he died.
Viktorija still lives in Kosovo. She is one of the many chil-
dren who experienced the horrors of the Balkan war.
Driven away from her home and with no family, she was
able to survive with the help of a former neighbour. But
surviving is not the same as living. Viktorija suffered from
the delayed effects of the traumatising events she witnes-
sed. As time went by, she was increasingly affected by
severe panic attacks and depression. She hardly dared
going to sleep because she had nightmares, gruesome
images from the past that haunted her sleep and caused
her to wake up screaming. Viktorija needed psychological
help to learn to live again.
Child psychologist Dr. Anica Mikus Kos has devoted herself
entirely to children like Viktorija. She is the driving force
behind a local aid organisation in Slovenia. With pro-
fessional and financial support from the War Trauma
Foundation, she has launched a training programme,
which allowed for the psychological counseling of thou-
sands of traumatised schoolchildren in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Since its creation "$$ teachers have been trained to recog-
nise trauma and provide basic help. Through schools
around !$,$$$ children and teenagers, and nearly &,$$$
adults have received help.
As a Jew, Anica Kos was herself a victim of persecution as
a young girl during WWII. Writing in a publication that
was produced with the War Trauma Foundation as a result
of the project and that is today used for trauma care in
various conflict zones, she says: “My life experiences have
shaped my views on what can be done to empower chil-
dren affected by wars and social adversities, and what can
be done to stimulate the healing process. As school is
central in a child’s life and also the most important space
outside the family home, I have concentrated mainly
on that environment. All involved can benefit: children,
families and teachers.”
Viktorija is one of the schoolchildren who benefited from
Anica Kos’ trauma training programme. When she told
her story in bits and pieces to her teacher, it became clear
that it was the first time she had talked about it. Since
then Viktorija hasn’t really changed: she is still an earnest
girl. But her stepsister Renata knows that Viktorija no
longer wakes up screaming in the middle of the night.
New faith in life and in the people around her have ba-
nished her fears, nightmares and depressions. Viktorija
can dream again, of a future without war.
Viktorija is not on her own. Around the world there are
millions of girls, boys and adults who are traumatised by
the violence of war and terror, for example in Congo,
Afghanistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Beslan and East-
Timor. That is why the War Trauma Foundation enables aid
in the treatment of these traumatised victims of war, ter-
ror and organised violenced. Anywhere in the world.
WTF “I said to him:‘Daddy, I love you. I’ll see you in heaven.’
COOLCHARITY 32
www.wartrauma.nl
CoolCH.War Trauma Foundation 01 28-08-2006 14:31 Pagina 2
33
And then she was on her own.
Viktorija, !", was born in a small Kosovan village of #$$
inhabitants. Eleven years ago during the war, the village
was attacked. Only %# villagers survived. Viktorija witnes-
sed the bloody killings and saw her father, mother and
two brothers, but also her neighbours and many playma-
tes being murdered. She never found her best friend
Barbara again. Her father was the only one she spoke to
before he died.
Viktorija still lives in Kosovo. She is one of the many chil-
dren who experienced the horrors of the Balkan war.
Driven away from her home and with no family, she was
able to survive with the help of a former neighbour. But
surviving is not the same as living. Viktorija suffered from
the delayed effects of the traumatising events she witnes-
sed. As time went by, she was increasingly affected by
severe panic attacks and depression. She hardly dared
going to sleep because she had nightmares, gruesome
images from the past that haunted her sleep and caused
her to wake up screaming. Viktorija needed psychological
help to learn to live again.
Child psychologist Dr. Anica Mikus Kos has devoted herself
entirely to children like Viktorija. She is the driving force
behind a local aid organisation in Slovenia. With pro-
fessional and financial support from the War Trauma
Foundation, she has launched a training programme,
which allowed for the psychological counseling of thou-
sands of traumatised schoolchildren in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Since its creation "$$ teachers have been trained to recog-
nise trauma and provide basic help. Through schools
around !$,$$$ children and teenagers, and nearly &,$$$
adults have received help.
