Annual Report 2009
By President of Terre Des Hommes Denmark, Mrs. Dorthe Kristensen
2009 turned out somewhat different than originally anticipated. Due to certain events within the Executive Board, five Board members decided to resign not only as members of the Board, but as project managers for a number of projects as well. The five very capable persons had a lot of experience and have performed a tremendous job on the Board as well as project managers – and the organization owes them a lot of gratitude.
The members of the new Executive Board had to embrace a number of tasks new to them and it was truly quite a thing! Our new treasurer, Mr. Sven Røddik, were subjected to the many pit falls of the financial accounts – and just a thing like learning the names of our many projects was a whole new world to him. He started from scratch, but after some time he managed to get a good feel and overview on how things are put together and connected. The Board decided to outsource the handling of the accounts to a bookkeeping company as our organization grows bigger, which means that the time required to perform the accounting will surpass what is reasonable to ask from a volunteer – and that will relieve our treasurer of some huge tasks.
A lot of projects needed new sponsor-managers. We found a number of persons willing to join our team and engage in the various tasks to support the many children connected to our projects by maintaining the sponsors and thereby give hope to the children of a brighter future. Dear sponsor-managers – new as well as old: You joined the game with great enthusiasm as well as energy and by using common sense and the support of the Board, you have succeeded in reaching your objectives. The sponsor-managers had to make their own experiences, which has resulted in the establishment of a healthy, informative contact between the new sponsor-managers and the project-managers, who are responsible for our projects in their specific countries in cooperation with our sponsors.
Some questions and issues will arise, but we are now at a point, where we are able to solve them together.
Some questions and issues will arise, but we are now at a point, where we are able to solve them together.
PR and Events:
Admittedly, our prior website was not optimal – and we had received some fair and reasonable criticism on that point. The Board decided to do something about it and took the necessary steps to secure the development of a new-designed, well-arranged website produced in order for the website to become an efficient tool in the efforts to represent the organization. Mr. Jørn Verner Stendorf was appointed new webmaster and after a few months, he presented an exiting and up-to-date website, which is constantly updated with current information and news.
Furthermore, Mr. Stendorf became editor of our Member’s Magazine, which – due to current articles – has turned into an exciting and informative periodical.
We hosted a variety of events during the year – again with a big effort by our Country Ambassador, comedy actor Mr. Jan Schou.
The following events have been hosted:
Liva Weel Cabaret in Herning on March 15
Fashion show in Silkeborg on October 6
Concert with Anne Linnet in Køge Church on November 26
Exhibition on Tanzania in ”Rottefælden” in Svendborg
Evenings with various lectures
In December 2009 we ran an ad in the Danish newspaper ”Politiken” in order to make the public aware of our organization in regard to establishing personal wills and testaments with relief organizations as beneficiaries.
Additionally, our work groups have hosted flee markets, Christmas markets, fashion shows, sorting of clothes in Tylstrup etc.
Our City Ambassador of Aalborg, Mr. Peter Skram, has invented a bracelet with our logo “The Drop”. The bracelets are made of pearls from India by Ms. Anne Skjødt Mortensen and are sold at our events in Aalborg and online at our website.
A new work group in Copenhagen was introduced by Ms. Rikke Thomsen in 2009. The work group has been very active collaborating with other work groups and it is delightful to follow the process of work groups working together – something we hope to see a lot more of in the future.
Furthermore in 2009, we were encouraged by Ms. Mette Underlien to establish a work group in Odense, but so far unsuccessfully. However, we hope a number of persons on Funen will take up the challenge and make the work group a reality.
The work group in Holstebro informed the Board of their wish to resign by the end of the year. This work group has been a very active one during the years and we wish to thank all involved for their tremendous efforts.
A common feature for all our work groups is the huge effort displayed. You provide a priceless buzz and PR for Terre Des Hommes, for which we extend our greatest gratitude.
A documentary titled “In my mother’s footsteps” covering the work of Mrs. Jessie Rosenmeier for Terre Des Hommes in India, was produced by her daughter Dina in 2009. The film describes the huge job performed by Jessie in India covering the start-up phase of the projects as well as the later stages to ensure the continuous functionality. Dina wrote an article published in our Member’s Magazine, in which she describes how proud she is of you Jessie – and please allow me to add: So are we in Terre Des Hommes.
