A few weeks ago we traveled to India with a team, in preparation to raise funds for the poorest of the poor. One of our team members was a cooking influencer Jop van der Bijl. Jop is known for his short, clear YouTube videos in which he prepares delicious Indonesian dishes. He also regularly shares videos of his travels and the special places he visits.
During our trip Jop prepared a meal for almost 100 leprosy patients. People who live daily with pain, rejection and the struggle to survive. Our team of Project Held could not help but create a moment of warmth, attention and delicious food for this group as well.
In the following YouTube Documentary you get a unique look behind the scenes. You see how Jop makes his way through a typical Indian vegetable and chicken market and prepares a delicious meal step by step for these special people.
π Will you help us give them these moments more often? π
From Project Held we want to help these people every month a meal, but we need you for that! A moment when they feel loved and seen. With only For β¬7.50 you can give one hot meal to a leprosy patient!
Click the donate button below and choose whether you one-off or monthly 1, 2, 5 or 10 meals want to give. A small gesture, with a huge impact!
Project Held has had a wonderful journey, in which we have been able to help and encourage many people and make a lasting difference. By handing out hot meals, providing food parcels and simply giving a hug or a smile, we have experienced how small gestures can have a huge impact.
One of the main pillars of this trip was to gather information for a special project that we want to support: the tea housesThese tea houses offer employment to an average of 13 people who, for various reasons, have difficulty accessing the labour market. Think of people with a physical disability, limited education or a residential location far from employment.
The tea houses can be a solution for many families, because they give them the chance to become self-sufficient. Moreover, because participants can pay back their deposit after a few years, it becomes possible to offer the same chance to new people again and again.
All in all, this trip was valuable and special, with an impact that will last a long time.
(To ensure the privacy of those involved, we will only share limited photos and reporting.)
Want to know more about this trip? Please contact us via info@projectheld.nl.
Happy new year!
We at Project Held would like to thank all our supporters for their trust and dedication! Thanks to your support, we have been able to help many children with their studies and development. The impact we have made together in the lives of many is undeniable, and without you, none of this would have been possible. Let us continue to build a bright future for these children together!
Salem Camp Report
What a fantastic time we had at the Salem camp with about 300 children! Salem means 'to be at peace' and 'to be at rest' β a place where you can receive, leave all the misery and problems behind for a while and enjoy the moment.
Arrival and set-up
Wednesday was all about setting up and making sure all the kids arrived safely at camp. The days before it had rained heavily, making the roads bad and difficult to drive on. But as always: when no road is good, you pick the best of the worst!
The children were transported in large, open box trucks β something you would never see in the Netherlands. Through deep holes full of water and ditches we made our way to the camp. Eventually all the children arrived safely at their destination.
The camp revolved around four themes: Make a connection, Forming a Unity, To be of service, and Creativity and sportsEach theme was central on a different day, with activities tailored to it.
Rain, but also joy
The first morning it kept raining, which reminded us of last year when children got sick due to the continuous rain and the outbreak of diseases. Fortunately, the weather cleared up after half a day this time, and we could really start the camp.
An unforgettable experience
Delicious meals were prepared on a wood fire, there was lots of music and African dancing - the kids went wild! From football and volleyball games to stage performances and a movie night with popcorn, everything was covered to give the kids a memory for life.
Gratitude and lasting impact
We look back with immense gratitude to everyone and everything that made this camp possible in any way. Friendships for life were made, and the themes of the camp left lasting impressions.
For a day-to-day report, check out our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Below you will find a photo collection of the activities and beautiful moments.
Christmas at Project Held
Christmas: the most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas is always a special time at the center. All the children come together in the place where they feel at home. Some see each other for the first time after months. There are conversations, games are played, parties are celebrated, music is made and delicious food is enjoyed together. It is a moment to be completely carefree, without thinking about school or other challenges.
With the support of those involved like you, Project Held every year an extra golden edge to this festive time. Your contribution makes it possible to provide presents and delicious meals, so that it becomes an unforgettable Christmas party for all children.
Read our newsletter about the Christmas contribution below and join us to make this time of togetherness extra special and unforgettable!
See below the celebration of one of Project Held's projects:
Together we make Christmas a special time of hope and love for all these children!