As a Jew, Anica Kos was herself a victim of persecution as
a young girl during WWII. Writing in a publication that
was produced with the War Trauma Foundation as a result
of the project and that is today used for trauma care in
various conflict zones, she says: “My life experiences have
shaped my views on what can be done to empower chil-
dren affected by wars and social adversities, and what can
be done to stimulate the healing process. As school is
central in a child’s life and also the most important space
outside the family home, I have concentrated mainly
on that environment. All involved can benefit: children,
families and teachers.”
Viktorija is one of the schoolchildren who benefited from
Anica Kos’ trauma training programme. When she told
her story in bits and pieces to her teacher, it became clear
that it was the first time she had talked about it. Since
then Viktorija hasn’t really changed: she is still an earnest
girl. But her stepsister Renata knows that Viktorija no
longer wakes up screaming in the middle of the night.
New faith in life and in the people around her have ba-
nished her fears, nightmares and depressions. Viktorija
can dream again, of a future without war.
Viktorija is not on her own. Around the world there are
millions of girls, boys and adults who are traumatised by
the violence of war and terror, for example in Congo,
Afghanistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Beslan and East-
Timor. That is why the War Trauma Foundation enables aid
in the treatment of these traumatised victims of war, ter-
ror and organised violenced. Anywhere in the world.
WTF “I said to him:‘Daddy, I love you. I’ll see you in heaven.’
COOLCHARITY 32
www.wartrauma.nl
CoolCH.War Trauma Foundation 01 28-08-2006 14:31 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“Are you also fed up with this pointless violence? I am star-
ting a campaign! A campaign for life. Yesterday I created a
foundation dedicated to the fight against violence and the
blurring of moral standards, both mental and physical, on
the street and at home, on a national and international
level.”
These were the opening lines of my first press release on
behalf of the Stichting TegenZinloosGeweld (Foundation
AgainstPointlessViolence). I launched the foundation on a
gut feeling on !! September "##$ after the death of
Meindert Tjoelker from Leeuwarden. On his stag night (of
all nights!) four men beat him up so badly that he died of
the injuries. All he had done was ask his attackers to leave
a couple of bikes alone. Police officer Kees Bangma called
upon the nation to observe a one-minute silence, a sign of
respect that was massively observed throughout the coun-
try. But for me it wasn’t enough; I believe that when it
comes to aggression and violence, there should be better
and more substantial communication. Communication
that can elicit a change in mentalities, raise awareness and
thus bring about a change in behaviour.
That is why I created the StichtingTegenZinloosGeweld, a
foundation that identifies with a positive symbol: the
ladybird. It is a symbol of love and tenderness, a symbol
against aggression and violence. It brings luck and some-
times, who knows, change.
The more people rally around this symbol, the louder our
voice becomes. More and more people are following the
example of others, are being inspired, and each individu-
al tries to contribute in his own way to build a society with
less bullying, aggression and violence.
Let everyone hear that it will no longer be tolerated. The
victims will hear us and know that they are not on their
own. I believe that the solution for aggression and violen-
ce lies in prevention and education. The continued goal-
oriented initiatives are designed to bring about a structural
change in mentalities, so that the children of today will in
future not have to file past the latest victim and think that
aggression and violence are normal and that they should
be taken for granted.
Bart Wisbrun
Initiator Landelijke StichtingTegenZinloosGeweld (National
Foundation AgainstPointlessViolence)
Sweet song
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdCome sit on my handWalk around and feel freeGo from hand to hand
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdYou stand for love and happinessFor wishes and for existenceAnd if you want to go againFly away.. or I will blow you awayBe free wherever you are
I think you are beautiful, I think you are sweetShow off your dots, your red wingsYou are against pointless violenceMy little creature, my little friend, my heroYou help, for all those in sorrowYou give hope, you represent moreShow yourself, again... and again
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdCome sit on my handWalk around and feel freeGo from hand to hand
You give a signal, a clear messageStop aggression and violenceSweet little ladybirdYou are my hero
I think you are beautiful, I think you are sweetShow off your dots, your red wingsYou are against pointless violenceMy little creature, my little friend, my heroYou help, for all those in sorrowYou give hope, you represent moreShow yourself….