Admittedly, our prior website was not optimal – and we had received some fair and reasonable criticism on that point. The Board decided to do something about it and took the necessary steps to secure the development of a new-designed, well-arranged website produced in order for the website to become an efficient tool in the efforts to represent the organization. Mr. Jørn Verner Stendorf was appointed new webmaster and after a few months, he presented an exiting and up-to-date website, which is constantly updated with current information and news.
Furthermore, Mr. Stendorf became editor of our Member’s Magazine, which – due to current articles – has turned into an exciting and informative periodical.
We hosted a variety of events during the year – again with a big effort by our Country Ambassador, comedy actor Mr. Jan Schou.
The following events have been hosted:
Liva Weel Cabaret in Herning on March 15
Fashion show in Silkeborg on October 6
Concert with Anne Linnet in Køge Church on November 26
Exhibition on Tanzania in ”Rottefælden” in Svendborg
Evenings with various lectures
In December 2009 we ran an ad in the Danish newspaper ”Politiken” in order to make the public aware of our organization in regard to establishing personal wills and testaments with relief organizations as beneficiaries.
Additionally, our work groups have hosted flee markets, Christmas markets, fashion shows, sorting of clothes in Tylstrup etc.
Our City Ambassador of Aalborg, Mr. Peter Skram, has invented a bracelet with our logo “The Drop”. The bracelets are made of pearls from India by Ms. Anne Skjødt Mortensen and are sold at our events in Aalborg and online at our website.
A new work group in Copenhagen was introduced by Ms. Rikke Thomsen in 2009. The work group has been very active collaborating with other work groups and it is delightful to follow the process of work groups working together – something we hope to see a lot more of in the future.
Furthermore in 2009, we were encouraged by Ms. Mette Underlien to establish a work group in Odense, but so far unsuccessfully. However, we hope a number of persons on Funen will take up the challenge and make the work group a reality.
The work group in Holstebro informed the Board of their wish to resign by the end of the year. This work group has been a very active one during the years and we wish to thank all involved for their tremendous efforts.
A common feature for all our work groups is the huge effort displayed. You provide a priceless buzz and PR for Terre Des Hommes, for which we extend our greatest gratitude.
A documentary titled “In my mother’s footsteps” covering the work of Mrs. Jessie Rosenmeier for Terre Des Hommes in India, was produced by her daughter Dina in 2009. The film describes the huge job performed by Jessie in India covering the start-up phase of the projects as well as the later stages to ensure the continuous functionality. Dina wrote an article published in our Member’s Magazine, in which she describes how proud she is of you Jessie – and please allow me to add: So are we in Terre Des Hommes.
Our current 51 projects are all running smoothly with no major problems, so in the following I will just mention projects with changes or which we have visit during the year. As earlier mentioned in the Annual Report, we encourage you to visit our website, on which you will find full descriptions of all current projects. The Board of Terre Des Hommes as well as the project managers of the individual projects is all at your disposal, should you require further information.
Lithuania:
About 22 tons of relief aid was collected in June 2009 and shipped to families in Vilnius as in previous years. In the process of shipping the supplies, two members of the work group in Tylstrup visited Vilnius. Upon their return they described the immense poverty within the families they met. There is a widespread shortage on school materials, bed linen, shampoo, soap, clothes etc. etc.
During their visit, they met a person, who was very optimistic about the future; who believed the country had seen lot of improvements. But, as Mrs. Henny Faurholt mentioned, it is curious on the plane home to read in a financial magazine, that the VAT is to be increased by 2% at the same time the wages are to drop by up to 10%. This will of course mean that people struggling the most will have an even tougher future. We therefore hope to be able to ship another load of relief aid to Vilnius this year – the help is badly needed.
About 22 tons of relief aid was collected in June 2009 and shipped to families in Vilnius as in previous years. In the process of shipping the supplies, two members of the work group in Tylstrup visited Vilnius. Upon their return they described the immense poverty within the families they met. There is a widespread shortage on school materials, bed linen, shampoo, soap, clothes etc. etc.
