Visit Mark & Alma to the Netherlands

Visit Mark & Alma to the Netherlands

Visit Mark & Alma to the Netherlands

In the spring of 2026, Mark, Director of the Ubomi Obutsha Centre, and his wife Alma, program manager at the centre, will be visiting the Netherlands. During their visit, they will meet with fundraisers, work on future plans for the centre, and promote the book KwaZakhele – Life in a Township.

We are very much looking forward to their visit! Would you like to meet Mark and Alma in person or learn more about the book and the work of the Ubomi Obutsha Centre? Then join one of the events listed below.

During this period, Mark and Alma are also available to speak about the work of the centre and to give book presenta-tions. Would you like to invite them to a meeting or event? Please feel free to contact us.

22 april 2026 – Wine Tasting in Renkum

On Wednesday evening, 22 April 2026, you are warmly invited from 7:00 p.m. to Restaurant Campman in Renkum for an atmospheric and fully hosted wine tasting evening. Enjoy a selection of excellent South African wines, provided by Henri Bloem Wine Merchants from Arnhem. You can order your favourite wines directly, and they will be delivered to your home free of charge.

The wine tasting is an initiative of the Ubomi Obutsha Netherlands Foundation (SUON) and the Lions Club Renkum. All proceeds from the evening will go to the Ubomi Obutsha Centre in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa. The Ubomi Obutsha Centre was founded in the 1990s on the edge of the KwaZakhele township and has since grown into an indispensable community centre. Every day, hundreds of vulnerable children and families receive support here. The Ubomi Obutsha Netherlands Foundation (SUON) is exclusively committed to supporting the centre from the Netherlands, through fundraising and substantive support.

We are delighted that Mark Lawler will be present this evening. He will share the inspiring story of the centre and the impact it has on the daily lives of children and families. The beautiful photo and story book KwaZakhele – Life in a Township will also be presented.

It promises to be an inspiring evening with wine tasting, delicious bites, live music, and a compelling story—both enjoyable and meaningful.

Practical information

  • Location: Restaurant Campman, Hartenseweg 23, 6871 NB Renkum
  • Time: 7.00 – 10.00 p.m.
  • Cost: € 20 per person (of which at least €10 will benefit the UOC)
  • Registrationen: by email to wouter@ubominederland.nl (please include number of guests)

Would you like to enjoy an early dinner at Campman before the wine tasting? Let us know in advance and we will be happy to make a reservation for you.

29 april 2026 – Charity Dinner in Sassenheim

On Wednesday, 29 April 2026, we warmly invite you to a special charity evening at restaurant Paarl, the South African restaurant in Sassenheim. The evening is entirely dedicated to the inspiring work of the Ubomi Obutsha Centre in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Everyone with a love for—or curiosity about—South Africa is most welcome. The Ubomi Obutsha Centre was found-ed in the 1990s on the edge of the KwaZakhele township and has since grown into an indispensable community centre. Every day, hundreds of vulnerable children and families receive support here. The Ubomi Obutsha Netherlands Foundation (SUON) is exclusively committed to supporting the centre from the Netherlands, through fundraising and substantive support.

You can expect an inspiring and festive evening featuring:
– Delicious South African cuisine.
– Entertainment by cabaret performer Erik van Muiswinkel.
– Live music and singing.

All proceeds from this evening will go directly to the Ubomi Obutsha Centre. You can contribute by reserving one or more seats, or by booking an entire table for friends or business relations.

Practical information

  • Location: restaurant Paarl,
  • Time: from 7:00 p.m.
  • Cost per seat: €250
    • Includes dinner and programme;
    • €150 will be donated to the UOC;
    • Each participant receives a complimentary copy of KwaZakhele (retail value €75).
  • Registration: info@ubominederland.nl

Would you like to stay overnight at the adjacent Van der Valk Hotel Sassenheim after the event? Due to the busy Keukenhof season, we recommend booking early. For an additional €200, you and your partner can enjoy a double room including breakfast.

