Daily management

The Daily Board of the African Friends Foundation plays an essential role in achieving the objectives of the foundation. The board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, financial health and implementation of the projects. They ensure that the foundation's mission, which is to promote the development and well-being of the African people, is adhered to in a sustainable and efficient manner. With their experience, dedication and knowledge they contribute to the success of the foundation. We introduce them to you below. 

Joost Timpers

Joost Timpers

Board member

A lot of people in Africa need help. But we cannot help Africa. Friendship was chosen as the starting point for development cooperation . Because we find that trust and friendship increase the chances of sustainable development. That is why we have personal contact with our projects in Africa. Every year we go to Africa to see the projects and to start new projects. This cooperation gives hopeless people in Africa a hopeful future and gives us inspiration and satisfaction. So Win-Win! Hence the name of the Foundation: African Friends

Christelien de Goede-Timpers

Christelien De Goede-Timpers

Board member

Hello, since this year I am new in the Board of the foundation Afrikaanse vrienden. My name is Christelien De Goede-Timpers and I have a warm heart for the orphanage for years. I am proud that I can now mean more than being a sponsor. Together with Pieter I want to support Joost in improving the chances of the children in the Ruiru Children Care Centre. In addition to my work as a consultant for the FNV, I am training as a nurse. With my husband, mother-in-law, two sons, a dog and a lot of chickens I live in Wamel, in the country of Maas and Waal.

Pieter Niesten

Pieter Niesten

Board member

On my first visit to Kenya I visited the RCCC together with Joost. That was an impressive experience. A few years later we (together with Gerrie my wife) visited again. Gerrie and I were very impressed to see what small contributions and gifts bring to joy and gratitude among the residents of the RCCC orphanage. That's why I like to work with Joost in the foundation Afrikaanse Vrienden.

Wij gaan weer naar school!

De schoolvakantie is voorbij ook jouw kinderen, kleinkinderen, buurmeisjes en buurjongens gaan weer naar school. Als je opgroeit in Kenia is naar school gaan niet vanzelfsprekend. Naar school gaan kost geld en dat is er soms niet. Krijg je de kans om naar school te...

What we achieved in 2024.

Ruiru Children Care is an orphanage in which 60 children grow up. The manager Jane is 100% committed to sending all children to school. and give them shelter and food. Jane needs help from two paid employees (father/mother). The foundation will pay...

Visiting, guest blog

Last year we were in Kenya with our family. We also visited the orphanage in Ruai. It was in the May holidays and had rained a lot. It was exciting if we could get there, because some roads were no longer passable due to the many waters. With...

Een dag in Ruiru Children Care Centre

Today we are at the heart of something truly meaningful: the Ruiru Children Care Center in Kenya. What is happening here is the result of dedication, compassion and - crucially - your support. From the moment we arrive, the energy is undeniable....

Christmas gifts

Laki Laki staff visited the RCCC orphanage and brought Christmas gifts for each child.

Guest blog visitors

Bezoekers https://youtu.be/NV6Sv4ayQl8?si=bb4lp-WX11sFnMya

Wij gaan weer naar school!

De schoolvakantie is voorbij ook jouw kinderen, kleinkinderen, buurmeisjes en buurjongens gaan weer naar school. Als je opgroeit in Kenia is naar school gaan niet vanzelfsprekend. Naar school gaan kost geld en dat is er soms niet. Krijg je de kans om naar school te...

Letters from pupils and students

Every now and then we receive a letter in which students and pupils thank us for the support. In this way, we really notice that the financial contribution directly benefits these students. I wanted to share this with you.

Waarom de ANBI-status belangrijk is: vertrouwen, transparantie en impact

Why ANBI status is important: trust, transparency and impact

Stichting Afrikaanse Vrienden has the official ANBI status in the Netherlands. But what exactly does that mean - and why is it important? ANBI stands for'Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling'. It is a designation assigned by the Tax Office to...

Donaties van voetbalkleding

Donations of football clothing

Many football clubs in the Netherlands regularly receive new kits for their youth teams. As a result, older clothing - often still in excellent condition - becomes redundant. Instead of storing or discarding these items, several clubs choose to store them...

Achter de stichting: Maak kennis met het vrijwilligersbestuur

Behind the foundation: meet the volunteer board

The African Friends Foundation is governed by a dedicated board of three volunteers. In line with the principles of transparency and good governance, the foundation operates under the legal structure of a Dutch Anbi (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling)....

Van basisschool naar hoger onderwijs

From primary school to higher education

In 2024, the foundation funded school fees for 15 children in primary education, five in secondary education and ten students in higher education. This reflects a long-term support strategy. The Ruiru nursery serves as...

Middelbare scholieren bij Ruiru Children Care Center

High School students at Ruiru Children Care Center

IIn 204, the foundation covered the school fees for five high school students who grew up in the Ruiru Children Care Centre. Similar numbers were supported in previous years. These young people live in a structured environment under the care of manager...

Opleiding ondersteuning: Training in vliegtuigonderhoud

Training support: Training in aircraft maintenance

Dickson has been supported by the foundation since he was a high school student. He is part of the first group of the Ruiru Children Care Centre (RCCC) that started vocational training with the help of Stichting Afrikaanse Vrienden. Dickson is now studying for...

Ondersteuning: Verloskunde Studies aan de Mount Kenya University

Support: Obstetrics Studies at Mount Kenya University

In 2024, four students are in their second year of midwifery education at Mount Kenya University. The foundation provides financial support for their studies. They are expected to graduate at the end of 2025 and seek an internship at a hospital in Kenya. Well-known names...

Wat we in 2024 hebben bereikt.

What we achieved in 2024.

Ruiru Children Care is an orphanage in which 60 children grow up. The manager Jane is 100% committed to sending all children to school. and give them shelter and food. Jane needs help from two paid employees (father/mother). The foundation will pay...