During their visit, they met a person, who was very optimistic about the future; who believed the country had seen lot of improvements. But, as Mrs. Henny Faurholt mentioned, it is curious on the plane home to read in a financial magazine, that the VAT is to be increased by 2% at the same time the wages are to drop by up to 10%. This will of course mean that people struggling the most will have an even tougher future. We therefore hope to be able to ship another load of relief aid to Vilnius this year – the help is badly needed.
India:
Welfare Home:
In 2009, we again received a large donation from a humanitarian foundation in Aalborg - the main part of the funds going to our children’s home in Delhi. This money is an invaluable contribution to keep the Welfare Home a functional and maintained project.
Welfare Home:
In 2009, we again received a large donation from a humanitarian foundation in Aalborg - the main part of the funds going to our children’s home in Delhi. This money is an invaluable contribution to keep the Welfare Home a functional and maintained project.
Mahila Hatt:
The project in Northern India, which has been financially supported by ”Projektrådgivningen” (or PATC: The project advice and training centre), ended in 2009. The project continuous as a sponsor project, but not under the wings of Terre Des Hommes as the leadership in Mahila Hatt wished to conclude the cooperation.
The project in Northern India, which has been financially supported by ”Projektrådgivningen” (or PATC: The project advice and training centre), ended in 2009. The project continuous as a sponsor project, but not under the wings of Terre Des Hommes as the leadership in Mahila Hatt wished to conclude the cooperation.
Tihar Jail:
As our former Board member, Ms. Lene Storm, wished to manage half of the New Delhi project upon her resignation from Terre Des Hommes, our project was divided.
As our former Board member, Ms. Lene Storm, wished to manage half of the New Delhi project upon her resignation from Terre Des Hommes, our project was divided.
Calcutta:
Mr. Mogens Pedersen visited the project and experienced that the school offers more than just education. After regular classes, extra collegial activities are offered covering instruction in dancing and sewing as well as various sports for the boys. This is an effective measure to keep the children off the streets and away from drugs and crime.
The girls are even taught small hand works which they can perform at home, such as creating book marks, postcards etc. This provides them with a small extra income.
The school supports the local community as they purchase groceries at the local merchants in order to provide a nourishing breakfast for the students.
Mr. Mogens Pedersen visited the project and experienced that the school offers more than just education. After regular classes, extra collegial activities are offered covering instruction in dancing and sewing as well as various sports for the boys. This is an effective measure to keep the children off the streets and away from drugs and crime.
The girls are even taught small hand works which they can perform at home, such as creating book marks, postcards etc. This provides them with a small extra income.
The school supports the local community as they purchase groceries at the local merchants in order to provide a nourishing breakfast for the students.
Tanzania:
The projects in Tanzania were visited during the spring of 2009 by our Country Ambassador Mr. Jan Schou among others. To first hand witness poverty, hunger, thirst, AIDS and orphans left to their own fate was an emotional and touching experience for him.
Our three projects were all visited and we realized that the Mererani project under the Arusha project was in bad shape. Water shortage has an enormous impact on the whole society – not least shown on the children. Every day simply becomes a battle for survival. DKK 10.000 was donated to purchase water, which is crucial and means everything right now – but what about in a month, when the water runs out? Our sponsored children are provided with drinking water every day due to a surplus in the sponsorship funds, but 300 other children are forced to watch from the sidelines. We hope that the near future will bring a development into the area introducing a water producing system, because with water as base, the whole area can be transformed into an oasis of health, income and whatever is needed to make a society work, benefiting all its inhabitants.
Our three projects were all visited and we realized that the Mererani project under the Arusha project was in bad shape. Water shortage has an enormous impact on the whole society – not least shown on the children. Every day simply becomes a battle for survival. DKK 10.000 was donated to purchase water, which is crucial and means everything right now – but what about in a month, when the water runs out? Our sponsored children are provided with drinking water every day due to a surplus in the sponsorship funds, but 300 other children are forced to watch from the sidelines. We hope that the near future will bring a development into the area introducing a water producing system, because with water as base, the whole area can be transformed into an oasis of health, income and whatever is needed to make a society work, benefiting all its inhabitants.
