In this article, we'd like to focus on the financial position of the Care for Children foundation. Financially, we're not in a good position as a foundation. As it stands now, we can only support the two orphanages in Minethouk for three more years (2026-2027-2028). Why is this, and how could you help us—and thus the 65 orphans and four staff members? We would be deeply saddened if we had to stop our sponsorship in three years, resulting in the closure of the two orphanages.
Brief history
The initiative to establish the Care for Children foundation came from Cor Visser () in 2002. Cor passed away suddenly in December 2007. This was a great loss for the foundation. Because he spent an average of six months a year in Myanmar, he managed everything locally. Simon Goede () was the foundation's secretary for 18 years and, even after the death of Cor Visser, managed all affairs in the Netherlands. Due to his physical condition, it was time to hand over the reins in 2019. At that time, the board consisted only of interim chair Maria Overmars and secretary/treasurer Simon Goede.
However, finding new board members proved difficult. Simon contacted the board of World Child Care, a foundation that has also been active in Myanmar for many years. After two intensive discussions, the board of that foundation agreed to take over the responsibilities of Care for Children.
The new board
Effective January 1, 2020, the board of both World Child Care and Care for Children will officially consist of Lucas Harms (chair), Nico Schoenmakers (secretary), and Camiel van der Heiden (treasurer). The permanent project volunteer is Frederique Schoenmakers-de Groot.
During discussions with the old board, the new board indicated it wanted to take over all responsibilities, but would not be able to actively solicit donors, sponsors, and funds. This was because they were already fully occupied with the other foundation. At that time, Care for Children's financial position still looked good, with €179,000 in the bank. In 2020, sponsorship income came from approximately thirty private donors from Landsmeer and the surrounding area, from the PKN Diaconie in Landsmeer, and from friendly foundations. Even then, annual income was insufficient to cover expenses in Minethouk.
Decline in income
To sustain the operation of the two orphanages, approximately €30,000 is needed annually. Income has gradually declined. This year, only €8,000 was received. The Eekhoorn Foundation, which supported Care for Children annually, will cease to exist in 2025. The donor base from Landsmeer and the surrounding area is aging and shrinking. The foundation's equity amounted to €89,000 on January 1, 2026.
The consequences
If nothing changes, this means we can continue to support the project in Minethouk with a contribution of €30,000 for another three years. After that, the money will be gone. The consequence is that the orphanages will have to close and find alternative homes for 65 (orphaned) children. It also means the four staff members will lose their jobs.
Orphanage father U Tet Tun and cook Daw Mya Sein have reached retirement age. We can give them a modest sum of money. U Bran Saing, a staff member of the boys' home, and Daw Nilar Aye, a staff member of the girls' home, will both have to find other jobs.
Causes of declining revenues
Previously, the two orphanages were able to generate some income themselves by hosting tourists. But since the coronavirus crisis and the military coup, no tourists have been coming to Myanmar. Contributions from the government and a local fund have also disappeared since the military came to power. Moreover, inflation has risen to 400% in four years.
For us as board members, it's almost impossible to find new sponsors. We're also having trouble finding them for the other foundation. This is for two reasons. Firstly, Myanmar has been in the news for over eight years, making it difficult to find schools and organizations in the Netherlands willing to set up fundraising campaigns. Secondly, the coronavirus crisis and the wars in Europe have shifted the focus of supporting people in need from developing countries to Europe. That makes sense.
Dream versus nightmare
We often say to each other: If only there were two major sponsors willing to support us with €10,000 annually. These could be donors, foundations, organizations, or companies who know their money will be well-used and are willing to support us selflessly for several years. Then we can manage our operations! Tet Tun and his staff are aware of the financial situation and are very concerned. This is also a matter of concern to us as board members.
Cry for help
Can you help us, do you know someone or can you put us in touch with someone? Please let us know. Help us and, in doing so, the 65 (orphaned) children in Minethouk! Click here to go to the contact page on this website.
