Maaike Ruiterkamp graduated as a health scientist, and also has a passion for Africa and development cooperation. In April 2012 she made her first trip to Kenya and that was not her last. She stayed in Kisumu several times to volunteer and study. During these trips, she also learned about the work of CooP-Africa.
Why CooP-Africa? Maaike explains: “My experiences in Africa made me realize that all development work is well intentioned, the people behind it are committed with passion and commitment to their fellow man. Still, I realized that some projects have a deeper, more lasting effect than others. So I was especially excited by organizations promoting African individuals to utilise their own capacities in stead of holding up their hands. CooP-Africa is one of those organizations that help people getting started on own capacities and stimulating entrepreneurship and self-reliance. When I got the opportunity to volunteer for CooP-Africa I didn’t hesitate for a moment. An organization that does such good work, I would like to help. I hope that together we can raise a lot of money , and increase our brand awareness in order to continue to carry out and expand the good work of CooP-Africa, because a bicycle really does make a difference.”