Sri Lanka:
In 2009 the Board decided to give our project Seth Medura, a project for retarded girls, a hand in form of an additional financial support as the project got new leadership. However, it later became clear that the new leadership was no better than the old one, as we heard nothing from them at all – and in the end we suspended further financial aid.
Bhutan:
Our project in Bhutan was changed into a group-sponsorship project. This was done due to the fact that envy was widespread as only 20 of the 250 had individual sponsors. In November 2009, the executive committee had a meeting with Mr. Penzak, a senator in Thailand with strong ties to Bhutan (and the Queen) and Torben Moltke-Leth, where the decision was made and the sponsors were informed.
Overview of the Terre Des Hommes sponsorships / projects:
Terre Des Hommes supports a lot of children around the world and in 2009; we have the following number of individual sponsored children in:
India 1680 children
Sri Lanka 475 children
Indonesia 64 children
Thailand 289 children
Tibet 16 children
Kenya 85 children
Rumania 16 children
Haiti 50 children
Tanzania 113 children
Total of 2788 children
Including the group-sponsorships, we provide aid to about 9.000 children.
Some of our projects have a number of ”older children”, which for some reason has lost their individual sponsor and are in need of a new sponsor to complete their education. Many of these youths are missing just 1, 2 or 3 years of our support in order to enable them to move on into higher education. We encourage everybody to work hard on finding sponsors for these children
India 1680 children
Sri Lanka 475 children
Indonesia 64 children
Thailand 289 children
Tibet 16 children
Kenya 85 children
Rumania 16 children
Haiti 50 children
Tanzania 113 children
Total of 2788 children
Including the group-sponsorships, we provide aid to about 9.000 children.
Some of our projects have a number of ”older children”, which for some reason has lost their individual sponsor and are in need of a new sponsor to complete their education. Many of these youths are missing just 1, 2 or 3 years of our support in order to enable them to move on into higher education. We encourage everybody to work hard on finding sponsors for these children
Volunteers:
It is still possible to work as volunteer at some of our children’s homes in India, e.g. in Delhi or Chennai. In 2009 we send out a number of persons willing to make a difference.
The work performed by the volunteers is of great importance to the children and the staff is relieved at the same time. Having volunteers included in our projects furthermore provides a flow of information back to Terre Des Hommes, making us aware of how the projects are developing as well as situations, which possibly need improvement.
Coming from a country of higher morale when it comes to hygiene and health issues, arriving at a children’s home - where everything is done directly on the floor, such as cooking, doing dishes, changing diapers and potty training - is often like entering an alien world. A simple concept like brushing teeth is performed in a manor completely strange to us, as it does not matter whether the toothbrush handed over at night has been used by someone else before. Our volunteers work hard to change working habits and routines, but it is a long process not done over night, but rather over a period of several years. But, every little step is for the advantage of the children.
In 2009 we had a new manager for the volunteers - Mr. Mogens Pedersen from Rønde, who prepares our volunteers for the work they are going to perform at the specific children’s home in question. Furthermore, he prepares them for the cultural differences they will encounter during their stay in the foreign environment.
The work performed by the volunteers is of great importance to the children and the staff is relieved at the same time. Having volunteers included in our projects furthermore provides a flow of information back to Terre Des Hommes, making us aware of how the projects are developing as well as situations, which possibly need improvement.
Coming from a country of higher morale when it comes to hygiene and health issues, arriving at a children’s home - where everything is done directly on the floor, such as cooking, doing dishes, changing diapers and potty training - is often like entering an alien world. A simple concept like brushing teeth is performed in a manor completely strange to us, as it does not matter whether the toothbrush handed over at night has been used by someone else before. Our volunteers work hard to change working habits and routines, but it is a long process not done over night, but rather over a period of several years. But, every little step is for the advantage of the children.
In 2009 we had a new manager for the volunteers - Mr. Mogens Pedersen from Rønde, who prepares our volunteers for the work they are going to perform at the specific children’s home in question. Furthermore, he prepares them for the cultural differences they will encounter during their stay in the foreign environment.
