Evelyne Kleikers - Founder and President
“Because of my curiosity and interest in the Senegalese people and their rich culture, I come closer to the people, who connect me again with other people. This leads to a continued growing network that helps to progress the project”.
Evelyne founded the foundation in 2005. She brings in knowledge of Senegalese culture and network in Senegal. Her expertise is in the field of PR, marketing, communication and relationship management.
Vivian Otten - Education projects
“By supporting education and development projects we are committed to create opportunities for women in Senegal”.
Vivian joined the foundation in 2007. She brings in educational projects and international business knowledge. Her expertise is in the field of human resources and business management.
Michela Padovani - Innovation Projects
Sander Kleikers - Project and Fundraising consultant
"Inspiring to see young women studying in our centre for their quest for a better future for them and their loved ones".
Sander recently joined the foundation. He brings in advice on the projects and fundraising and is our sparring partner. His expertise is in the field of journalism, debate and professional moderation.
Barbara Jeurissen - Board Secretary
“Many time the voices of women is just a wisher. We are committed to support these voices and to make them stronger”.
Barbara joined the foundation in 2006. She brings in organizational and legal knowledge. Her expertise is in the field of human resources and juridical and social affairs.
Carin van Veldhoven - Communication professional
“Education is the cornerstone of independency and an important building block in creating opportunities”.
Carin joined the foundation in 2011. She brings in communication and marketing knowledge. Her expertise is in the field of organization development and reputation management.
Jean Baptiste Ndiaye and Marthe Thiao - The initiators
Together with Marthe Thiao and Jean Baptiste Ndiaye our first project (mill) has been born.
I stayed in their family during my first trip to Senegal, for 3 months. They have shown me the real Senegalese life and culture and took me with them to their native villages, where I have been touched by the hard life of mainly women.
It was in 2005 where our dream of helping the position of the women started.
Seynabou Ndiaye Senghor - Director of the Education Centre Thiadiaye
Hans J. Steinhart - Rotary Club Elsloo-Maaskant (former district governor)
Other important supporters of the foundation
The activities and projects are being realized with the support of:
Henk Huisman (in memory)
Massimiliano Rigliaco (in memory)
Ron Huisman
Anne-Mieke Huisman
Pierre Sene
Michiel Buiteman
Roger Otten
Paul Wyman
Marc Jacovitch
Jacqueline Winter, Hans Steinhart, Marian Ramakers, Els Ballast (core team of Rotary Club Elsloo-Maaskant)
Karly Lagarde, César Chantre, Adjid El Bahlaoui, Ghislain Gamavo, Marc Jacovitch (core team of Rotary Club Dakar Almadies)
Cheryl Gregory Faye
Diodj Faye
Bassirou Mar
Ablaye Diop, Aliou Sene, El Hadji Omar Youm (mayors Thiadiaye)
Michel Faye (Director of Ministry of Professional Education)
All members and supporters are working on the project on a voluntary basis.
In Memory of Henk Huisman
Unexpected and with immense sadness we had to say goodbye to Henk Huisman in June 2014. His passing away is a big loss for me, my family and the foundation.
Henk was the treasurer and organizational advisor of the foundation. Due to his involvement, passion for the projects and support to get things realized since the very first project, I consider him as a cofounder of the Diouma Senegal Foundation.
Henk will be in our hearts, thoughts and in that way still be there in the realization of (future) projects to improve the position of Senegalese women.
Dear Henk, an enormous 'merci' for all you've done and meant for the foundation and women in Senegal.
Evelyne Kleikers - Founder and president foundation