I think you are beautiful, I think you are sweetShow off your dots, your red wingsYou are against pointless violenceMy little creature, my little friend, my heroYou help, for all those in sorrowYou give hope, you represent moreShow yourself, again... and again
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdCome sit on my handWalk around and feel freeGo from hand to hand
Hi little ladybirdGo from hand to land
StichtingTegenZinloosGeweld
www.zinloosgeweld.nl
“To whoever feels concerned…”
CoolCH.ZinloosGeweld 01 20-06-2006 12:07 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
“Are you also fed up with this pointless violence? I am star-
ting a campaign! A campaign for life. Yesterday I created a
foundation dedicated to the fight against violence and the
blurring of moral standards, both mental and physical, on
the street and at home, on a national and international
level.”
These were the opening lines of my first press release on
behalf of the Stichting TegenZinloosGeweld (Foundation
AgainstPointlessViolence). I launched the foundation on a
gut feeling on !! September "##$ after the death of
Meindert Tjoelker from Leeuwarden. On his stag night (of
all nights!) four men beat him up so badly that he died of
the injuries. All he had done was ask his attackers to leave
a couple of bikes alone. Police officer Kees Bangma called
upon the nation to observe a one-minute silence, a sign of
respect that was massively observed throughout the coun-
try. But for me it wasn’t enough; I believe that when it
comes to aggression and violence, there should be better
and more substantial communication. Communication
that can elicit a change in mentalities, raise awareness and
thus bring about a change in behaviour.
That is why I created the StichtingTegenZinloosGeweld, a
foundation that identifies with a positive symbol: the
ladybird. It is a symbol of love and tenderness, a symbol
against aggression and violence. It brings luck and some-
times, who knows, change.
The more people rally around this symbol, the louder our
voice becomes. More and more people are following the
example of others, are being inspired, and each individu-
al tries to contribute in his own way to build a society with
less bullying, aggression and violence.
Let everyone hear that it will no longer be tolerated. The
victims will hear us and know that they are not on their
own. I believe that the solution for aggression and violen-
ce lies in prevention and education. The continued goal-
oriented initiatives are designed to bring about a structural
change in mentalities, so that the children of today will in
future not have to file past the latest victim and think that
aggression and violence are normal and that they should
be taken for granted.
Bart Wisbrun
Initiator Landelijke StichtingTegenZinloosGeweld (National
Foundation AgainstPointlessViolence)
Sweet song
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdCome sit on my handWalk around and feel freeGo from hand to hand
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdYou stand for love and happinessFor wishes and for existenceAnd if you want to go againFly away.. or I will blow you awayBe free wherever you are
I think you are beautiful, I think you are sweetShow off your dots, your red wingsYou are against pointless violenceMy little creature, my little friend, my heroYou help, for all those in sorrowYou give hope, you represent moreShow yourself, again... and again
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdCome sit on my handWalk around and feel freeGo from hand to hand
You give a signal, a clear messageStop aggression and violenceSweet little ladybirdYou are my hero
I think you are beautiful, I think you are sweetShow off your dots, your red wingsYou are against pointless violenceMy little creature, my little friend, my heroYou help, for all those in sorrowYou give hope, you represent moreShow yourself….
I think you are beautiful, I think you are sweetShow off your dots, your red wingsYou are against pointless violenceMy little creature, my little friend, my heroYou help, for all those in sorrowYou give hope, you represent moreShow yourself, again... and again
Hi sweet little creatureSweet little ladybirdCome sit on my handWalk around and feel freeGo from hand to hand
Hi little ladybirdGo from hand to land
StichtingTegenZinloosGeweld
www.zinloosgeweld.nl
“To whoever feels concerned…”
CoolCH.ZinloosGeweld 01 20-06-2006 12:07 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Z vendor Frank Gaby “I started selling Z two months ago.