Salem Camp
π Salem Camp 5th Edition: The Ultimate Adventure Awaits! π
The 5th edition of the Salem Camp (Kenya) will take place this year in collaboration with Project Held! Together we will create an unforgettable time full of fun, inspiration and memories that we will never forget!
This year our theme is UbuntuββI am, because we are.β ππ Together we celebrate unity, compassion and community like never before!
Join us from December 11β15 in Mbuguni, Kwale County, where we bring together more than 300 young people for an unforgettable experience. Expect among other things: π Creative Arts and Drama π Dance Challenges π Delicious Food π Inspirational Speakers β½ Sports and Games πΆ Music and Talent Shows π₯ Magical Campfire Moments
We also welcome collaborations to make this event even more impactful! π€ Together we can inspire and empower the next generation.
For more information or to collaborate, please contact us.
It's time to relive the memories, the vibes, and the sheer joy of Salem Camp! π Missed it? Check out this throwbackβthe energy was off the charts! ποΈπ₯
https://youtu.be/Eo49MIand-8
Project Hero journey
Project Hero visits projects. It is essential to visit our projects regularly. This strengthens the relationship and facilitates cooperation. The request from one of our sponsors to visit Mozambique and South Africa together was a blessing for both sides.
South Africa
No sooner said than done. June 14th was the day. A two-week trip was planned. After a tiring but successful flight we arrived in Johannesburg.
Corrie Ockhuysen from the Iris Min. project in Matola also landed in Johannesburg a few hours earlier and was already waiting for us. Not much later we were able to go to our accommodation together where we could rest from our trip and get to know each other a little (Corrie and traveling companions).
The next morning we had to get up early, because the bus to the northeast of South Africa left at 8 am. A journey of more than 6 hours with breaks across South Africa. We would stay in a Lodge for the first few days where we would spend a few days together and discover the beauty of South Africa. After a few days we traveled to Tzaneen, a small town about an hour and a half drive from where we were. Tzaneen a place where both wealth and poverty are close together.
We support in South Africa Tshega , a Christian movement in which a school, assistance to the elderly and assistance to the nearby village are the main pillars. With Project Held we support the food program there. These are children who live in the nearby village, are very poor and whose father is often out of the picture. The children can go to school, but they do need school materials for that. This is provided by Tshega. There is nothing besides school.
Thanks to the food program, these children receive a hot meal every day, they meet together and they receive help with homework. Fun activities are also organised. The children receive a gift twice a year (Christmas and Easter) and every year they receive a costume and books that they need for school. Without this help, they cannot participate in education because these items are mandatory.
During the days we were there, our team went to a bread factory with these children. There the children received education about hygiene, what it takes to bake bread and how a factory works. Before we reported to the factory, we went to KFC with the 40 children to eat an ice cream and order food for the afternoon. For the children something they had never had before. Some had never even been to the city before. Even the toilet was an attraction for them and a large queue emerged in front of the toilets. Running water from a tap and a toilet to sit on was something that was completely new to many. Then on to SUNBAKERY the company which would give us an insight into the factory. The children were welcomed like princes and princesses and at the end of the ride they all received a fabric bag with a water bottle, bread, cap and much more. The children were so happy and surprised and the KFC made the day unforgettable for the children. We ate this somewhere near a park.
We also brought items for the children from Project Held, which we brought the next day, as they had already received so much. When we arrived at the village, the first children quickly gathered and the fanfare went quickly, so they were in front of us in no time (after all, it was holiday time).
First we sang together, presented a piece of gospel and then gave everyone a Hero package with socks, underwear and something tasty. It is now winter in South Africa and it can be around 10 degrees at night. A pair of warm socks would be nice. Then we went to a group of elderly people in the neighborhood who, despite their physical complaints and hopelessness, come together every day to sing, dance and socialize, after which they eat a hot meal together. (The βcuisineβ was given by Tshega). We sang together, danced and at the end prayed for them using a fire tunnel.
After this wonderful time, including a tour of the school, Basadi the sewing project for the widow and wonderful conversations with Ellanie and her team, we headed back to Johannesburg to take the plane to Maputo the next day. We leave behind us a time with a golden edge.
