Annual Report  Willen & Doen Foundation 2021

2021 is again coming to an end - the annual report is once again virtually reaching its destination. Once again, it was a turbulent year - where a change in management was in order at the Mawotsheni project. Nomthazamo - one of the teachers - took over, but due to misunderstandings, Jay and Naomi came into focus, who were introduced by Dawn. Dawn is someone we have been working with from the very beginning. She leads the Montessori daycare centers in Coffee Bay and the surrounding area.

Weekly, we have been in virtual contact with the Mawotsheni project, and Riff has been in touch with the Good Hope Project - which was built under the leadership of Selena, together with Riff. Now, a niece of Selena manages the project. There, the community has been very active and, with the support of your financial resources, has carried out maintenance work on the school building. 

The Ngoko daycare center, where Nomapuzi is active, is doing well. The ladies of this project have started a communal vegetable garden there, as the prices of vegetables, among other things, have skyrocketed. Unfortunately, we had to hear from the Little Angel project that Mavis has passed away. She was the backbone of the daycare center and, from her wheelchair, she taught multiple generations in her community in a wonderful way. May Mavis rest in peace.

The education on the projects continued almost throughout the year. Lockdowns did not have a significant impact there. It was different in urban areas. The media spoke of a devastating wave of infections, mainly targeting Omicron. As a result, the country was once again locked down. In rural areas, it had little influence in 2021, except that tourism, which was already low, decreased even further. There were never any reports in 2021 that COVID/Omicron was active in the communities. Again, people primarily live outdoors.

Willen en Doen Amsterdam

Due to the change of management at Mawotsheni, our board has met six times. The first few times, this was done virtually as we were plagued with lockdowns. Virtual fundraising events were organized to keep people informed about the situation in South Africa. Third-party fundraising events also took place, with one inspiring another..

These sponsorship campaigns mainly took place through Facebook, where people can choose a charity on their birthdays and ask for donations to that charity instead of personal gifts. Several people have done this, and we thank them for it. The children are happy about it, and hunger has been alleviated.

Private donations

Once again, there have been generous donations over the past year. We express our heartfelt thanks for that. The majority of donations were received virtually, which is not surprising, as traditional collecting methods were not possible due to the circumstances in 2020/2021. The virtual proceeds have been divided into four groups, which can be seen on our website www.willenendoen.com under the section 'about us'. In addition to Facebook, there is also a channel through apple.com and UK giving where third-party initiatives take place. In North Holland, there is an active parent association, and 40MM from Venhuizen has also made a donation. The 40MM walking event took place digitally this time, which was a success. They are considering whether it will be possible to have a digital component alongside the live event next year.

The numbers

The expenses have clearly been lower than in 2020. On the other hand, the income has also been lower, creating a balance. The remaining costs were an investment in the maintenance of the Good Hope project.

Finally...

We would like to express our thanks once again to all those who have contributed - those who have turned their Will into Action. Will and Action - even in the current times - continue to strive for equal opportunities. Every child has the right to education and, most importantly, access to proper food. We are trying to make a difference in our own way, from the bottom of our hearts. Love is still the strongest weapon, and that is why we want to take action. With this, we extend our gratitude to everyone!

"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom." Nelson Mandela.