Annual Activity Report of the Kemper Foundation 2024

Introduction

Presidential elections brought a new government to power in Senegal in April 2024. This provided an opportunity for the Kemper Foundation and AMCRE (our program coordinator in Senegal) to highlight our objectives and working methods with a revised edition of our brochure, in which, after 20 years of operational work, we can now also showcase results. Since 2003, we have launched 31 foyers for the deaf, 16 of which were operational this year. We have introduced a total of 87 sign language monitors (38% of whom are women). As a result, 870 deaf children (38% girls) in Senegal have now attended our foyers. We have their names and addresses. The majority now have an independent position in society. Around twenty deaf young people (former students of a foyer) completed an internship at a workshop in 2024. Our bottom-up strategy is effective and rewarding.

I. Progress of the Kemper Foundation projects

1. Training deaf children

a) Sign language lessons

The 2023/24 school year began in most foyers (deaf training centers) on November 1st, ending 8 months later. There were 190 students, 64 of whom were girls, spread across the 16 operational foyers, 5 of which had two classes (beginners and advanced). While there are new deaf students (36), the number of deaf school leavers is higher (42). This is mainly because some students have completed their education and are starting to learn a trade, while at the same time the number of illiterate deaf children in the areas where the foyers operate is gradually decreasing. Of the total 190 students, 36 were new students. Literacy and sign language lessons were taught by 21 instructors.

Sign language lessons are also organized for the people the deaf children interact with. In 2024, these lessons were offered for the fourth year to 97 non-deaf people, including parents, friends of the deaf, and heads of the workshops where internships are conducted, as well as to some primary school students. This took place in more than half of all deaf foyers. There is sometimes collaboration with the primary schools near the foyers, for example, for pencils and paper, but this collaboration could be improved. Some principals have made a classroom available for these lessons to promote better communication between hearing and non-hearing students. However, the quality of such classrooms needs to be improved, and there is no guarantee that the assigned classrooms will be used for an extended period.

b) Monitoring visits

All foyers in and around Dakar were visited twice each by AMCRE staff. During these visits, the quality of teaching was monitored and, where necessary, the Deaf Parents’ Association was provided with advice and support. The monitors of the more inland foyers were monitored and supported through video calls (WhatsApp).

c) Training for the instructors

Two refresher courses for instructors are organized annually: one in Dakar and one inland. From January 15–20, 2024, a course took place at the Centre Daniel Grouès in St. Louis, where instructors from nearby regions were trained. Carla and Jan, members of the Kemper Foundation board, attended this training. A second training took place from December 16–24, 2024, in Dakar, attended by Jan. A total of 21 instructors were trained, traditionally funded by Schilde/GROS. The two training courses covered the following: revising existing training modules based on sign language, preparing student forms, the “pedagogy of following the class,” and working with a new training module; this year, for the first time, it focused on crafts and other professional activities. Parents and friends of deaf people were also invited to participate in the training courses. The course concluded with a test, and a “certificate” was awarded to those who passed. These trained monitors can be asked to train and support new volunteers. A new element of this year’s training was the focus on learning a trade. A second innovation was the introduction of physical education as an additional subject in deaf education – something that had begun in a number of foyers and clearly seemed to contribute to improving social interaction among students.

d) Collaboration with public schools near the foyers

This collaboration, important for promoting the integration of deaf children into hearing society, could be much better. Some foyers are occasionally visited by teachers from the surrounding area. This is far from sufficient.

e) Collaboration with the government and others

The new government brought about changes in the Ministry of Education, which at the time promised to prepare a new agreement (Protocol d’Accord) with the Kemper Foundation. Recognition of the work of Kemper Foundation/AMCRE, the amount of government support for the costs, and collaboration between public primary schools and deaf foyers were supposed to be key priorities of this agreement. Unfortunately, this has now been significantly delayed. Kemper Foundation/AMCRE is therefore focusing on strengthening the associations of parents of deaf people and, through them, approaching Municipal Services for possible support. Three parent organizations have thus secured support for the installation of electricity and a water well (Gandiaye); Gandiaye and Keur Madiabel have also each received three computers complete with audio equipment from the Ministry of (Tele)Communications and Informatics. ANAMO (Agence National de la Maison de l’Outil) funded the aluminum carpentry training of six deaf students.