Mozambique
After a short flight we land in Maputo around 3:00 PM. After purchasing our visa at the border with Corrie as an interpreter, we could go straight to Iris Min's bus. Matola who was eagerly waiting for us. A beautiful one-hour drive follows in which you can clearly see the difference between South Africa and Mozambique. We are not so much talking about nature, but mainly about how people live. Mozambique lives on the streets. Dirt, plastic and waste everywhere, much less in South Africa. It is also winter in Mozambique, but with a pleasant temperature of about 25 degrees for us. When you arrive at the center of Corrie Ockhuysen you will be welcomed by all the children present with an unambiguous VISITA!!!! They absolutely love visitors and you will be welcomed with great joy! After giving everyone a hug and seeing recognition in children who are now young adults, we retreated to our guesthouse for a while.
About the guesthouse. The Corrie team worked very hard for 30 days to build a pleasant house on a piece of land. Since the house is still bare (no cupboards and/or hooks for clothing and belongings), you can see that a lot of hard work has gone into. There are curtains, a mat on the floor and a nice bed has been prepared for us. Of course with mosquito net. Big thanks to everyone who worked on this.
What more could one wish for? After putting our things in place and walking around the house and grounds of Corrie (on which this guesthouse is located), it was time to eat. We did this most times at the center. Just eat whatever the children and βmothersβ eat. Rice with some vegetables was on the menu. By the way, we were very lucky during our trip since it is June and June 1 is Children's Day. This means that throughout the month of June, various organizations will visit these types of centers with chicken, beef, potatoes and gifts to celebrate Children's Day.
To avoid making the report too long, we have highlighted a few highlights. If you would like to read the long version, I would like to refer you to a day-by-day Polarsteps report via this link.
During our stay we got to know the children better, heard poignant stories about children's origins and situations that they still have to deal with, but we also had a lot of fun, playing the same games every day such as peek-a-boo, clapping hands in a circle and others. played games that you can play if you don't really understand each other. Because Mozambique is a Portuguese colony and the children speak little English. We were lucky that our traveling companion spoke a fair amount of Portuguese, which the children thought was fantastic.
*During the trip we visited the garbage dump where we sang together, magnified God and tried to bring hope into the lives of these people. At the end of the morning, 10 people gave their lives to the Lord.
*For example, we organized a children's afternoon at a nearby village with singing, games and a drama about a Bible story in which Jesus was tempted in the desert. These children are also exposed to different temptations every day, how do you deal with them and what are good choices. In it we referred to the Cross and that God as Father takes care of them. Don't be tempted by stealing, drugs or burglary, but watch WWJD or, What would Jesus Do!
*We visited the boys' home for βchildrenβ aged 18 and over. In Africa it is no longer allowed to live within a center once you turn 18. For example, a church in Switzerland has placed a house for older boys where these young people form a small community together. They grow their own vegetables, have a chicken hotel (although the chickens are still missing, but it was also recently built), and we brainstorm together how they can become even more self-sufficient, so that they can ultimately support themselves without help.
*We also did various jobs in and around the center. It has been painted, the playground equipment has been restored, mirrors have been hung, a number of toilets have been made (from 3 pieces of toilets to 1 working one again) and some other jobs in between.
*We visited the project in Machava (Iris Min. Machava) for 2 days, also one of the projects supported by Project Held. We had a lovely time. Played games with the children and received a tour of the grounds. Together with Sarah we did some shopping for the children and gave them balls and treats and made it a lovely afternoon.
Everything happens differently in Africa than here in the west, and at a pace that we are not used to. For example, you spend a whole morning in a store doing purchases such as paint. This is mixed outside on the sidewalk by adding small bottles of food coloring to white paint. When the white paint has not really changed yet and more than 10 bottles have already gone into the pot of paint, you discover that all the dye has fallen to the bottom and has not ended up in the pot of white paint. Oh well, you settle for being in Africa and together we poured turpentine (it was removable paint) into the bottles and mixed the food coloring with the pot of white paint until we got close to the color we wanted.
This way you will also understand much better what our projects involve. The internet, for example. Sometimes it does this, sometimes it doesn't. In addition, this is the same with electricity, so if both are working well you can do some things via the internet, but if one of them fails for a while you are forced to pick it up again at another time and you have to remember where you were working on and don't forget it later. This is the same with food, drinks, ordered items, etc. you make appointments and if you are lucky, the appointment goes as discussed, but 9 out of 10 times something does not arrive, is too late or the person is no longer even available.
Yet a lot is going well! For example, the geyser that we purchased so that there would be hot water for the young children to wash themselves in the morning was delivered the next day (as agreed), now the plumber still has to come to pull the pipes so that the dangerous situation of setting up large pans for hot water at 3 am is no longer necessary.
