About Jan Vink Stichting
Over 30 years building humanitarian bridges between the Netherlands and Indonesia
Foundation Origins
Jan Vink Stichting began from the determination of a Dutch man named **Jan Vink** (1926-2023) who fell in love with Indonesia when serving as a soldier in the 1940s. Witnessing the poverty that plagued Indonesian society, especially children, planted the seeds of care that would grow into a lifelong mission.
In 1986, at age 60, Jan decided to sell his plastering business and return to Indonesia as a development worker. During his stay in Bogor (1986-1993), he witnessed firsthand how people lived in poverty - in dilapidated bamboo huts, without access to proper education.
The year **1993** became a turning point when Jan founded *Bamboe Renovatie Indonesia (BRI)* which later developed into **Jan Vink Stichting**. With the spirit of "helping those who cannot help themselves," this foundation was born from genuine concern for the future of Indonesian children.
Thrift Store Innovation
The year **1998** marked Jan Vink's brilliant innovation: opening a thrift store (*kringloopwinkel*) in his own garage in Sint-Michielsgestel. This simple yet revolutionary concept allowed Dutch communities to contribute easily while supporting education in Indonesia.
The success of this model was proven in **2003** when the store had to be moved to a larger location at Van Overbeekstraat 15 due to increasing community support. To this day, **100% of profits** from the thrift store are directly allocated to education programs in Indonesia.
Full Transparency Principles:
- 0% administrative costs in Indonesia
- Open financial reports to the public
- ANBI Status (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling)
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
To realize an independent and prosperous Indonesian society through quality and sustainable education, with the support of genuine international solidarity.
Our Mission
Provide quality education access for underprivileged children in Indonesia
Improve community welfare through economic empowerment programs
Build sustainable humanitarian bridges between the Netherlands and Indonesia
Current Leadership
After Jan Vink passed away in 2023, the leadership baton was passed to trusted board members with high dedication to continue the noble vision of the foundation father Jan Vink.
Management
The organization in the Netherlands
Jan Vink Foundation works exclusively with unpaid volunteers on the board and in the thrift store.
The board consists of:
Chairman
Bart Eissing
Secretary
Dian Leering
Treasurer
Pierre Wijffelaars
Vice Chairman
Hans van der Heijden
Our partner organizations in Indonesia
In 2023, the Jan Vink Foundation entered into a partnership with a second organization in Indonesia. In Bogor, the "Yayasan Bakti Social Cinta Kasih Megamendung" (Loving Care Foundation) was founded that year, while we have been working with the "Yayasan Kawan Sejalan" (Together on the Road Foundation) in Yogyakarta since 2007. Both organizations are completely dependent on volunteers. Given the considerable distance between the Netherlands and Indonesia, reliable local partners are essential.
Projects
Requests for assistance are received centrally by the chairman and are carefully assessed. The local foundations in Indonesia also identify problematic situations themselves and submit them to the board of the Jan Vink Foundation. A project proposal is drawn up, including a possible draft design and a global cost estimate. The board of the Jan Vink Foundation evaluates the application based on quality and feasibility.
After approval of the project proposal, the project is assigned to the nearest local foundation based on the location. This foundation then draws up a detailed cost estimate. The assigned local foundation is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and ensures that the project is executed correctly and on time.
Legacy & Impact
Years of Dedication
Children Helped
Funds Distributed
"Helping those who cannot help themselves" - Jan Vink's philosophy that continues to inspire every step of the foundation to this day. Every rupiah collected from thrift stores in the Netherlands is directly channeled to build a brighter future for Indonesian children.
Join Our Mission
Be part of the change you want to see in this world. Let's continue Jan Vink's legacy of kindness together.