I do it to support myself, as I don’t get anything from the
council. I spent !" years working for Unilever at a perfume
company. When I left, I even got a gold watch for my hard
work. But the government changed the policy for “witte
illegalen” (illegal immigrants who have worked for six
consecutive years in the Netherlands) and that is why I’m
now waiting for the legal verdict. I am originally from
Ghana and they want me to go back there. I am #" years
old and when I turn $# I will be allowed to come back to
collect my pension. But I don’t want to go to Ghana, I
don’t have anything there anymore. In the meantime, I am
earning some money through the sales of the homeless
paper which allows me to support myself. I also meet new
people through it. Customers are really nice to me, they
even sometimes buy me some food. I am all the time
making new contacts.”
Z vendor Maurice “I started selling the homeless paper
two years ago. Before that I was begging in front of shops
because I had lost my job. I was fired after a merger
between ZAO and Agis; according to the judge it was my
own fault. It meant I couldn’t pay my rent anymore and I
ended up in the street. The people who first saw me beg-
ging, are happy that I am now selling the paper, as I used
to get police fines for begging. I sell the paper by the
Albert Heijn on the Overtoom and I usually manage to sell
about %"" papers a week. I work an average of six days a
week, and can organise my own time. Old friends who see
me now say that I am much more cheerful and happy.”
Z vendor Harald “For me, selling the homeless newspaper
was a way of surviving. I started in %&&# when the paper
had only just been founded. I am from Germany.
Relational problems and the fact that I was declared unfit
to do my job made me come to Holland. I thought I would
be able to find work here, in the flower bulb industry…
unfortunately, I didn’t. In the beginning it was tough,
people didn’t know the paper yet. I heard that some peop-
le thought that the vendors were Jehovah’s Witnesses,
and vendors had to explain that they were homeless and
couldn’t get a job. Now everyone knows. Many customers
buy the paper to help me, I have lots of nice customers
who are concerned about me. I have lived on the street,
slept under bridges, in a tent and sometimes in small
rooms if I could afford them. After a while, I was able to
buy myself a caravan. Now I’m engaged and I’ve moved in
with my girlfriend Ada. We are happy together and we can
live off her pension and the money I make from the sales
of the newspaper.”
Making new contacts all the timeZ-Magazine
www.zmagazine.nl
CoolCH.z-magazine01 09-05-2006 09:51 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Z vendor Frank Gaby “I started selling Z two months ago.
I do it to support myself, as I don’t get anything from the
council. I spent !" years working for Unilever at a perfume
company. When I left, I even got a gold watch for my hard
work. But the government changed the policy for “witte
illegalen” (illegal immigrants who have worked for six
consecutive years in the Netherlands) and that is why I’m
now waiting for the legal verdict. I am originally from
Ghana and they want me to go back there. I am #" years
old and when I turn $# I will be allowed to come back to
collect my pension. But I don’t want to go to Ghana, I
don’t have anything there anymore. In the meantime, I am
earning some money through the sales of the homeless
paper which allows me to support myself. I also meet new
people through it. Customers are really nice to me, they
even sometimes buy me some food. I am all the time
making new contacts.”
Z vendor Maurice “I started selling the homeless paper
two years ago. Before that I was begging in front of shops
because I had lost my job. I was fired after a merger
between ZAO and Agis; according to the judge it was my
own fault. It meant I couldn’t pay my rent anymore and I
ended up in the street. The people who first saw me beg-
ging, are happy that I am now selling the paper, as I used
to get police fines for begging. I sell the paper by the
Albert Heijn on the Overtoom and I usually manage to sell
about %"" papers a week. I work an average of six days a
week, and can organise my own time. Old friends who see
me now say that I am much more cheerful and happy.”
Z vendor Harald “For me, selling the homeless newspaper
was a way of surviving. I started in %&&# when the paper
had only just been founded. I am from Germany.
Relational problems and the fact that I was declared unfit
to do my job made me come to Holland. I thought I would
be able to find work here, in the flower bulb industry…
unfortunately, I didn’t. In the beginning it was tough,
people didn’t know the paper yet. I heard that some peop-
le thought that the vendors were Jehovah’s Witnesses,
and vendors had to explain that they were homeless and
couldn’t get a job. Now everyone knows. Many customers
buy the paper to help me, I have lots of nice customers
who are concerned about me. I have lived on the street,
slept under bridges, in a tent and sometimes in small
rooms if I could afford them. After a while, I was able to
buy myself a caravan. Now I’m engaged and I’ve moved in
with my girlfriend Ada. We are happy together and we can
live off her pension and the money I make from the sales
of the newspaper.”
