BOARD HARAPAN BARU AALTEN NETHERLANDS

Frank Timmermans, chair Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands

In 2018, I first became acquainted with Harapan Baru, the foundation founded by Nick Rensink from IJzerlo, during a benefit concert by Crescendo, the IJzerlo brass band orchestra. IJzerlo is the hamlet where I also live. The work of the foundation greatly appealed to me. At that time, the focus was mainly on supporting people with disabilities, helping them start their own businesses and become more self-sufficient. As a General Practitioner, I worked in an institution for people with mental disabilities for many years, and I have a deep commitment to helping disabled people. I wanted to support this initiative and soon started participating as a general board member. Since 2020, I have been chairperson. In recent years, Harapan Baru’s activities have expanded. Much emergency aid was provided during earthquakes and other natural disasters. There have been water projects involving the construction and repair of wells and water conduits for various villages. Currently, there is strong focus on supporting groups of young people in initiatives to improve living conditions in their communities. Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands engages in fundraising to support activities on Lombok. Our lines of communication are really short; I regularly contact Nick and the staff there via video calls. Funds are transferred directly to the Lombok foundation and are fully accounted for. In this way, we hope to make a difference for the poorest of Lombok.

Dianne Kuenen, Secretary Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands

My name is Dianne Kuenen. I live in Aalten and also work there as a physiotherapist. After a long break from volunteer work (I had previously been on the board of Mondiaalten for many years), a few years ago, I decided it was time to get involved again with a foundation focused on people “far away.” Harapan Baru appealed to me because it helps handicapped people to provide their own livelihoods. Those who are dependent are empowered, become independent and gain respect in their communities, which is really great! Later, I learned about Harapan Baru’s other pillars: establishing water supplies, providing emergency aid, and promoting self-sufficiency of communities. There is direct contact with the Foundation’s people on Lombok, through email, phone and app. The small-scale Foundation is highly reliable. Since early 2024 I have taken over the secretariat of Harapan Baru. Donating some free time and committing myself to the foundation to make the work on Lombok possible feels like the least I can do.

Wim Vugteveen, Treasurer Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands

My name is Wim Vugteveen, and I have been the treasurer of the Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands Foundation since 2020. I live in the small Aalten hamlet of IJzerlo, which is how I came into contact with the Foundation, established by a former IJzerlo resident. In addition to my work as  controller at an administrative office, where we mainly focus on the construction and carpentry industry, I have been a board member for various organizations in IJzerlo, such as the nursery, the primary school, and the gymnastics association. In 2020, I was approached for a board position at Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands. After meeting its founder, Nick Rensink, talking about the foundation’s work and the ideas behind it, I decided to become treasurer. The foundation’s small scale, which allows for a quick response to acute disasters, and the fact that it works closely with the Lombok community to improve living conditions, especially for the disabled, really appealed to me. Over the past few years, I have seen first-hand that much can be achieved through direct aid and community consultation, even when resources are limited. A very good example being the construction of wells that provided entire village communities with access to clean drinking water. Knowing that things we take for granted here in the Netherlands are often lacking elsewhere, supporting a foundation like Harapan Baru gives me immense satisfaction.

Heidi Ebbers, General Board Member Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands

My name is Heidi Ebbers, I am married and have two (adult) daughters. I work as a church worker for the Protestant Community in Aalten, and I also teach a few hours of identity training. I live in Aalten but originally come from IJzerlo. This is how I know Nick; he was my neighbor. A few years ago, Nick was in the Netherlands to talk about Harapan Baru. I attended his presentation at the Zuiderkerk and was deeply moved by what he shared. Harapan Baru means “new hope,” and that is precisely what it offers the people of Lombok! When Nick asked if I wanted to become secretary of Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands, I didn’t have to think twice. Meanwhile, Dianne has taken over this role, but I still remain a board member.

Nelleke Aipassa-Kuenen, General Board Member Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands

A few years ago, I became acquainted with Harapan Baru at the Advent market in Aalten. The foundation’s mission to support people in disadvantaged situations on Lombok, creating a promising future and allowing them to fully participate as citizens in society, greatly appealed to me. When I heard that new board members were needed, I did not have to think long. It was clear to me that I wanted to contribute socially in this way and that is why I have been a board member since 2024. I live in Aalten with my husband and four children. I have been active in maternity care my entire working life, 18 years of which as a midwife and for several years now as a regional manager. Together with the other board members of Harapan Baru Aalten Netherlands, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives and perspective of many people, working in cooperation with Harapan Baru Lombok Indonesia.