Henk Buurman

I live in Doornenburg, am married, have two children, and have five grandchildren. I’ve been retired for several years and am busy with many hobbies (including gardening, beekeeping, and keeping ponies).

For many decades, I’ve been the treasurer of the Fotas Foundation. I do this because I believe in this form of aid for people who are far less fortunate than us. I truly believe that providing education is the best way to help someone. It’s better to teach someone to fish than to give them fish.

In 2006, I personally visited Tanzania and saw what a difference it makes when someone has “been to school.” Such a person looks beyond the obvious and sees that life is more than just a large family and growing bananas. (Because that often happened in the region where we at FOTAS provide aid). People live in poverty, have only a small shamba, and grow bananas and beans. The families are very large because that gives the parents a sense of security that they will be cared for as they grow older. There’s no prospect of change for such families.

That’s why I think FOTAS is a great foundation, and I’m happy to help.