Book KwaZakhele, life in a township

Book KwaZakhele, life in a township

The Photo and Storybook: KwaZakhele, Life in a Township

This unique social business project by SUON and the Ubomi Obutsha Centre gives you an exclusive insight into the daily live in the KwaZakhele township in South Africa. The book is now available after preparations of over two years. We are proud to have achieved this together with the Ubomi Obutsha Centre!

The book tells several stories about life in this township. The historical context of the country and the township are described by historian and writer Dean Allen and provide background for the personal stories of the township’s residents. Mxolisi Dolla Sapeta, a local artist, wrote a few personal reflections on township life from the past and present. That along with a few contextual ‘explainers’, recipes and maps creates a book that offers a rich image of this community where happiness, love and faith coexist with the hardships of the living environment.

By purchasing this book, you are investing in the work of the Ubomi Obutsha Centre, enabling them to continue and expand their programs. By doing so, you directly support the families participating in the centre’s programs, contributing to happiness, love and faith.

Would you like to help them, just like us? Order the book now for €75 via the following link

Order your book directly [here]

Do you want to place a large order, for example to give the book away as a business gift?
Please email us at info@ubominederland.nl

Structure Fund

Structure Fund

Structure Fund

In 2020, we established the Structure Fund. Thanks to this fund, we aim to structurally assist the Ubomi Obutsha Centre in achieving its local ambitions. For this fund, we are looking for donors who want to commit themselves through a donation agreement to donate a fixed amount for 5 years.

The donation funds from this fund can only be spent on:

  • development of substantive programs
  • training of local volunteers
  • arranging the capacities to successfully raise local funds
  • strengthening the management team
  • construction and renovation projects
  • training and development

The goal is for the Ubomi Obutsha Centre to be a professional organization that has created a healthy financial base for itself by 2025.

All donations for the Structure Fund are very welcome!

Would you also like to contribute to the Structure Fund? Send an email to info@ubominederland.nl.

In 2020, through this fund, we have already achieved that Alma Lawler started as Program Manager. She evaluated and revised the programs, together with the local volunteers. This resulted in the Family Focus Program, where the focus is not only on vulnerable children, but on the whole family. In addition, in 2021, Mabhele Mafuna started as Operations Manager. He deals with logistical tasks. This gives Mark more time to focus on finances and local fundraising. Nondo has also been appointed as Community Coordinator. In her role, she presents the parenting workshops of the Family Focus Program.

In 2019, 2020, and 2021, we spent €33,950 on these achievements.

School Support Program

School Support Program

School Support Program

Through the School Support Program, school children can be provided with their school necessities: a school uniform, school books, a school bag, and writing materials. In addition, these children are provided with toiletries, so they can go to school fresh and clean. Less obvious products such as sanitary pads for girls who cannot or dare not go to school without this product are also purchased with this money. The result of this program is that all children go to school well-prepared, can follow the curriculum, and therefore have a greater chance of moving on to the next grade. In the long term, this offers them the opportunity to break out of the negative spiral of poverty and thus a chance for a better future.

In 2023, we donated €2750 to the School Support Program.

In 2017, we donated €11,747 to the School Support Program of the Ubomi Obutsha Centre.

In 2016, we donated €1404 to the School Support Program.

In 2015, we donated €2880 to the School Support Program.

Year End Events

Year End Events

Year End Events

Every year, the Ubomi Obutsha Centre organizes end-of-year activities for the children and volunteers. These activities are intended to show admiration for the commitment of many children, parents, and entire families, as well as local volunteers, over the past year. Everyone receives a beautiful Christmas gift with something tasty and there are festive activities. A beautiful end to the year!

In 2021, we spent €500 on this.

In 2018, we donated €1800.

In 2016, we contributed €1000 to this.

We have also contributed to the year-end celebrations in previous years.