I've known Clements, our chairman, for more than 50 years. We were in kindergarten together and have never lost touch. As a child I was a member of the Scouts, and at around 18 I was roped into becoming a Cub Scout leader in my group.

Clements had been a leader at the camps of the Onvergetelijke Zomerkampen foundation (Unforgettable Summer Camps) for years, and at some point they were short of someone to run sports and games for the kids. Yes, I do find it a bit hard to say no! 😊 For years we led summer camps together, in the Netherlands, but also with young adults in Sweden, Spain and Croatia. At some point it was right to hand the baton over to younger leaders — but sitting still isn't in our blood.

Clements had told me about his first encounter with The Ark, and how he wanted to set up a foundation that could support it from the Netherlands. A foundation needs a board, of course, and I can't say no — so one and one makes two, or maybe even three! I've now been to Kenya several times, and I've had a taste of how children who would otherwise have no future can grow up at The Ark in love and safety. They get delicious food every day, go to school in clean clothes and smart uniforms, can develop at school or even at university, and learn to be there for one another and stand up for each other when it counts. It's wonderful to see older children helping the younger ones with their homework, helping them tidy their things and comforting them when they need it.

During our visits we also went to the slums of Thika. It really makes you think when you see children there who will never get the chance to rise above the circumstances they were born into. I'm a real doer: I want to see my actions make an impact. The work for Mwanzo and The Ark makes that possible. Every cent donated is put to work for The Ark and the kids who live there. A new kitchen and equipment, a fire-safe building, repairs to the school bus, toys, school supplies, uniforms and school fees, and countless other things are paid for from the donations received. What's great, too, is that Mwanzo is one of several supporters of The Ark. Donations also come from the local community, often in kind, and even from churches in the USA. So the support is broad, which also helps to find a solution when money can't come from Mwanzo for a while.

It's lovely to see that the kids can take charge of their own lives. They greatly appreciate being able to go to school without worries, and without exception they are among the most motivated and best-performing students in their class. It's fantastic when a young man who has just completed his second year at university says he feels responsible for contributing, as best he can, to the running of The Ark in the future. Because that's the goal: The Ark running local for local, with an occasional, well-targeted boost from supporters to make growth or further strengthening possible.

Besides a busy civilian job and my work for Mwanzo, I'm also secretary on the board of the Scouting association in Burgh-Haamstede, and I spend a great deal of time with the Royal Netherlands Army as a reserve officer in an IBB unit. Always prepared, quick to act, making a difference wherever it's needed and possible!!