Making new contacts all the timeZ-Magazine
www.zmagazine.nl
CoolCH.z-magazine01 09-05-2006 09:51 Pagina 2
Ripley would like to introduce herself
I am a real shepherd by nature. I am active and eager to
learn. I bark at most other dogs but when I am off the
lead I really love playing with them. If I do, then I chase
them away by barking. As the people at the shelter don’t
know whether I get along with children, they prefer to
place me in a family with older children.
Which kind owner with a lot of time and an active life will
give me a good life?
Oh, and if you phone, ask for Ripley. That’s my new
name!
COOLCHARITY 32 33
So there you are... after four years of loyalty to your
owner, you all of a sudden find yourself tied to a fence.
And there you were thinking it was going to be a nice walk
along the Valkenburgsemeer.
It’s lovely weather; ideal for a nice, long, relaxing walk to
forget all the worries about the little ones. Your owner
picks up the leash in the hallway and that can only mean
one thing: walkies! Great!
It turns out to be a short walk though, that ends quite
differently than expected. You are tied to a fence and what
does your owner do? He walks off without looking back
and leaves you behind in total bewilderment and despair.
This can’t be true! Your puppies still need love and care!
And what about your breast milk? Against the odds, you
keep quietly hoping your master will come back, but it is
starting to take really long.... It’s raining, you feel a cold
chill running through your body. You look around in the
hope that you will spot someone who can take you home.
Is there no one at all who wants to take care of you?
Oh thank God, someone is coming. He unties you and
brings you to the animal shelter. Thankfully someone has
their heart in the right place.
In the animal shelter they take good care of you. You are
so incredibly sweet that it’s not difficult for the carers and
volunteers to fall in love with you within seconds. You try
to make the best of it and come to terms with your great
sadness by getting lots of cuddles from the carers at the
shelter. To thank them, you dutifully bring back the tennis
balls every time they are thrown in the park and you totally
adapt to the daily routine of the shelter.
But you still can’t understand why that last walk with your
owner had to end the way it did. The people at the shelter
weren’t really surprised, unfortunately they are used to it.
Now they all hope there will soon be a new owner who
will have thought about whether he can offer a dog a
good life, who will take you as you are and who will never
abandon you again.
Streek-Dierentehuis Leiden ‘Stevenshage’
www.dierenasielleiden.nl
Ripley, a shepherd cross
looking for a new home
Ripley
CoolCH dierentehuis 01 08-06-2006 12:03 Pagina 2
Ripley would like to introduce herself
I am a real shepherd by nature. I am active and eager to
learn. I bark at most other dogs but when I am off the
lead I really love playing with them. If I do, then I chase
them away by barking. As the people at the shelter don’t
know whether I get along with children, they prefer to
place me in a family with older children.
Which kind owner with a lot of time and an active life will
give me a good life?
Oh, and if you phone, ask for Ripley. That’s my new
name!
COOLCHARITY 32 33
So there you are... after four years of loyalty to your
owner, you all of a sudden find yourself tied to a fence.
And there you were thinking it was going to be a nice walk
along the Valkenburgsemeer.
It’s lovely weather; ideal for a nice, long, relaxing walk to
forget all the worries about the little ones. Your owner
picks up the leash in the hallway and that can only mean
one thing: walkies! Great!
It turns out to be a short walk though, that ends quite
differently than expected. You are tied to a fence and what
does your owner do? He walks off without looking back
and leaves you behind in total bewilderment and despair.
This can’t be true! Your puppies still need love and care!
And what about your breast milk? Against the odds, you
keep quietly hoping your master will come back, but it is
starting to take really long.... It’s raining, you feel a cold
chill running through your body. You look around in the
hope that you will spot someone who can take you home.
Is there no one at all who wants to take care of you?
Oh thank God, someone is coming. He unties you and
brings you to the animal shelter. Thankfully someone has
their heart in the right place.