Parent associations are facing a number of problems, such as: a) the increasing number of pupils, which entails additional costs, and b) the lack of a suitable place to teach/receive lessons. It is crucial that parent associations continue to raise awareness of their work and expand their network of technical and financial partners at the local level.

f) Teaching Materials

AMCRE regularly updates its teaching materials, ensuring they remain up-to-date and meet the needs of deaf students, also considering their future after completing the literacy course. New teaching materials were developed, focusing on trades that older deaf students might choose, such as metalwork, carpentry, blacksmithing, shoemaking, housekeeping, dressmaking, etc. A curriculum and accompanying teaching materials were developed and used in every foyer. Existing teaching materials from primary schools are also used, which will hopefully contribute to better recognition of the certificates deaf students can obtain at the end of the course.

g) Collaboration with the associations of parents of deaf children

AMCRE fosters dialogue with parents of deaf children. They consistently request more support for better support for their deaf children and their education. Assistance was also requested in obtaining legal recognition for the parent association, as well as more support for teaching and other school materials, and especially for the compensation of tutors, which most parent associations do not yet have the resources for themselves. In 2024, 16 parent associations received support from the Kemper Foundation for the compensation of these 21 tutors. Some parent associations received support at the local level, from the municipality or other donors (see also section e). Assistance with obtaining birth certificates is another request from the parent associations.

h) Work after Training

Nine of the 16 associations of parents of deaf children now support the post-literacy program. Forty-four older students were placed in workshops run by local artisans to learn a trade while receiving instruction in specialized sign language. AMCRE is currently compiling a statistical overview of these activities.

i) Monitor Remuneration

With the support of the RKWO, the Kemper Foundation finances the majority of the remuneration for the 21 current monitors through AMCRE. At the same time, AMCRE reminds the (16) parent associations that they should make the largest contribution to the monitors’ payments, in the interest of continuity. Unfortunately, in many places, it is still difficult for parent associations to afford this.

B. Better living with acquired knowledge

In Senegal and its neighboring countries, only 50% of children attend school, where they often fail to acquire relevant knowledge. This project aims to address this by promoting short courses on a specific topic of local relevance. It also promotes reading through village libraries housed in the learning hostels originally established by UNESCO clubs. The renovation of eligible learning hostels is being funded by the UCN with €5,500 initially for the Cherif Lo learning hostel (for details, see D).

C. Promoting Reading

After several years of successful implementation of this project, the administrators of the libraries in both towns (Diarere and Ndondol) encountered problems: some of the books borrowed in previous years were not returned. It is questionable whether the restocking of books should continue until the underlying problem is solved.

D. Strengthening the infrastructure (foyers and learning hostels)

With the UCN donation, Cherif Lo’s Club UNESCO has achieved the following:

• renovation of the central building dating from 1992;
• improved and tiled the restroom block, and repaired the wall surrounding the grounds; built a guardhouse;
• furthermore, office furniture was purchased for the center’s management.

II. AMCRE

• In September 2024, AMCRE submitted an activity plan with a budget for 2025, which was discussed and approved at the Council of State meeting of September 29, 2024.
• In 2024, AMCRE’s technical team consisted of two full-time staff members: the administrator (Nfally Sany Diatta) and the training and sign language specialist (Babacar Seck), supported part-time by sign language specialist François Manga.
• The AMCRE Board met on September 21, 2024, to consider expenditures incurred in 2023; to present a budget proposal for 2025 to the Council of State; and to discuss how to contact the new government.
• Composition of the AMCRE Board: 5 unpaid members: Babacar Fall (Chairman), Fatou Ndiaye (Secretary), Mamadou Hervé Fall (Treasurer), Félicité Salzman (Deputy Treasurer), Aliou Doumbouya (Communications Member); and two unpaid advisors: Jan de Bosch Kemper (General) and Honorine Fall (Accounts).

III. Friends of the Kemper Foundation

The list of Friends of the KS in France now includes about 20 individuals/families in France. Friends of the Kemper Foundation in the Netherlands (22) received a special information letter about the Kemper Foundation and its activities. In France and the Netherlands, the 42 friends together raised €1,732 in 2024.