Internationaly
Terre Des Hommes International (TDHIF) consists of 10 countries (see below) with a combined revenue of more than ¾ Billion Danish Kroner. Together they cover about 1.000 development- and aid programs in 65 countries. Besides the numerous projects, they work to influence governments to implement the necessary changes to legislature and increase awareness about violations in regard to children’s rights etc.
The latest published / approved annual revenue (2008) of the various member countries (converted into Danish Kroner):
The latest published / approved annual revenue (2008) of the various member countries (converted into Danish Kroner):
tdh, Canada DKK 741,000
tdh, Denmark - 3.530.000
tdh, Luxemburg - 232.000
tdh, Syria - 23.736.000
tdh, France - 9.007.000
tdh, Switzerland - 326.385.000
tdh, Germany - 151.488.000
tdh, Italy - 78.970.000
tdh, Holland - 200.175.000
tdh, Spain - 24.368.000
Total DKK 818.632.000
tdh, Denmark - 3.530.000
tdh, Luxemburg - 232.000
tdh, Syria - 23.736.000
tdh, France - 9.007.000
tdh, Switzerland - 326.385.000
tdh, Germany - 151.488.000
tdh, Italy - 78.970.000
tdh, Holland - 200.175.000
tdh, Spain - 24.368.000
Total DKK 818.632.000
The future:
This concludes the report of a rather turbulent year 2009. We are now almost half way through 2010 and some of our new visions for the future are taking shape.
I see the future of TDH becoming somewhat of a ”showdown” with the habitual thinking within our organization. The Board would like to be the front end of a relief organization, which in our actions and not just easy words are making a huge difference. Basically, we must become much more professional in our approach to the work at hand. Will-power, values and visions are the basic tools, which are to be used in a more offensive manor in the future – and we are well on our way in a number of areas, especially with a highly visible PR and marketing effort. It is worth a thought that we since 1967 – during 43 years – have only succeeded to gain a total of 1,200 members into our family. Our members are our foundation – now and in the future.
I see the future of TDH becoming somewhat of a ”showdown” with the habitual thinking within our organization. The Board would like to be the front end of a relief organization, which in our actions and not just easy words are making a huge difference. Basically, we must become much more professional in our approach to the work at hand. Will-power, values and visions are the basic tools, which are to be used in a more offensive manor in the future – and we are well on our way in a number of areas, especially with a highly visible PR and marketing effort. It is worth a thought that we since 1967 – during 43 years – have only succeeded to gain a total of 1,200 members into our family. Our members are our foundation – now and in the future.
The vision has definitely become reality, when it comes to the methods of recruiting new / more members. So far we have initiated a recruitment campaign in 11 cities as well as written letters to former members and sponsors encouraging them to re-join TDH. This effort has until now produced 420 new members.
At a meeting just after the General Assembly, the Board will announce 10 cities where we will hand out the recruitment leaflet during the late summer period.
In India, new exiting projects have been introduced in 2010. You can read about them in the next editions of our Member’s Magazine – tdh-Nyt.
Our PR materials have been reviewed and the last shortcomings will be adjusted during the summer and autumn, e.g. new project descriptions on the web site as well as in printed form.
From January 2011, we will introduce payment by PBS in order to secure a more flexible payment system, which has been a request from sponsors through several years.
The Gala Show in Ganløse in March was a huge success – DKK 60.000 was collected for Haiti. On November 7, we will repeat the success with no less than two shows.
CVJOB is a web site functioning as a job portal. As one of eleven organizations, we receive a donation every time a company advertises. It is up to the individual company to decide which organization shall benefit from their donation and of course we hope that they will choose us.
The ” Danida Verdensbilledlegat” is a grant shared between 10 teams each consisting of two students. Each team receives a grant of DKK 50.000 to cover all travel- and production costs in connection with producing a small film providing new knowledge and a new perspective on the undeveloped world – which must appeal to a broad audience. Terre Des Hommes has been appointed a grant to make a film about our project for deaf children in the city of Trincomalee on Sri Lanka. It will show their everyday life, the teaching, the challenges endured by the students and teachers as well as the reality waiting the children post education. The team will visit the deaf school for about three weeks in July or August this year.
