nnual Report  Willen & Doen Foundation 2024

Before me lie the bank statements and financial overview for 2024 of the Willen & Doen Foundation. Every time I see the names of our supporters pass by, it fills me with warmth knowing so many still follow our journey. The children, at least, are certainly happy—over 30 little ones remain enrolled at the daycare in Mawotsheni, near Coffee Bay in the Transkei region of South Africa.

Nolundi continues to lead there, while Jay and Naomi oversee the project—maintaining the buildings and the vegetable garden. It’s been a challenging year, as Mother Nature wasn’t always kind. Storms and heavy rains washed away most of the garden, and the buildings suffered water damage. 

Africa was truly calling. Internet was down for a considerable time, and everyone there had to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Jay and Naomi decided to adapt the garden’s approach, using windbreak netting as a canopy to shield the crops. Sunlight still penetrates, but the netting stops torrential rains from washing everything down the hills. Naturally, we supported them in this effort.

A highlight was Ronald and his friends and family visiting the project. They volunteered for several weeks, and the women, in particular, grew deeply attached to working with the children. A fundraiser among their network helped restore some of the buildings beautifully—they should now last another ten years (fingers crossed!). Additionally, three water tanks were purchased, ensuring the community has access to water during shortages.

Two expansions were also completed at the school:

• A sheltered area where children can eat protected from the weather.
• A space with a sink for washing dishes, which is also handy for the cook.

These are wonderful steps forward, and we’re thrilled!

Private donations and the Numbers...

This year, we sadly lost Gerard Kroon, a schoolteacher from the village of Zwaagdijk who regularly collected and donated small sums from his community. He was highly respected, and his farewell was grand. Donations were requested for the causes he supported—including ours. We extend our gratitude to his heirs for making this possible. Farewell, Gerard—you’ll be missed.

Another recurring donation comes from a doctor who pledged €1,000 annually for five years (tax-deductible; details are under Support Us at www.willenendoen.com.

We also received a donation from the Alkmaar Council of Churches—thank you! This even made the news, which is always encouraging. Our thanks also go to the 40MM March participants, who raised €1,750 for us by walking. Chapeau!

Finally...

The situation in South Africa remains turbulent. The president and his entourage visited the White House, and the U.S. halted funding to the country. Media reported that many were left without HIV medication—a dire situation. But fact-checking matters, so I called contacts in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Transkei that same evening. Everyone confirmed they still had their meds, and months later, this remains true.

The aid suspension stems from a political faction advocating the expulsion—and even killing—of white farmers. This rhetoric has simmered for years but has recently waned.

Life in the Transkei continues much as before, though rising costs (a global trend, though some countries escape it—unreported in media) persist. More children are born, and HIV appears to be declining—allegedly a worldwide trend, per media. What to believe? I’m unsure, but one thing’s certain: I’ve known no one, in my South African network or otherwise, who’s died of AIDS in recent years.

In Amsterdam, our board met multiple times to discuss South Africa’s situation and our foundation’s dwindling funds. We’re exploring new avenues, like selling our book Droom van een Vrijbuiter (Africa Calling in English) as an e-book. We hope sales next year will sustain us—because we don’t want to stop.

2024 is behind us. Thank you to all donors, the board, and volunteers.