Our Team

DARA Europe is initiated by Tirza Voss and Ruud Bakker. Below you"ll find more information about our team members and volunteers; who are they, how are they involved and why are they committing their time to support DARA Europe.    

Tirza Josie Voss

Initiator (1990), private sector advisor, Terre des Hommes
I visited Andong for the first time in 2009, together with a friend. During my visit I played with the kids, laughed, cried, taught them English, played sports and gave them as much love as I could. It was a very special visit , both for me as well as for the children. I was the first international volunteer, working for a short time in this orphanage.
I was really shocked by the circumstances and tried to adapt as good as possible. Once back in the Netherlands I told many people, of which Ruud Bakker is one of them, about my experience.
I am happy that I can now, together with this team, take good care and ensure a good future for these wonderful children I felt in love with at the very first sight. Meanwhile I visited Cambodia many times and I am happy with all the great achievements to date. Every visit has been special, beautiful, and inspiring. We have expanded our programs significantly and support more and more children towards a brighter future. I am really proud to see what we have achieved together with our partners and staff to date. Still, there is lots to be done in Andong in order to be able to give every child the chance to shine like a star!
Earlier visits: February 2009, June 2010, August 2010, August 2011, December 2011, July 2012, January 2014, July/August 2014, April/May 2015,
January-August 2016, Feburary 2017

The board

Ruud Bakker - Chairman (1961),
working as consultant facility management at GGD Tilburg. 
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After the first visit Tirza made at the orphanage, I was inspired by her stories and photographs. That’s when I decided to start searching for sponsors for the marathon I was going to run in IJsselstein, and raise money the children at CPO in Cambodja. We just had to improve their living conditions!
From that marathon until now we have been able to raise money for Tirza to take several actions and make life a little bit better for the children. But of course: much more is needed, which is why we started this foundation, of which I am very proud and happy to be a part of!
José Huizenga - Secretary (1960), mother of three daugthers, working as remedial teacher at “De Wenteltrap”

My own children and my profession make me realize how important it is that children have a “home”.  A“home” full of love and place where people live and play together, where you get healthy and varied food and where a child can grow up to an independent adult with a future. Besides I realize the importance of education which gives them opportunities for a better future. Being inspired by Tirza’s stories and experiences I want to help the unprivileged children, particularly in SCCO. Also these children deserve a  “home”!
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​Earlier visit: July 2012, July/August 2016


​Mattanja van der Schans - Treasurer (1985), manager at "Jumbo" supermarkets
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The first time I came in contact with the work in Cambodia is because of the stories of Tirza after her visit in February 2009. Since, we stayed in touch about the center: the plans to start a foundation has ensured that I can be helpful to the children, as a treasurer of DARA Europe. Raising funds in The Netherlands and in the rest of Europe will help to give the children in Cambodia a better place for the future.

Annemarijn van der Linden 

Volunteer (1984), project manager at "Bespeak", education development
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Tirza Josie’s stories, her enthusiasm and perseverance to create a good environment for the kids in Cambodia, have inspired me to commit myself as a volunteer to DARA Europe. As educational developer, I believe that every child has the right to education, to discover and develop his talents so he can eventually make deliberate choices about his own future. DARA Europe wants to give this chance to all the children in the orphanage. I am therefore very proud of the progress we’ve made so far and proud of the fact that I can make a contribution to this beautiful charity.  

Tim van Impelen

Volunteer (1982) manager financials and legalities 

I am Tim van Impelen, living in Utrecht. With my financial background, I was asked to help DARA Europe, particularly with accounting and bookkeeping. Of course I answered "yes"! For me, DARA Europe feels as a good and tangible charity, which I would love to work for. I hope that my commitment, and feeling for structure, bring an important contribution to the charity and herewith SCCO. 

Hein Voss

Adviser (1958), owner of wholesale company H3P Motives b.v. with the brand RE-5
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Being the father of Tirza, who started this fantastic initiative, I’ve supported and stimulated her from the beginning to achieve something special for these Cambodian children. Over a period of 30 years I’ve been traveling to many Far East countries, working intensively with local people and companies. During all these years I’ve learned and experienced all the ins and outs around the clothing and textile industry. Especially in the South East Asian countries I’ve always tried to build sustainable and long term relationships, in connection to their culture. Structural help and improvements, like Tirza is now implementing for these kids, I see as the most important step for a good future of Cambodian children. It will give them strengths and opportunities to buil a better future for themselves and their families. It has been great visiting Cambodia together with Tirza in the summer of 2010. Working intensively as a volunteer for two weeks with these fantastic kids was great, saying goodbye was extremely difficult so next visits from “daddy” will definitely follow.
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Earlier visit: June 2010, November 2013

Harriet Joore

Volunteer, working as a speech therapist at "de Wenteltrap" 
From José and later Tirza herself, I heard about DARA Europe and their work; a great charity with a very enthusiastic team. Especially the direct involvement of Tirza, her regular visits to SCCO, and her personal relationship with the children makes me also feel equally involved. I am committed to provide the children with a safe home and a good future perspective.

DARA Europe provides structural support and I am happy that I can join support the team as volunteer, creating a better future for Cambodia's children.

Kelly Bliekendaal

Volunteer (1998) highschool student at Cals College.

​For my education I need to do an internship in a civil society organization. When my teacher told me about this I knew immediately that I wanted to do this for DARA. Because I think that it is really sad for those children that they need to live in poverty while we live in a rich country, not even thinking about them and the situation they live in daily. I want to help DARA change that. 

Judith Voss

Volunteer (1996) student Youthcare

​As Tirza's sister, I have heard many stories and saw many pictures of Cambodia and the children. Already from her first trip and involvement! I always have admired the great work Tirza and the DARA-team are doing for these children. 
I often help out if extra help is needed. Most of the time, selling the products made by the COLT organization. I enjoy talking with people and informing them about the work of DARA Europe. Besides, I love helping others making the right choice! It feels good to sell products of which the entire proceeds go to two different charities. Furthermore, a lot of recycled materials are used, and it's awesome to see what kind of products you can make from these materials! 
I enjoy helping DARA, and others! 

Earlier visit: March-May 2016