Friday, March 16, 2012

In Memory of founder of SMARTKIDS FOUNDATION,KEES HOOGENDIJK..

Eight years ago (2004), a very great man, Kees Hoodendijk left EUROPE for the shores of AFRICA. His great mission was to help Africans reduce poverty by given education to brilliant but underprivileged kids. He always said “ The African must be taught how to fish rather than given a fish”. This he did by looking for brilliant but underpriveleged and highly motivated kids from all over Ghana and give them the best of education. This is how we ( SmarKids,Ghana) met Mr. Kees Hoodendijk. Over the years He has devoted all his life trying to carry his vision. Kees has given education to 98 underprivileged kids in Ghana. When He is asked 'do you have children?' yes, I have 98 kids in Africa. It’s indeed a great achievement to have such a number of children.
KEES was not only interested in our education but also our general welfare. He visited our family and helped in all our endeavors of life. He has transformed our lives forever,given us the best of education,helping us gain knowledge.

Kees your sudden death has left deep pain in the heart of your children in Africa.your memory continues to linger in our heart.The Ghana Chess Board will never forget you. You have been a father that we will never forget. KEES, you said that in 2050 we will say goodbye to poverty in Africa but you have left us in the middle of the journey. You never saw your children fish. You have left a very great pain in our heart.We are so grateful that we met you. May your soul rest in perfect Peace,KEES.