In addition, the older children of the project helped us with cleaning, painting, repairs, etc. It is great to see how eager they are to learn and also want to contribute something to their own center. In short, we had a wonderful, special time and Corrie was completely happy with everything that was done, both in her house and around it, as well as in the center. We have gained great respect for how she has worked for these children for years who would have been left to fend for themselves without her.
If you have been deeply touched after reading and would like to go on a trip to one of our projects, please send an email to info@projectheld.nl and we can look together at how we can tackle this further, so that we provide warm support for Project Held's projects.
Youth Camp Mto Moyoni Uganda
What a fantastic time we had at the Vaderhart youth school in Jinja in Uganda. For two weeks, 28 young adults from Project Held received education about the love of the Father. It is unbelievable what has happened in the hearts of these beautiful young people. We have heard many testimonies! We thought it was very special to experience this up close and spend two weeks with these young people and see the transformation taking place in them.
In addition to wonderful education by the Mto Moyoni team (meaning ''river in the heart''), there was also time for sports and games, dance, good food and time for good conversations. The young people went quite deep during the camp, most of them grew up in children's homes and have been through a lot in their relatively short lives. So beautiful to see that they have chosen to go through certain issues, which has made their hearts a lot lighter. For most of them this was truly life changing! We have made a short compilation with various testimonials, click below to view this.
This youth school has been made possible thanks to a number of sponsors, we would like to thank them very much! In addition to child sponsorship, which ensures that the children have food, a roof over their heads and can go to school, we want to help the children in a deeper way. That is why we offered this youth school. We are deeply grateful to see that now more than ever, the youth realize that they are not alone and that they have a Heavenly Father who cares for and loves them.
Last youth school was a try-out for us and we can say that it greatly exceeded our expectations. The positive impact on lives is very great! We also want to offer this youth school to several young people in the future. If you would like to contribute to this, you can do so here. Two weeks of youth school, including accommodation, food and education costs β¬195 pp
Thank you again for your involvement in Project Held and we hope you enjoy the beautiful compilation of the youth school!
Christmas
The days are getting shorter, and we light the candles inside. Soon it will be Christmas! A special moment for all our children. The birth of Jesus is celebrated, we sing together and, together with your help, we want to add a delicious meal and Christmas presents. We hope to be able to make a nice Christmas gift!
To make this year's Christmas celebration unforgettable, we ask if you would like to contribute. You can do this by using the information below. Thanks in advance!
You can transfer your Christmas gift to the account of the Project Held Foundation, account number NL45 INGB 0009 4022 93, stating Christmas gift and possibly. name of sponsored child. You can also donate via the QR code below. Thanks in advance!
Nofam app!
YES! The time has finally come, after months of preparation it is now possible to communicate with your sponsored child via the Nofam app!
This opportunity is something beautiful and unique in the world! Instead of communicating with a letter, you can do this via an app on your phone. To be more involved with your sponsored child and the project, we now offer the Nofam app. A unique app in which you can be closer to your sponsored child through the digital world.
How does it work?
By downloading the Nofam app and logging in with the details we give you (if you have lost your password, send an email to info@projectheld.nl) you will enter an environment where your sponsored child(ren) are located. There will be a message ready for you from the project of your sponsored child.
You can then send a message, ask a question or take a photo via this app and/or share a video of what you experienced. This message will be sent to the employee of the project where your sponsored child lives and together they will send you a message back.
To follow the progress of your sponsored child, it is necessary to download the Nofam app on your smartphone. This can be done via one of the following links that you will find below:
βThis means that you have more insight into what is happening and what they are up against walk and especially what progress your sponsored child is making!β
Because this is new, also for our projects, we ask for a little patience with the responses from the project, but we trust that this app offers the opportunity to get closer to each other and go on a trip with your sponsored child.
If you also want to experience this unique experience and are not yet a sponsor, then quickly embark on this journey and register as a sponsor.
Why are we so enthusiastic?
Thanks to this app, the lines with your sponsored child and the project he/she is part of will be much shorter and you will participate more in their world. Do you also want this wonderful experience with your sponsored child?
In the future, even more will be possible via this app and we can hardly wait for all the developments that will come to offer both you, the sponsor and the children on our projects a unique experience that can be life-changing for both.