IV. PR activities

• Newsletter: The Kemper Foundation Newsletter was published twice in 2024.
• The website, which was redesigned in 2023, was launched in November 2023. After an update and minor improvements and adjustments by board member Philippe with the help of Paul, Bert, and Maaike, it is now fully operational.
• Carla actively participated in two fairs in France, which resulted in new members.
• The new Kemper Foundation brochure/flyer was actively used and distributed by all board members.

V. Kemper Foundation Board Affairs

The board met on September 29, 2024, as is tradition, in Schilde, Belgium, at the home of board member Bert Schortinghuis, to discuss, in particular, the allocation of funds for the coming year to AMCRE. A sum of €46,879 was guaranteed by the Kemper Foundation for this purpose.

Donations from the municipality of Schilde/GROS (€2,325), RKWO (€7,500), and UCN (€5,500) were gratefully acknowledged.

Jan and Carla conducted field visits (St. Louis training and foyers in the surrounding area, plus Cherif Lo). Jan and Wilma made a second visit to Cherif Lo in early March. Jan participated in the monitor training from December 20-24 in Tivaouane Peuhl. Carla made her annual tour, also to Gandiaye, and subsequently to Ndondol and Diarère.

Board matters: Margot van der Velde (WFP Dakar) is appointed as an outposted board member in Dakar, to support Jan. The board composition remains unchanged.

The Kemperstichting is not yet recognized in Senegal; in 2024, Carla and Jan investigated how to achieve this.

VI. Finances 2024

This year, the Kemper Foundation benefited from favorable stock market prices, which significantly increased its value. As the overview shows, the Kemper Foundation was able to fulfill the financial guarantees it promised AMCRE without any problems. To fulfill these guarantees for 2025 as well, the Kemper Foundation will need to request a contribution from the Kemper Foundation. The overview shows that the Kemper Foundation has a sound financial base and can easily achieve its goals.

Overview of the ABN/AMRO Kemper account

	Kemperfonds
	Value Kemper Fund of 31-12-2023	€ 430.801,13
	Value Kemper Fund of 31-12-2024	€ 489.422,00
	Jaaroverzicht bankrekening ABN/AMRO  no NL54ABN0610929062
	Balance on January 1, 2023	€ 34.175,48
	Revenue in €
	Contribution RKWO	€ 7.500,00
	Contribution GROS SCHILDE	€ 2.325,00
	Donation of friends Kemper Foundation	€ 1.732,00
	Expenditure in €
	AMCRE declarations		€ 40.191,00
	Bank and transfer fees		€ 256,44
	Website costs		€ 246,84
	Chamber of Commerce		€ 46,30
	Various		€ 60,85
		€ 45.732,48	€ 40.801,43
	Balance as of December 31, 2024		€ 4.931,05

Annual Activity Report of the Kemper Foundation 2023

Introduction

The past school year saw a consolidation of the desired Kemper Foundation approach in many respects, as this annual report will demonstrate. The actions and positive developments that proved successful in previous years were built upon.

Unfortunately, there were also setbacks: in 2023, negotiations with the central government showed little to no progress. However, cooperation from local authorities increased significantly, and the AMCRE/Kemper Foundation team in Dakar therefore shifted its focus to these institutions through the organizations of deaf parents.

I. Progress of the Kemper Foundation projects

1. Training of deaf children

a) Sign language lessons

The 2022/2023 school year began in most foyers (deaf education centers) on November 1, 2022, and ended in June 2023. It had 198 students, 71 of whom were girls, spread across the 16 operational foyers, 5 of which had two classes (beginners and advanced). The fact that these numbers are slightly lower this year than last is mainly due to a number of students completing their education and beginning vocational training, and the gradual decline in the number of illiterate deaf children in the areas where the foyers operate. Of the total 198 students, 32 were new students. Literacy and sign language lessons were taught by 21 instructors appointed by the associations of parents and friends of the deaf. In 2023, due to proven success, sign language lessons were offered for the third year to 137 non-deaf individuals, including parents, friends of the deaf, and primarily primary school students. These lessons took place in more than half of all deaf foyers. Collaboration with primary schools near the foyers, such as the provision of pencils and paper, exists, but this could be improved. Some principals have made a classroom available for these lessons to promote better communication between hearing and non-hearing students. However, the quality of these classrooms should be improved.

