Meet the board
Our board members do not receive any remuneration.
Mathijs Lindemulder
Mathijs Lindemulder is chairman of the foundation.
“It is therefore an honor to dedicate myself to Awas Kaki.”
“Football is where my story with Awas Kaki started. From a young age I played football at top amateur level at various clubs in the city of Groningen (including Be Quick 1887 and CVV Oranje Nasau).. During a tour in South-East Asia I contacted Ronald, asking if I could do something for the football school in Semarang.
During a period of two weeks, Ronald and I gave training to the students at the football school and got to know the coaches. It still touches me when I think back to how such a small gesture, giving football training and attention, released so much joy and gratitude from the students. In addition to the football school, Ronald and Barbara also showed me other projects, such as the support for the local (primary) school.
During this period I have gained a great deal of appreciation for the enormous hearts of Ronald and Barbara and the support they provide to the underprivileged in Indonesia through numerous projects.”
Wilco Berghoef
Wilco Berghoef, secretary.
“…, and am grateful for the lasting friendships I made with Indonesians there.”
”From an early age I followed the adventures of Ronald and Barbara through my parents. The country Indonesia inspired me and after obtaining my HAVO diploma I thought it was a perfect time to do something social. I didn’t have to think long to contact Ronald. In January 2018, when I was 17, I went to Semarang for three months with my best friend Tom.
During these three months we got to know the football school, coaches, players and students. Our trip started with taking 70 balls as checked luggage. Upon arrival, we immediately realized what this small gesture meant to the community. We organized various activities for Awas Kaki, from giving football clinics to teaching about the Netherlands at the local school.
I look back on this period with great pleasure and am grateful for the lasting friendships I made with Indonesians there. Because we stayed in the same building as the football school players, we built a close bond during those three months.
When Ronald and Mathijs asked me to participate in the board, the choice was not difficult. This way I stay involved in the social projects that Awas Kaki sets up and I keep in touch with the people in Indonesia. This gives me a huge boost.”
Cor van Waveren
Cor van Waveren, treasurer.
“Because it contributes to concrete small-scale charity.”
“Years ago I got to know Ronald Lepez as a colleague at ROC Friese Poort. Although I found his religious enthusiasm great, I had a lot of admiration for his commitment. And for the initiatives he took, such as founding the Sports Witnesses and Awas Kaki foundations. I wouldn’t have taken such a big step myself: resign and go to Indonesia for Awas Kaki. I had my doubts about that, but okay. After that, Ronald and Barbara pretty much disappeared from my field of vision, although… Occasionally a memory did surface.
When I was about to retire, I saw on Facebook that a young treasurer was being sought for Awas Kaki. Although I’m not really a numbers man at all, I had been treasurer of a church for years. And perhaps afraid of falling into a black hole, I applied: if they couldn’t find someone young, I might want to become treasurer. I thought I should apply but would not be chosen because of my age. But that was not the case: I already had the position.
I really enjoy doing this work. Because it contributes to concrete small-scale charity. Very good things happen there in Indonesia with the small budget that we get available here in the Netherlands. Fortunately, thanks to our regular donors, the Friends of Awas Kaki, we have a stable income and we can make a good estimate of the realistic possibilities. And if you look at the website, you immediately see that the money is well spent: on concrete people and activities, good examples in a turbulent world. Every euro also ends up there It goves me a good feeling.”
Mark Drenth
Mark Drenth, general board member.
“Helping children in Indonesia build a bright future.”
“After a call from Ronald for a host family for two enthusiastic trainers from Indonesia, I came into contact with Awas Kaki. I was then able to organize an internship for Peter and Febrian at sc Heerenveen with the O17. The contact with these boys has remained. In 2023, my family and I went to Semarang for a week to see how the boys are trained, where they go to school and where they live. This made a big impression on us, not only the efforts of the trainers other people involved, but also the circumstances that the youth in the Netherlands can still learn a lot from. After Ronald and Barbara, the contact has remained. Indonesian hospitality (my wife Jeannette is Javanese) is the basis of this I wanted to commit myself to the foundation, of course I couldn’t say no.”
Tom Allema
Tom Allema, general board member.
“It feels good to still be of significance to the people in Indonesia in this way.”
Football has played a major role in my life since I was little. When I finished high school and didn’t really know what I wanted to do, Awas Kaki came along. Together with Wilco I visited Ronald and Barbara for three months. Helping people in Indonesia, playing football and traveling: a perfect combination, I thought. Although I didn’t know in advance that this would be a lasting memory for life.
During this trip I was able to see the gratitude of the people in Indonesia for the work that Ronald and Barbara do and this still impresses me. It was wonderful to see how happy and grateful the people were. When Peter and Febrian were here in the Netherlands, it was great to see what a close bond and friendship we had built up in just three months.
When Ronald and Mathijs asked if I wanted to join the board, I didn’t have to think long. It feels good to still be of significance to the people in Indonesia in this way and to support Ronald and Barbara in their beautiful work.