History
In 1993, a professor Jankovic from former Yugoslavia held a lecture at the University of Leiden about the ongoing misery in the Balkans. In his lecture, he emphasized the need for international help. His words left a deep impression on the students who were attending this lecture. A few of them decided to take action themselves. In decemer 1993, they drove towards the Balkans in a little car, overloaded with medicins and other basic needs. Protected by the UN military service, they visited refugee camps to donate the stuff they brought. This was the beginning of Mara Foundation, named after Jankovic’ daughter Mara. Nowadays, there are branches of Mara Foundation in seven cities of the Netherlands, among which Mara Foundation Amsterdam.
Fortunately, the wars in the Balkans are over. They are replaced by peace and a certain form of stability. The need for medicins and basic materials has significantly increased. On the other hand, the Balkans are still one of the poorest regions in Europe. Mara Foundation Amsterdam chose to support youngsters in the Balkans with educative materials, such as books and computers. We believe that education is the best way to encourage and inspire youngsters to build on their own future and the future of their nation.
