Gertjan Balm

Treasurer

Two years ago Gertjan got introduced to Stichting Vialisa. Together with his wife, he traveled to Dhaka (Bangladesh) with the aim to collect memories. Rina, Gertjan’s better half, was adopted out of Bangladesh when she was a child, hence this journey was more than just an ordinary holiday. During their stay, they met Lisa and visited her project in Korail, located in Dhaka’s biggest slum.

In my professional life, I work as an environmental manager at Dura Vermeer. In that role, it is my responsibility to coordinate large infrastructural projects such as the construction of roads, bridges, wind farms, and parking garages. Essentially I am the linking pin between various stakeholders such as residents, competent authorities and it is my job to keep them informed and manage their expectations. I’d like to fulfill a similar ‘connecting role’ as Treasurer for Vialisa.

“What struck me, aside from Lisa’s drive and passion, was the commitment of the people itself that Vialisa is helping. It felt as if the Vialisa project is intrinsically driven by the people it is supporting, which in my view is the essence of development aid. Dit is volgens mij de basis voor het slagen van ontwikkelingshulp. Also, the ambition of Vialisa to support the underprivileged youth in building a sustainable economically independent future is something I believe in. The ultimate goal is to establish a model in which revenues from the various Vialisa programs flow back into the organization on a structural basis, such that financial aid from funds isn’t necessary anymore to be sustainable.

“When Lisa asked me for the vacant role of Treasurer I didn’t have to think long before I accepted it. Being part of a small-scale NGO, which character resembles David far more than Calimero, simply because Vialisa is capable of doing great deeds and making a positive change, appeals to me. Misschien niet in omvang maar wel in behaald succes. Being an ‘appropriate cheese head’ I’d like to be the connecting factor between the two worlds Vialisa interacts in. Whilst being a small organization, providing it a large stage in The Netherlands.”