Charities

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy a safe and happy childhood.

Through our support for the Thomas Bouwprojecten Foundation and UNICEF, we contribute to the work of organisations helping children build better futures.

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THOMAS BOUWPROJECTEN FOUNDATION

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Horrex is a donor to the Thomas Bouwprojecten Foundation. The foundation supports disadvantaged children in South India, with particular attention to girls who face additional barriers to education and opportunity.

By building and expanding schools and improving essential facilities, the foundation helps create the conditions children need to attend school and receive a good education.

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BUILDING SCHOOLS AND BETTER FACILITIES

Safe, well-maintained facilities are an important part of a child’s school environment. Alongside classrooms and school buildings, the foundation places particular emphasis on adequate sanitation and hygiene.

Its projects range from boreholes and toilet facilities to schools and boarding facilities. The foundation works with the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSJ) in Chennai, whose sisters manage the schools and help identify where improvements are most needed.

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THE FOUNDATION’S WORK IN NUMBERS

The Thomas Bouwprojecten Foundation reports:

• More than €4.8 million invested in construction projects in South India.

• More than 190 projects realised, including schools, sanitation facilities and accommodation.

• More than 95% of donations spent in India.

The foundation works entirely with unpaid volunteers, combining the expertise of Dutch construction engineers with the work of local contractors.

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THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROJECTS

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Sister Prudentia (in white) and Sister Arul Mary (far left)

Tom (Thomas) Gennissen is one of the construction engineers who volunteers as a project manager for the foundation. During his visits to India, he has seen how improved school facilities can affect children’s daily lives. In particular, the improvements in hygiene achieved through new and renovated sanitation facilities motivate his continued involvement.

During annual visits, the project manager meets with the sisters to agree which projects should take priority. Buildings and construction sites are surveyed where necessary, and initial sketches are prepared on location. These plans are then developed further in India and the Netherlands.

Sister Prudentia oversaw the projects until the age of 85 before handing this responsibility over to Sister Arul Mary. Construction work is supervised locally by two sisters who have received construction training.

Throughout each project, the sisters and the project manager in the Netherlands coordinate weekly through reports, photographs and video calls. During visits to India, the project manager also inspects the completed work in person.

 

SUPPORTING EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY

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The foundation also arranges financing for its projects. Donations from companies such as Horrex help make this work possible and support its continuity.

By improving access to quality education and suitable school facilities, the foundation aims to give children the opportunity to build a more secure future for themselves and contribute to their communities.

Visit Thomas Bouwprojecten Foundation →

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SUPPORTING CHILDREN FOR DECADES WITH

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Horrex has supported UNICEF through donations for decades. UNICEF works around the world to protect children’s rights and help children access education, healthcare, nutrition, clean water and protection from violence and exploitation.

Through our continued support, we contribute to UNICEF’s work for children, including those facing poverty, conflict and emergencies. We want children to have the opportunity to learn, stay healthy, play and grow up in safety, with hope for their future.