In the animal shelter they take good care of you. You are
so incredibly sweet that it’s not difficult for the carers and
volunteers to fall in love with you within seconds. You try
to make the best of it and come to terms with your great
sadness by getting lots of cuddles from the carers at the
shelter. To thank them, you dutifully bring back the tennis
balls every time they are thrown in the park and you totally
adapt to the daily routine of the shelter.
But you still can’t understand why that last walk with your
owner had to end the way it did. The people at the shelter
weren’t really surprised, unfortunately they are used to it.
Now they all hope there will soon be a new owner who
will have thought about whether he can offer a dog a
good life, who will take you as you are and who will never
abandon you again.
Streek-Dierentehuis Leiden ‘Stevenshage’
www.dierenasielleiden.nl
Ripley, a shepherd cross
looking for a new home
Ripley
CoolCH dierentehuis 01 08-06-2006 12:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Love in the City believes in drops in the ocean.
In small and large initiatives to heat the city.
Because every added smile counts.
Every added kiss.
Every friendly gesture.
Joining in is as easy as can be.
Try to smile once in a while, try to give a kiss once in a while,
Let that someone with two errands go ahead at the
supermarket.
Because Love in the City says:
”Give your finger, and someone may want your hand.
But if you don’t give a finger, you will die lonely.”
So give.
Generously.
Sprinkle your love around.
And just wait and see what you get in return.
You’ve got nothing to loose, and love to gain.
The idea for “Love in the City” came about after a series of
debates for !" to #"-year-olds in the Paradiso concert
venue in !""#. With every topic that was brought up, it
became clear that the emphasis lies on the individual and
the self. Are you expanding your mind? Broadening your
horizons? And living your dreams with all the choices on
offer in today’s world? It was also the time of the great
“norms and values” discussion, a hardening of attitudes
and, after $$ September, the growing gap between the
country’s Muslim and non-Muslim population.
It became clear that the profusion of choice is not a
guarantee for happiness. Because it puts people under
pressure – “I don’t know what I want” – and makes them
greedy – “I want friends, relationships, work, travel,
hobbies, and I want them all to be really brilliant, really far
away and really special!” Is seems that you mean to others
is much less important. This excessive individualism in-
spired us to organise a series of programmes about how
we relate to one another in today’s urban culture.
Instituut Liefde in de Stad (Institute Love in the City) is a
research project that explores how people deal with each
other in an urban context. Using a creative and original
approach that is unhindered by policy interests, it seeks to
positively influence people’s attitudes towards each other
through art and culture. Visual artists, marketing strate-
gists, poets, writers, musicians and scientists provide the
institute with innovative research.
A few times a year, Love in the City offers programmes:
some are serious, others are playful; some bring a smile
to your face, others elicit melancholy. The format varies:
public gatherings in Paradiso with lectures, literature and
music, art in the city, small events with actors and thematic
projects by design students. As Love in the City is a plat-
form for artists, they interpret the brief in a personal way.
Love has many facets, and the way in which city dwellers
treat each other is a theme that affects people directly.
People often ask us: “Is there more love in Amsterdam
today?” We think yes. A little bit. A little bit that counts.
And here we refer to Norman Lear, the film producer and
political activist who created “All in the Family”: “I had a
grandfather. One day when I was nine or ten years old, I
was chucking pebbles into a lake. They bounced on the
water. He said: ‘Every time you throw a stone, the water
level rises.’ So I took a huge stone, threw it in and looked
at the shoreline to see the water rise. ‘No,’ said my grand-
father, ‘you can’t see it and you can’t prove it, but a scientist
can. You will never see it, the only thing you will see are
the ripples. You must remember this,’ he said, ‘because it
is important.’”
Lisa, Babs, Saar and Liza
Love in the City Because every added smile counts
www.liefdeindestad.nl
CoolCH.liefdeindestad 01 05-07-2006 07:44 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
Love in the City believes in drops in the ocean.
In small and large initiatives to heat the city.
Because every added smile counts.
Every added kiss.
Every friendly gesture.
Joining in is as easy as can be.
Try to smile once in a while, try to give a kiss once in a while,
Let that someone with two errands go ahead at the
supermarket.
Because Love in the City says:
”Give your finger, and someone may want your hand.