Some advanced deaf students enjoy helping their instructors teach new students, and this continued to go well in 2022-2023 (“Deaf-by-Deaf Education Approach”).

b) Monitoring

Monthly monitoring visits were conducted, primarily in the foyers in the Dakar suburbs. During these visits, the quality of teaching was monitored and, where necessary, the Deaf Parents’ Association was provided with advice and support. The instructors and students were also monitored using modern technology: video calls via WhatsApp, allowing them to evaluate and improve the performance of the instructors and students, and to adjust the instructor training as needed.

c) Training of the monitors

A refresher course for 21 monitors took place from January 12-17, 2023, at the Centre Barbara in Bignona, during which monitors from nearby regions were trained. Three board members of the Kemper Foundation(Carla, Jan, and Wilma) attended this training. A second training took place from December 18-23, 2023, in the space available in the AMCRE office. Among the latter participants was a new monitor for the newly established foyer in Guédiawaye. The two training sessions covered the following topics: revising the existing training modules based on sign language, preparing student worksheets, and the pedagogy of classroom supervision. Some parents and friends of the deaf also participated in the training. Babacar Seck (also assisted in Bignona by Francois Manga) led the training of the monitors. At the end of the course, the instructors were tested to ensure their competence. They are also expected to train other new instructors.

d) Collaboration with public schools near the foyers

This collaboration is crucial for promoting the integration of deaf children into the hearing community. The instructors at several deaf foyers (Gandiaye, Kaolack, Keur Madiabel, Bignona, and Diohine) participated in the “Cellules Pédagogiques” program, organized by teachers to expand primary education with activities of local relevance.

e) Collaboration with the government

The Ministry of Education had committed itself at the time (2021) to preparing a new agreement (Protocol d’Accord) with the Kemper Foundation, which, in addition to recognizing the work of Kemper Foundation/AMCRE, would include the amount of government support for costs and collaboration between public primary schools and deaf foyers. Due to the geopolitical situation in the country, there was no contact with central government agencies on this matter last year. Kemper Foundation/AMCRE instead focused on strengthening the associations of parents of deaf people and, through them, approaching municipal services for possible input.

f) Teaching Materials

Over the past year, further work was done on expanding the available teaching materials, such as pedagogical sheets designed during the instructors’ refresher training. The training plan was also jointly adjusted to better reflect the students’ progress. This plan was first tested by the instructors. Unfortunately, the Kemper Foundation promotional video, produced by Bibvision about the Kemper Foundation’s deaf literacy work, which was created based on a script written by Jan, was never completed by the project team. Consequently, the Kemper Foundation withheld the final payments from Bibvision. However, a preliminary plan has been prepared for the curriculum and the accompanying teaching materials used in each foyer. Existing teaching materials from the primary schools are also being used for this, which will contribute to better recognition of the certificates of participation that students can obtain at the end of the course.

g) Collaboration with the associations of parents of deaf children

On the sidelines of the tutor training, consultations were also held with the parents to hear their concerns and find solutions. On this occasion, the parents requested more support for better support for their deaf children and their education. Assistance was also requested in obtaining legal recognition for the association, as well as more support for teaching and other school materials and tutor compensation. In 2023, 16 parent associations of deaf children received support from the Kemper Foundation to cover the fees of 21 tutors. Several parent associations also received support at the local level, from the municipality or other donors. Assistance with obtaining birth certificates is another request from the parent associations.In de zijlijn van de moniteurs training vond ook overleg plaats met de ouders, om hun problemen te horen en oplossingen te vinden. De ouders vroegen bij deze gelegenheid om meer steun voor een betere begeleiding van hun dove kinderen en hun onderwijs. Hulp werd ook gevraagd bij het verkrijgen van juridische erkenning van de vereniging, evenals meer steun voor les- en ander schoolmateriaal en vergoeding van de moniteurs. In 2023 ontvingen 16 ouderverenigingen van dove kinderen steun van de KS om de vergoedingen van 21 moniteurs te bekostigen. Ook ontvingen verschillende ouderverenigingen steun op het lokale vlak, van de gemeente of andere donoren. Hulp bij het verkrijgen van geboortebewijzen is een andere wens van de ouderverenigingen

h) Work after Training

Seven other associations of parents of deaf children have now followed the example of Keur Madiabel’s parent association: advanced students can be placed in local craftsmen’s workshops to learn a trade. These include tailoring, hairdressing, woodworking, metalworking, and aluminumworking, masonry, electrician, shoemaker, gardener, or restorer. AMCRE is currently compiling a statistical overview of these activities.

i) Monitor Remuneration

With the support of the RKWO, the Kemper Foundation finances the majority of the remuneration for the 21 current monitors through AMCRE. At the same time, AMCRE reminds the (16) parent associations that they are the ones who must make the largest contribution to the monitors’ payments to ensure the continuity of this important work. Unfortunately, in many places, it is still difficult for parent associations to raise this amount.