This year we participated in the annual meeting of the PATC as well as in a constructive meeting with the aim of initiating development projects in places where we are already present in sponsorship projects.
Another big task this year is our Haiti Project. We are cooperating with Terre Des Hommes Italy, who is building a school next to our children’s home. Building the school itself is one thing, but providing the necessary equipment such as furniture, books etc. are a huge task, which lies on our shoulders.
Let me finish off by giving you ”The best news of the World”: In 2015 we will run an information campaign based on the UN Millennium Summit back in year 2000, where the leaders of the world draw up 8 objectives on how the world should look in 2015. The ambition was to secure a dignified and sustainable future the all people in the world. If the progress keeps the current pace, the goals will not be obtained before in 10 years time.
Objective 1: Wipe out extreme poverty and hunger
Objective 2: Secure basic school education for all
Objective 3: Promote equality between the sexes
Objective 4: Reduce infant mortality
Objective 5: Reduce mortality among pregnant and birth giving women
Objective 6: Fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and other deceases
Objective 7: Secure a sustainable environment
Objective 8: Create a global partnership for development
Our Member’s Magazine will follow up on the running campaigns in order to create hype about the objectives.
A big a warm thanks to all participating in creating the good result of 2009. A big thanks to everyone helping out at our events, to all work groups for your resilient efforts and to our many sponsors; companies who signed sponsorships, foundations and others who have contributed in any way.
At a meeting just after the General Assembly, the Board will announce 10 cities where we will hand out the recruitment leaflet during the late summer period.
In India, new exiting projects have been introduced in 2010. You can read about them in the next editions of our Member’s Magazine – tdh-Nyt.
Our PR materials have been reviewed and the last shortcomings will be adjusted during the summer and autumn, e.g. new project descriptions on the web site as well as in printed form.
From January 2011, we will introduce payment by PBS in order to secure a more flexible payment system, which has been a request from sponsors through several years.
The Gala Show in Ganløse in March was a huge success – DKK 60.000 was collected for Haiti. On November 7, we will repeat the success with no less than two shows.
CVJOB is a web site functioning as a job portal. As one of eleven organizations, we receive a donation every time a company advertises. It is up to the individual company to decide which organization shall benefit from their donation and of course we hope that they will choose us.
The ” Danida Verdensbilledlegat” is a grant shared between 10 teams each consisting of two students. Each team receives a grant of DKK 50.000 to cover all travel- and production costs in connection with producing a small film providing new knowledge and a new perspective on the undeveloped world – which must appeal to a broad audience. Terre Des Hommes has been appointed a grant to make a film about our project for deaf children in the city of Trincomalee on Sri Lanka. It will show their everyday life, the teaching, the challenges endured by the students and teachers as well as the reality waiting the children post education. The team will visit the deaf school for about three weeks in July or August this year.
This year we participated in the annual meeting of the PATC as well as in a constructive meeting with the aim of initiating development projects in places where we are already present in sponsorship projects.
Another big task this year is our Haiti Project. We are cooperating with Terre Des Hommes Italy, who is building a school next to our children’s home. Building the school itself is one thing, but providing the necessary equipment such as furniture, books etc. are a huge task, which lies on our shoulders.
Let me finish off by giving you ”The best news of the World”: In 2015 we will run an information campaign based on the UN Millennium Summit back in year 2000, where the leaders of the world draw up 8 objectives on how the world should look in 2015. The ambition was to secure a dignified and sustainable future the all people in the world. If the progress keeps the current pace, the goals will not be obtained before in 10 years time.
Objective 1: Wipe out extreme poverty and hunger
Objective 2: Secure basic school education for all
Objective 3: Promote equality between the sexes
Objective 4: Reduce infant mortality
Objective 5: Reduce mortality among pregnant and birth giving women
Objective 6: Fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and other deceases
Objective 7: Secure a sustainable environment
Objective 8: Create a global partnership for development
Our Member’s Magazine will follow up on the running campaigns in order to create hype about the objectives.
A big a warm thanks to all participating in creating the good result of 2009. A big thanks to everyone helping out at our events, to all work groups for your resilient efforts and to our many sponsors; companies who signed sponsorships, foundations and others who have contributed in any way.
We all have a responsibility for the next generation