Past events
ABRUPT END OF DUTY
It is with mixed feelings that we announce the departure of Carmen Kruithof, the project coordinator of KLM Wings of Support attached to the Thirdway NGO school project in Ghana with effect from 1st of January 2004. Carmen has been promoted to fly on a new airplane acquired by the KLM to Asia. This means she can no longer be the project coordinator. We are happy that she earned this promotion. On the other hand we are sad that she is leaving us at a time when there is much progress due to her untiring efforts. We promise to complete the work she has started. Carmen will be succeeded by Erik Julian and Sukran Cabur both members of KLM Wings of Support.
Aunty Carmen as she is known to the children, staff, Klaas Haven School Ghana and to executives of Thirdway NGO will forever be associated and remembered by all who happen to come into contact with her.
Carmen took over as the project coordinator of KLM Wings of Support around May 2003. It becomes immediately clear that she has no time to waste. She was more concerned about the progress of work to be done for the children of Klaas Haven School in Ghana than anyone could imagine. She quickly translated words into action. Something which often lacks in development cooperation. Her understanding of the feelings, wishes, aspirations of the people and businesslike approach coupled with firmness, clarity of purpose and the wish to achieve has been tremendous.
She did not come over as Father Christmas going to distribute money, the Colonial Master who knows everything better than the people and superior to the local folks who could not be trusted.
She started in the very first time with trust. She trusted the people, was ready TO HANDLE THEM AS EQUALS AND PARTNERS. Frank exchange of ideas was her hallmark. Always in consultation with the people decisions were made. Even in difficult moments you see her smiling and keeping hope alive. She is very friendly and has easily stolen the hearts of the people. She shows empathy and sympathy towards the people. She is a perfect person for development cooperation.
Moments of remembrance are when Carmen would come with her big bag and collect articles and presents at the offices of the NGO in Amsterdam for the children, parents and staff of Klaas haven School in Ghana.
On her return she comes by as early as 7.30 in the morning to report on progress before going home.
We are very grateful. We wish her all the best in all her endeavours.
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