B. Better living with acquired knowledge

This Kemper Foundation program aligns with the activities program of the Learning Hostels in Senegal.

The proposal for the rehabilitation of the (3) eligible learning hostels was developed by former Kemper Foundation chairman Jan and submitted to the UCN, which approved €5,000 for Cherif Lo’s learning hostel.

C. Promoting Reading

After several years of successful implementation of this project, the administrators of the libraries in both towns (Diarère and Ndondol) encountered problems: some of the books borrowed in 2022 were not returned. The Diarère librarian submitted a new list of books to compensate for the missing books. It is questionable whether AMCRE should request the Kemper Foundation to halt the supply of new books until this problem is solved.

D. Strengthening infrastructure (foyers and learning hostels)

The construction of a wall around the foyer in Gandiaye, tendered in 2021, was completed in 2023. The Gandiaye foyer, built according to the same architecture as the learning hostels, is considered a prototype for the further development of foyers for the deaf. The monitor provides an excellent example of this. She is also personally raising funds.

Four applications for support for construction projects were also received, two from UNESCO clubs (Cherif Lo and Ndondol) and two from parent associations (Kaolack – this application was withdrawn, funded by others – and Gandiaye). Several conditions have been set for the remaining projects, e.g., renewal of the association/club and recognition of ownership of the land by the municipality. Part of the project in Cherif Lo has now been funded by UCN and the Kemper Foundation.

II. AMCRE

• AMCRE submitted an activity plan with a budget for 2024. In response, the Kemper Foundation board indicated that it would guarantee a maximum of €46,696.
• In 2023, the AMCRE secretariat consisted of two full-time staff members: the administrator (Nfally Sany Diatta) and the training and sign language specialist (Babacar Seck), supported part-time by sign language specialist Francois Manga.
• The AMCRE board consists of five unpaid members: Babacar Fall (chair), Fatou Ndiaye (secretary), Mamadou Hervé Fall (treasurer), Félicité Salzman (second treasurer), Aliou Doumbouya (communications officer), and two advisors: Jan de Bosch Kemper (general) and Honorine Fall (accounts).

The AMCRE board met officially once in 2023, on February 13th.

III. Friends of the Kemper Foundation

The list of Friends of the Kemper Foundation now includes some 50 families in France and the Netherlands. Friends of the Kemper Foundation in the Netherlands received a special information letter about the Kemper Foundation and its activities. In France and the Netherlands, the friends raised a total of €1,800 in 2023.

IV. PR Activities

• The Kemper Foundation Newsletter was published twice in 2023.
• The Kemper Foundation website was thoroughly overhauled during the board retreat in the Lot region. A first new version of the website was launched by board members Philippe and Paul in November 2023. An update will be launched in 2024.
• The Kemper Foundation published a new brochure/flyer with key information about the Kemper Foundation deaf program in Senegal in a nutshell.

V. Board Affairs

During 2023, the board consisted of: Carla Geus (chair), Paul de Walick (treasurer), Wilma Goppel (secretary), Jan de Bosch Kemper (member – AMCRE contact), Bert Schortinghuis (member – Belgium contact), Philippe Geus (member – website and PR), and Maaike Smit Sibinga (member – website, archive).

From May 21-27, the entire Kemper Foundation board met for a workweek in the Lot, France, at the home of chair Carla. Basic documents were drafted, revised, and/or completed where necessary. The redesign of the website was also worked on jointly.

On October 8, the annual board meeting took place in Schilde, Belgium, at the home of board member Bert. The strategies prepared in the Lot were approved. A sum of €46,696 was guaranteed for the 2024 budget presented there by AMCRE. Gratefully, the donation of 1,820 euros, once again received from the municipality of Schilde through the efforts of Kemper Foundation board member Bert, was received for the annual training of the instructors.

