Stichting Mano
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Stichting Mano, based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was founded in 2005 by Liesbeth and Patrick following the success of their initiative in Peru. Initially supporting activities abroad, the foundation responded to local needs, launching the Hoedje van Papier Foundation in 2007 to deliver multimedia workshops in Rotterdam’s disadvantaged neighborhoods. The organization focuses on empowering children and families through successful methodologies that foster participation in society, offering hundreds of media workshops that have helped both young and old flourish.
Country Information
The projects of Stichting Mano are centered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, which is the second-largest city in the country and faces significant social challenges, including poverty and a sizable refugee population. The city struggles with educational inequalities as many children grow up in environments where parents lack the resources or language proficiency to support their schooling. This situation has necessitated a targeted intervention to uplift these communities.
The Need in 2026
The social needs in Rotterdam are acute, with many children and young people from refugee backgrounds growing up in vulnerable conditions. They face challenges such as trauma, stress, poverty, and disrupted education, leading to significant disadvantages. In particular, the conditions in emergency shelters are dire, affecting the well-being and development of these young individuals. There is a clear demand for activities that provide structure, support, a sense of normalcy and future prospects.
The Project We Fund
Stichting Mano’s “Young Together in Rotterdam” project organizes a variety of activities for 400 beneficiaries – including children, young people, and families, focusing on language development, school support, and talent enhancement. It includes tutoring, creative and technology workshops, sports and games, and cultural activities that enhance self-confidence and resilience. For young people, the project offers mental health training, emotional management, and practical skill development. The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to ongoing community needs.
The Result
The impact of Stichting Mano’s projects is evident in the increased self-confidence and improved school performance of participating children. The integrated and accessible approach combines education, creativity, and psychosocial support, effectively creating a safe space for personal development. Regular evaluations ensure that the activities meet their goals, and the progress of participants is meticulously tracked, aligning with GDPR requirements. This approach not only meets immediate needs but also lays a foundation for long-term community empowerment.
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The Need in 2024
In Rotterdam, many children in vulnerable families face educational disadvantages due to poverty and language barriers. The Growing Up Together initiative seeks to address these issues by enhancing self-reliance, engagement, and overall development among children. The project aims to provide safe, healthy, and promising opportunities for children from impoverished backgrounds, fostering their growth into independent and contributing adults.
The Project We Fund
Under the banner SamenOpgroeien 2024, the project offers various programs targeting vulnerable children in Rotterdam, including:
– SamenDoorSamen: Focuses on status holders (refugees granted legal status).
– SamenGroeien: Aims at long-term migrants.
– Samen Sterk: Provides support for Ukrainian refugees.
These programs are designed to support cognitive and social-emotional development and address educational gaps. The initiative engages families through schools, welfare organizations, and community leaders, aiming to tackle multiple challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and health issues.
The Result
To measure impact, the project employs a competency matrix to track children’s progress and adjust guidance based on individual needs. Regular evaluations with children, parents, and volunteers ensure activities are meeting goals and allow for necessary adjustments. Data on participant status, focus areas, and progress are recorded in a database, enabling comprehensive tracking and adherence to GDPR standards. This approach ensures transparent records and effective measurement of the project’s impact.
2024 Annual Report
The project directly benefited 166 individuals, primarily children from diverse and vulnerable backgrounds in Rotterdam. The impact includes improved socio-emotional development, language skills, and overall educational outcomes for children, as well as increased parental involvement and enhanced community cohesion.
Testimonies
A Syrian boy of 12 years old rose from an insufficient score to a 7 in his mathematics (first class) after guidance and tutoring from a Thomas More student.
An Eritrean girl from group 7, aged 11, has risen from pre-vocational secondary education to senior general secondary education (HAVO) with her provisional advice. A huge improvement.
An Eritrean girl (8) from group 4 has also made progress in reading thanks to her tutoring buddy. The teacher of her class literally says: ‘It’s nice that she is getting guidance. B. has made good progress recently. Also concerns her attitude, because she could be very unmotivated at times. Complimenting and showing what is going well works great for B. Helping her with ‘helping thoughts’ and how do you deal with it if you find
learning material difficult is good to reflect on. This increases her motivation enormously and you clearly get more out of it than she sometimes shows.”
