Ruben Rijken

How did you get in touch with REEDS?

I met Joseph back in 2002 when he came to visit our family in The Netherlands. My sister was leaving for an internship with REEDS and Joseph stayed with our family for a week. Only after visiting the children’s home itself, the stories and pictures they shared with me came alive.
The last time I visited REEDS was in March of this year when me and my brother were enthusiastically welcomed by the ever smiling kids and warm-hearted family of Joseph and Silverani. This really triggered me to participate more actively in the support for REEDS from the Netherlands when I came home.

What is your relationship with REEDS?

Together with Paul, Janneke and Bart we run the ‘Friends of REEDS’ foundation in the Netherlands were we try to build on all the good initiatives and support that has been done so far. It is really amazing to see how REEDS evolved from a small scale project to what it is today. The buildings itself, the cows, she shed and teashop are concrete evidence of what has been achieved to date. There have been many children and young adults schooled and trained in own vocational programs or local schools. The care for mentally retarded and orphaned children provides a safe base and environment for these children who didn’t have any chance in Indian society. Once you have been there and you have seen and experienced the work that REEDS is doing, it makes you want to participate.

Favorite Indian food?

This is a tough question. I really love the (South) Indian cuisine and I am very fond of Masala Dosa, Sambhars and banana lassi’s. Still I think nothing beats a Chicken Biryani!

Join Friends of REEDS on facebook or hyves and share your thoughts!