This week we wanted to spotlight one of our partner organizations—Homeless Child—and celebrate their successes in supporting the boys of Fundación ProNiño! We got the chance to do a little e-mail interview with founder Bas Wiersma and wanted to share his words on how Homeless Child came to be and what the organization accomplishes today.
Homeless Child founder, Bas Wiersma Q: When did Homeless Child start and how did it come about? When did the relationship between Homeless Child and ProNiño begin?
A: In 2002, Bas Wiersma traveled to Honduras for a six-week volunteer stint, but his news letters to friends and family created so much momentum that Bas decided to found "Homeless Child" in the Netherlands and begin raising funds for ProNiño by the end of that same year. Homeless Child and ProNiño have been engaged in a strong partnership for well over a decade now.
A: In 2002, Bas Wiersma traveled to Honduras for a six-week volunteer stint, but his news letters to friends and family created so much momentum that Bas decided to found "Homeless Child" in the Netherlands and begin raising funds for ProNiño by the end of that same year. Homeless Child and ProNiño have been engaged in a strong partnership for well over a decade now.
Homeless Child volunteers with ProNiño boys on a rafting trip! Q: What is the main goal of Homeless Child?
A: The foundation hopes to create a greater balance between the have's and the have not's, by sharing funds, expertise, and time with the Honduran children and adults, while receiving lots of encouragement, kindness, gratitude, and, most importantly, results!
Q: Who is involved in Homeless Child?
A: Homeless Child exclusively works with volunteers, and all of them pay for their own expenses. There is a project coordinator on the ground, and in the Netherlands the foundation has a five member Board of Directors as well as a team of a dozen volunteers who each have their own responsibilities. Some work on translation, others run the website, while others help with fundraising. Some travel to Honduras for prolonged periods of time to learn what it's like to live in such a different environment and to share their particular skills, which can range from drama therapy to yoga classes to giving computer lessons.
A: The foundation hopes to create a greater balance between the have's and the have not's, by sharing funds, expertise, and time with the Honduran children and adults, while receiving lots of encouragement, kindness, gratitude, and, most importantly, results!
Q: Who is involved in Homeless Child?
A: Homeless Child exclusively works with volunteers, and all of them pay for their own expenses. There is a project coordinator on the ground, and in the Netherlands the foundation has a five member Board of Directors as well as a team of a dozen volunteers who each have their own responsibilities. Some work on translation, others run the website, while others help with fundraising. Some travel to Honduras for prolonged periods of time to learn what it's like to live in such a different environment and to share their particular skills, which can range from drama therapy to yoga classes to giving computer lessons.
Signs of progress with the agriculture projects at ProNiño Q: What are some examples of projects Homeless Child volunteers have worked on during their time spent at Fundación ProNiño?
A: In 2009 partner organization www.ubuntutheatre.org initiated a creative program for therapeutical theater and music classes. The children learned to express themselves through their musical instruments and theater, and performed a wonderful play in many Honduran towns and cities. The project is still continuing and currently preparing its fourth play. The foundation has also helped to develop a large fruit and vegetable garden that is combined with classes in agriculture for those who wish to work in that field when they grow up.
A: In 2009 partner organization www.ubuntutheatre.org initiated a creative program for therapeutical theater and music classes. The children learned to express themselves through their musical instruments and theater, and performed a wonderful play in many Honduran towns and cities. The project is still continuing and currently preparing its fourth play. The foundation has also helped to develop a large fruit and vegetable garden that is combined with classes in agriculture for those who wish to work in that field when they grow up.
RSS Feed