But if you don’t give a finger, you will die lonely.”
So give.
Generously.
Sprinkle your love around.
And just wait and see what you get in return.
You’ve got nothing to loose, and love to gain.
The idea for “Love in the City” came about after a series of
debates for !" to #"-year-olds in the Paradiso concert
venue in !""#. With every topic that was brought up, it
became clear that the emphasis lies on the individual and
the self. Are you expanding your mind? Broadening your
horizons? And living your dreams with all the choices on
offer in today’s world? It was also the time of the great
“norms and values” discussion, a hardening of attitudes
and, after $$ September, the growing gap between the
country’s Muslim and non-Muslim population.
It became clear that the profusion of choice is not a
guarantee for happiness. Because it puts people under
pressure – “I don’t know what I want” – and makes them
greedy – “I want friends, relationships, work, travel,
hobbies, and I want them all to be really brilliant, really far
away and really special!” Is seems that you mean to others
is much less important. This excessive individualism in-
spired us to organise a series of programmes about how
we relate to one another in today’s urban culture.
Instituut Liefde in de Stad (Institute Love in the City) is a
research project that explores how people deal with each
other in an urban context. Using a creative and original
approach that is unhindered by policy interests, it seeks to
positively influence people’s attitudes towards each other
through art and culture. Visual artists, marketing strate-
gists, poets, writers, musicians and scientists provide the
institute with innovative research.
A few times a year, Love in the City offers programmes:
some are serious, others are playful; some bring a smile
to your face, others elicit melancholy. The format varies:
public gatherings in Paradiso with lectures, literature and
music, art in the city, small events with actors and thematic
projects by design students. As Love in the City is a plat-
form for artists, they interpret the brief in a personal way.
Love has many facets, and the way in which city dwellers
treat each other is a theme that affects people directly.
People often ask us: “Is there more love in Amsterdam
today?” We think yes. A little bit. A little bit that counts.
And here we refer to Norman Lear, the film producer and
political activist who created “All in the Family”: “I had a
grandfather. One day when I was nine or ten years old, I
was chucking pebbles into a lake. They bounced on the
water. He said: ‘Every time you throw a stone, the water
level rises.’ So I took a huge stone, threw it in and looked
at the shoreline to see the water rise. ‘No,’ said my grand-
father, ‘you can’t see it and you can’t prove it, but a scientist
can. You will never see it, the only thing you will see are
the ripples. You must remember this,’ he said, ‘because it
is important.’”
Lisa, Babs, Saar and Liza
Love in the City Because every added smile counts
www.liefdeindestad.nl
CoolCH.liefdeindestad 01 05-07-2006 07:44 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
At the age of !", Cefas Bouman (!#$%) is hit by a car while
cycling across a junction. He damages his knee and breaks
his thigh-bone in several places. Cefas was left with a
walking disability after the accident and has since then
been dependent on his wheelchair.
After the accident, Cefas soon picked up sports again. “The
revalidation centre encouraged me to keep on practicing
sports. Sport helps during the revalidation period and
allows you to achieve results, which builds confidence.” It
was Cefas’ father who had the idea of developing a hand-
bike. Hand-biking is a combination of wheelchair racing
and cycling, using the arms to cycle on a kind of reclining
bicycle.
Cefas had such a talent for hand-biking that by !### he
was part of the national team. “Sport allows me to achieve
high-level results and it makes me feel that my disability
doesn’t interfere in my daily life. I also can show others
what can be achieved with a disability.”
Living a healthy life is important for everyone, also for
disabled people. Sport contributes to healthy living and
makes you feel fit. This has positive effects, both in
physical and social terms. “Since I started exercising, I have
a lot more energy. Just look at where sport brought me.
Who would ever have imagined that I would be going for
gold in the Paralympic Games in Beijing in &%%$. My positive
attitude, enthusiasm and the many donations have
brought me to where I am now!”
Fit for life!