IIn 2023, board chair Carla, along with Jan and secretary Wilma, participated in the monitor training in Bignona (January 12-17, 2023). Carla also visited Gandiaye, and subsequently Ndondol, Diarère, and Pikine.

Secretary Wilma, along with treasurer Paul and board member Jan, attended an AMCRE board meeting on February 13, 2023.

VI. Finances 2023

In 2023, after a poor 2022, the Kemper Fund further recovered its income as financial markets recovered, which was beneficial for the development of the Kemper Fund. For example, the value of the Kemper Fund on January 1, 2023, was €405,801.13, and by December 31, 2023, it had risen to €430,287, an increase of 12.5%. It should be noted that the Kemper Foundation transferred €25,000 from the Kemper Fund to the Kemper Foundation current account for payment of ongoing projects.

Overzicht van de Kemper rekening

	Kemperfonds
	Balance as of 31-12-22	405801,13 €
	Balance as of 31-12-23	430287,00 €
	Jaaroverzicht 2023 bankrekening ABN/AMRO no NL54ABNA0610929062
	Balance on January 1, 2023	23611,49 €
	Revenue in €
	Contribution from the Kemper Fund	25000,00 €
	RKWO donation	7500,00 €
	Contribution UCN	5500,00 €
	Contribution GROS SCHILDE	1820,00 €
	Donation of friends Kemper Foundation	1800,00 €
	Expenditure in €
	AMCRE declarations		30317,00 €
	Bank and transfer fees		239,16 €
	Brochures		157,68 €
	Website costs		198,44 €
	Book purchase		57,88 €
	Chamber of Commerce Fee		43,35 €
	Various		42,50 €
		65231,49 €	31056,01 €
	Balance as of December 31, 2023		34175,48 €

Introduction

In 2022, the execution of the Kemper Foundation’s activities returned to “normal” after the influence of COVID in previous years. Unfortunately, negotiations with the central government have shown no progress. However, cooperation from local authorities increased considerably and the AMCRE/Kemper Foundation team in Dakar therefore turned to these institutions through deaf parent organizations.

I. Project progress

A. Training deaf children

a) Sign language lessons
The 2021/22 school year began in most homes (deaf training centers) on November 1, 2020 and welcomed 206 students, including 72 girls, distributed among the 16 operational homes. Of this total, 47 were new students. Literacy and sign language classes were taught by 22 instructors appointed by parents and friends of the deaf. In 2022, following the success of 2021, sign language courses were provided for the second year to 100 non-deaf people, such as parents, friends of deaf people and especially primary school students. This occurred in half of all deaf homes, with the number being 88 non-deaf students. Cooperation with primary schools close to homes remained good. Some school principals have even provided a classroom for these lessons in order to promote better communication between hearing and non-hearing students. The fact that some advanced deaf students help their instructor to teach new students also went well in 2022 (“approach to the education of the deaf by the deaf”), with a follow-up sheet for each student.

b) Controls
AMCRE monitoring visits have resumed. Three missions took place: in Diamagene, Malika and Pikine. Inspection visits took place every month, mainly to homes in the suburbs of Dakar. During these visits, the quality of teaching is checked and, where appropriate, the association of parents of deaf people is assisted with advice and assistance. AMCRE staff increasingly works with modern technology: video chats via WhatsApp contact are established with the instructor and with students in order to evaluate the performance of instructors and students and, if necessary, improve them in the training of instructors.

c) Training of instructors
An instructor refresher course took place from December 12 to 17, 2022 in the new AMCRE office, Tivaouane Peuhl, during which 9 instructors from nearby regions were trained. Some parents and friends of deaf people also participated in the course. François Manga and Babacar Seck were the trainers of the instructors. At the end of the course, the instructors were subjected to a test in order to have a certain guarantee of their skills. They should also train other new instructors.

d) Collaboration with public schools close to homes
This collaboration is very important to promote the integration of deaf children into hearing society. Facilitators from several homes for the deaf (Gandiaye, Kaolack, Keur Madiabel, Bignona and Diohine) participated in the “Cellules Pédagogiques” program, organized by teachers to expand primary education with activities of local interest.

