Sometimes a story starts very simple. For Tonny de Jong (85), it began with Tirza, the founder of DARA Europe, for whom she was nanny (grandma) for many years. When Tirza turned eighteen, she went backpacking and ended up in Cambodia, where she volunteered in an orphanage. The stories she brought back stayed with Tonny.
“Tirza told her stories with such enthusiasm,” Tonny says. “Especially at the beginning, she shared everything. She was young and lost her heart there. That touched me deeply. She had embraced it fully and even involved her whole family. From that moment on, I felt connected to the work in Cambodia.”
From first gift to regular donor
Tonny soon decided to get actively involved. She attended DARA Europe events, bought products as gifts, and made annual donations. Even during a very personal milestone, she made room for DARA Europe.
“At our wedding celebration, we asked our guests to contribute to DARA instead of giving us presents. It felt very special to give something back together.”
After many years of supporting the charity Plan Nederland, where she sponsored children financially until their eighteenth birthday, Tonny made a conscious shift.
“When those children became adults, I became a regular donor of DARA Europe. That was quite a few years ago now.”
Education as the key
What moves Tonny the most is the focus on education.
“An orphanage provides children with shelter and food, but education gives them a future. You are committed to schooling and learning materials, and I find that very valuable.”
She emphasizes how carefully DARA Europe handles its resources.
“I know exactly where the money goes. Every euro is well spent. There are no hidden costs or high salaries, everything is done by volunteers. That gives me confidence.”
You are committed to schooling and learning materials and I find that very valuable.”
Connection through involvement
“You see the children growing up, you read about them in the newsletter, and you feel that it truly makes a difference.” Tonny experiences this sense of connection with the community in Andong again and again.
“I see that the students are being followed and that they are making progress. That makes education so important. It doesn’t just help the children, but also their families.”
When asked if she would recommend others to become donors, Tonny responds without hesitation:
“Yes, absolutely. You know exactly where the money is going, and that it is trustworthy. With Tirza as the founder, her family members, and the team of volunteers behind DARA Europe, you can feel their dedication. That’s why I support this wholeheartedly.”
Tonny’s story shows how one enthusiastic journey of a young adult can grow into lifelong involvement. What started with simply listening to stories has developed into a bond that connects generations and gives children in Cambodia a future.