“We happily contribute to causes that aim for a fundamental solution of a problem” answer Janneke van Beek and Gerard Sipkema to our question why they gave such a big donation to GreenfieldCities.
Just before the summer break GreenfieldCities received the one of the first big, personal donations from Janneke van Beek and Gerard Sipkema. She, a lector on an advanced college and family therapist; he, a former lector Sociology and former trade union board member.
Pleasantly surprised we asked the generous givers about the why of their action. “We always gladly give to our traditional charities, but what really speaks to our heart is that GreenfieldCities works towards a structural solution for the migration crisis. Additionally, you make it very tangible with the plan for a campus in Jordan”. They think it is fantastic GreenfieldCities develops these plans with refugee talent that is now living here in the Netherlands. “At the same time GreenfieldCities offers refugees a very meaningful job; that in itself already prevents a lot of integration problems here. Even for relatively well-educated refugees the perspective on a paid job is very bleak indeed. They will often need social benefits for a long time.” This is even more true for poorly educated people. As a language mentor Gerard Sipkema helps a hardly educated, yet very well skilled Syrian craftsman. “The language and cultural gap are so wide”, he observes, “almost impossible to bridge. Only after a generation the perspective gets better. Poor integration in Dutch society also causes tensions with native Dutch people” Gerard states. “Providing sustainable shelter in regions that are much closer to their culture and values is to be preferred”.
“We try to live according to a christian ethos (where “giving tenths” is important), but in almost every belief or philosophy looking after your neighbour in need is a key value”, says Janneke. “From all motives or perspectives we Dutch can contribute”. “Just because GreenfieldCities has an ANBI certificate, the tax office also contributes to this noble cause. That is a great afterthought” they conclude.
Sponsor Us