The impact of our gifts

Since July 2024, I have been serving with great pleasure as the treasurer of Stichting For a Change. As treasurer, I am responsible for preparing budgets, keeping the accounts, and making payments. It may sound rather formal and number-focused – and it partly is – but I quickly realised there is much more to this role.

My involvement with the foundation began with the idea that I wanted to use my knowledge and experience for something greater, something that has a direct impact on the lives of others. Yet, I always had a desire to see for myself where our efforts and the money we manage actually go.

In April and May 2025, I got that opportunity: I travelled to Malawi. There, I saw firsthand what For a Change, together with its partners and donors, is making possible. I met children who can attend school thanks to our projects, families who are given new opportunities, and communities that are gradually moving forward. It made a deep impression to experience that behind every figure in the accounts lies a real story – a face, a future, a glimmer of hope.

One of the most special moments was meeting all the sponsored children in the village where we are active. Together, we visited the school they attend and walked through the village to see the houses where they live. The contrast was striking: the children’s smiles and gratitude on the one hand, but also the poverty and huge need for basic facilities on the other. That touched me deeply. It made clear how much difference the support from our foundation makes, but also how much help is still needed.

This experience changed my view of being treasurer. Whereas before I was mostly focused on a balanced budget and neat bookkeeping, I now see even more clearly the meaning of that work. Every statement and every payment contributes to opportunities in Malawi. That gives my role extra value and responsibility.

I am grateful that through Stichting For a Change I can use my financial expertise for such tangible change – and that I have now seen with my own eyes what it means in practice. At the same time, I want to thank God for the work that has already been done and for the opportunity to share the Gospel and the Bible as well. Ultimately, it is not just about practical help, but also about hope and faith.

Therefore, I want to conclude with a call: please continue to support our work, in prayer, through involvement, or by a financial contribution. Together, we can give even more children and families in Malawi a future – and show that change is truly possible.