What do we do?
THE STORY OF THE BSM FOUNDATION
With this philosophy in mind, Pierre Pourchez introduced the initiative at his primary school, starting with children aged 9 to 12. This school - OBS Bijvanck, a public school in Blaricum, the Netherlands - began raising money for physically and mentally disabled children on the island of Sumatra in Medan. Pierre chose this location because it was his birthplace.
The Abdi Kasih shelter cares for these children, many of whom were abandoned by families who felt ashamed of their conditions. While the shelter once cared for 80 children, that number is now approximately 50. A dedicated team of 30 teachers, nurses, and various volunteers stands ready to support them.
The BSM Foundation and the Openbare School i Blaricum joined forces with a shared mission. The goal of supporting children in the Far East became a core initiative for the school, sparking a variety of fundraising efforts.
From sponsored runs and Christmas markets to doing odd jobs and collecting recyclables, we organised wonderful events every year to raise money. The children realized the impact of their hard work, knowing exactly where their efforts were going.
Who are we?
Bron: Telegraaf
Pierre Pourchez
Chairman
Pierre was a teacher for 46 years and is now enjoying his well-deserved retirement. Since the year 2000, when he founded the BSM Foundation, he has dedicated himself daily with great passion and pleasure to 'his' children on Sumatra, where Pierre's own roots also lie.
Janiek Sol
Treasurer, editor
After completing her media studies, Janiek decided to change course and fly the world in a blue uniform. She still does this with great pleasure! Besides flying, she is a mom to Kate and enjoys being creative. "When Pierre asked me in 2015 to work with his wonderful foundation, I didn't have to think twice. I was honored, and I still am to this day!"
Bron: Telegraaf
Yvonne Pourchez
Volunteer
I am Yvonne, the chairperson's daughter. Some time ago, the chairperson asked if I would like to join the board of BSM, the Blaricum-Sumatra-Medan Foundation. As a small independent entrepreneur with certainly no time to spare, I was willing to do it anyway. I am now on this board and perform all kinds of odd jobs entirely on a voluntary basis. Since the 1990s, our parents have instilled in us an enthusiasm for Indonesia, and Sumatra-Medan in particular. Our daughter is a teenager who feels completely at ease in this area and the city of Medan and its surroundings. I therefore believe that the structure of the BSM Foundation must be maintained in the near future. And since I have been there from time to time, I certainly know what I am talking about.
I consider it a privilege to occasionally display my “Dutch and Indonesian heritage,” but also to make it clear to children that when things are going well, you certainly may and should share with them. We are fortunate to be healthy.
