About us
A foundation born from commitment
How it all began
In 2011, Lies Vink returned to Nepal after previously witnessing how street children there were being abused and living dangerously. She could not let it go. Back in the Netherlands, she organised a walk from Castricum to Assisi to raise money.
With the money raised, she rented a house in Kathmandu. Within a few days, six boys were living there — the first residents of what would later become Marinka Home.
The foundation grew organically. Volunteers joined, sponsors came on board, and in 2011 the second home was opened: Tiom Laura Home. After the devastating earthquake of 2015, a donation helped build a brand-new earthquake-resistant building, which was officially opened in May 2017.
Today the foundation runs entirely on volunteers. None of the board members receive a salary. Every euro goes to the children in Nepal.
The board
Entirely volunteers
Lies Vink
Chair
After her retirement, Lies Vink traveled through India and Nepal, where the suffering of street children deeply touched her. Through a sponsored walk from Castricum to Assisi, she founded a safe children’s home in Nepal. What started with six boys grew into shelter, education, and future opportunities for over eighty children.
Niek
Penningmeester
Niek Rijs, who works in accountancy and taxation, has been treasurer of the foundation since 2014. He travels regularly to Nepal and describes Street Children of Kathmandu as an inspiring, well-organized organization that successfully achieves its goals and continues to make a real difference for children.
Gerda Oosting
Vice Chair
Since 2010, Vice Chair Gerda Oosting visits Nepal twice yearly to support the children’s home through maintenance, clothing, and personal guidance. In the Netherlands, she raises funds by selling Nepali goods and cutting hair at markets, donating all proceeds to support the street children.
Kees Hottentot
Secretary
Our team in Nepal
Nine staff members care for the children in our homes every day. The team consists of a manager, four social workers, two carers for young children and two cooks/maintenance staff.
Temba Sherpa oversees finances from Kathmandu and ensures transparent management of all resources on the ground.
ANBI-certified foundation
The foundation is registered as an ANBI (Public Benefit Organisation). This means your donation is tax-deductible. Chamber of Commerce registration available on request.