Arnold Vanderlyde (!#'"), Olympic boxing champion and
ambassador of the Fonds Gehandicaptensport says:
“There were six of us at home, three brothers and two sis-
ters. My older brother was born with a deformity in his
back, feet and hand. From the first moment he had to
fight, not just physically because of a serious operation
and the brace he had to wear, but also mentally to come
to terms with his disability. Sport had always played a sub-
stantial role in our family. It gave my brother exactly the
right framework and gave him confidence. It certainly con-
tributed to making him the person he is today.”
Through this experience, but also by looking around in his
surroundings, Arnold has become devoted to disability
sport which he feels closely connected to.
For him, sport means “the ability to be able to operate in
fitness, safety and health”. “If you want to live well and
sensibly, movement is essential. For people with and
without a disability, movement offers chances to achieve
goals. Whatever your level, your confidence gets an
enormous boost.”
“During a disability sports day, hundreds of sportsmen
and -women with a physical, mental or sensory disability
took part in a boxing training. During the exercise
“throwing a straight left”, one of the participants ex-
claimed that her “straight left” was on vacation. Through
the paralysis of her left hand, she wasn’t able to do the
exercise, but she was perfectly capable of throwing a good
straight right. With humour this all falls into place and
sport helps you to come to terms with your disability.”
Fonds Gehandicaptensport
www.fondsgehandicaptensport.nl
From healthy baby toprofessional hand-biker
CoolCH.Gehandc sport 01 28-08-2006 12:03 Pagina 2
COOLCHARITY 32 33
At the age of !", Cefas Bouman (!#$%) is hit by a car while
cycling across a junction. He damages his knee and breaks
his thigh-bone in several places. Cefas was left with a
walking disability after the accident and has since then
been dependent on his wheelchair.
After the accident, Cefas soon picked up sports again. “The
revalidation centre encouraged me to keep on practicing
sports. Sport helps during the revalidation period and
allows you to achieve results, which builds confidence.” It
was Cefas’ father who had the idea of developing a hand-
bike. Hand-biking is a combination of wheelchair racing
and cycling, using the arms to cycle on a kind of reclining
bicycle.
Cefas had such a talent for hand-biking that by !### he
was part of the national team. “Sport allows me to achieve
high-level results and it makes me feel that my disability
doesn’t interfere in my daily life. I also can show others
what can be achieved with a disability.”
Living a healthy life is important for everyone, also for
disabled people. Sport contributes to healthy living and
makes you feel fit. This has positive effects, both in
physical and social terms. “Since I started exercising, I have
a lot more energy. Just look at where sport brought me.
Who would ever have imagined that I would be going for
gold in the Paralympic Games in Beijing in &%%$. My positive
attitude, enthusiasm and the many donations have
brought me to where I am now!”
Fit for life!
Arnold Vanderlyde (!#'"), Olympic boxing champion and
ambassador of the Fonds Gehandicaptensport says:
“There were six of us at home, three brothers and two sis-
ters. My older brother was born with a deformity in his
back, feet and hand. From the first moment he had to
fight, not just physically because of a serious operation
and the brace he had to wear, but also mentally to come
to terms with his disability. Sport had always played a sub-
stantial role in our family. It gave my brother exactly the
right framework and gave him confidence. It certainly con-
tributed to making him the person he is today.”
Through this experience, but also by looking around in his
surroundings, Arnold has become devoted to disability
sport which he feels closely connected to.
For him, sport means “the ability to be able to operate in
fitness, safety and health”. “If you want to live well and
sensibly, movement is essential. For people with and
without a disability, movement offers chances to achieve
goals. Whatever your level, your confidence gets an
enormous boost.”
“During a disability sports day, hundreds of sportsmen
and -women with a physical, mental or sensory disability
took part in a boxing training. During the exercise
“throwing a straight left”, one of the participants ex-
claimed that her “straight left” was on vacation. Through
the paralysis of her left hand, she wasn’t able to do the
exercise, but she was perfectly capable of throwing a good
straight right. With humour this all falls into place and
sport helps you to come to terms with your disability.”
Fonds Gehandicaptensport
www.fondsgehandicaptensport.nl
From healthy baby toprofessional hand-biker
CoolCH.Gehandc sport 01 28-08-2006 12:03 Pagina 2
CoolCH. boek def 24-11-2006 11:17 Pagina 2