Building a new beginning together

Clements is the driving force behind Mwanzo and the person who bridges the Netherlands and Kenya. He knows the people at The Ark, he knows the children, he understands what is happening — and he doesn't stop there. During his working visits, he also rolls up his sleeves: from purchasing kitchen equipment to facilitating an empowerment workshop with thirty participants from across the Thika area.

Alongside his role at Mwanzo, Clements is a member of the Board of Directors of The Ark Children's Home. That double commitment is no coincidence — it reflects exactly how he works: through trust, presence and a long-term vision of what children truly need to build a good future.

Martijn and Clements have known each other since nursery school. Fifty years of friendship, and they are still standing up for something together. That says a lot about Martijn: he is someone who shows up — always. For his friends, for his community, for whoever needs him.

Professionally, Martijn is head of procurement at a global organisation — a role that demands strategic thinking, a sharp eye for quality, and an extensive international network. He brings those same qualities to Mwanzo. During his working visits to Kenya, he and Clements sourced materials for The Ark's new kitchen and purchased school supplies for the children — practical, purposeful, effective.

Martijn is also active in the National Reserve and in scouting. He is someone who acts rather than talks, and who tends to underestimate his own contribution. At Mwanzo, we make sure his efforts get the recognition they deserve.

Lente is a primary school teacher, a friend of Clements' daughter — and now indispensable to Mwanzo. She was deeply moved by The Ark during a holiday in Kenya, together with Clements' daughter and a friend. What she saw stayed with her. And so she stayed involved — in her own way.

That way is: precise, driven and focused on structure. Lente writes much of the content for the newsletters, manages communications and gently but clearly keeps both Martijn and Clements accountable to their commitments. Because two enthusiastic men heading off on a mission together sometimes need someone to make sure the world keeps turning in an orderly fashion. That someone is Lente.

She brings the warmth of the classroom to the boardroom: patient, clear and always with the bigger purpose in mind.