e) Cooperation with the government
The Ministry of Education committed at the time (2021) to prepare a new agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Kemper Foundation, in which, in addition to recognizing the work of the Foundation and AMCRE, an amount of government support in costs and collaboration between public primary schools and homes for the deaf, and the making of a video would be recorded. Pending the development of this agreement, AMCRE will now focus on strengthening associations of parents of the deaf and, through them, on a possible contribution from Municipal Services.

f) Educational material
Over the past year, time has been dedicated to preparing a wider variety of educational materials and work that will continue into 2023. A Kemper Foundation promotional video was also produced about the work of literacy of the deaf of the Foundation. This was carried out by Bibvision, based on a scenario developed by Jan, using AMCRE reserve funds. The film aims to further involve the public in this work and to make parents of deaf children understand the importance of education for their children.

g) Work after training
Seven other associations of parents of deaf children have now followed the example of the Keur Madiabel parents’ association: older students are placed in local artisan workshops to learn a trade. This concerns the profession of tailor, hairdresser, wood, metal and aluminum worker, mason, electrician, shoemaker, gardener or restaurateur. AMCRE is working on a statistical representation of these activities.

h) Remuneration of instructors
With the support of the RKWO, most of the compensation paid to instructors is financed by the Kemper Foundation via AMCRE. At the same time, parent associations are reminded by AMCRE that they are the ones who must make the greatest contribution to the payment of instructors in the interest of the continuity of this important work. Unfortunately, in many places it is still difficult for parent associations to achieve this.

B. Live better with the knowledge acquired

This Kemper Foundation program is part of the program of activities of the CREs (Educational Resource Centers) in Senegal. The proposal for the rehabilitation of eligible learning centers was developed by the former president of the Foundation and presented to the National Center for Educational Resources (CNRE).

C. Promotion of reading

After this project had worked well for several years, the library managers of the two localities (Diarère and Ndondol) encountered problems: the books borrowed were no longer returned. As a result, AMCRE felt compelled to ask the Foundation to suspend the supply of new books until this issue was resolved.

D. Strengthening infrastructure (homes for the deaf and CREs)

The construction of a wall around the Gandiaye CRE, tendered in 2021, was completed in 2022. The Gandiaye CRE, built according to the same architecture as the other CREs, is considered a prototype for the future development of homes for deaf. In addition, four applications were received for support for construction projects, two from UNESCO clubs and two from parents’ associations. After review by AMCRE, more details will need to be provided before these projects can be submitted to donors.

II. AMCRE

– AMCRE submitted an activity plan with a budget for 2023. In response, the board of directors of the Kemper Foundation indicated that it would guarantee an amount of up to 43,330 euros. In 2021, the AMCRE secretariat was made up of 2 full-time employees, including the administrator (Nfally Sany Diatta) and 1 intern (Lamine Diallo). In addition, there were two specialists in the deaf project: François Manga and his assistant (Babacar Seck).

– the AMCRE Board of Directors is made up of 5 unpaid members: Babacar Fall (president), Fatou Ndiaye (secretary), Mamadou Hervé Fall (treasurer), Félicité Salzman (2nd treasurer), Aliou Doumbouya (Communication member) and two advisors: Jan de Bosch Kemper (general) and Honorine Fall (accounts).

III. Friends of the Kemper Foundation

The list of Friends of the Foundation now includes around fifty families. Friends of the Foundation in the Netherlands have received a special newsletter about the Foundation and its activities. In France, friends collected an amount of 590 euros in 2022; in the Netherlands it was 549 euros. This represents a total of 1,139 euros from all the friends of the Kemper Foundation.

IV. P.R. activities

– Newsletter: the Foundation Newsletter was published twice in 2022.
– Kemper Foundation website: maintained by the treasurer.

V. Organization and board of directors Kemper Foundation

The board of directors of the Kemper Foundation met on October 9 for the annual meeting in Schilde. Due to high inflation in Senegal, a 10% salary increase for staff was agreed as well as the same increase in pay for volunteers. An amount of 43,330 euros was guaranteed for the 2023 budget presented by AMCRE (this has already been communicated to AMCRE). We noted with gratitude the donation from the municipality of Schilde which was once again obtained thanks to the efforts of Bert, member of the board of directors of the Foundation. Although the exact amount has not yet been announced, we can expect a contribution of around 2000 euros. Kemper Foundation board members Malinda Van Geijtenbeek – de Vos van Steenwijk and Melcher de Bosch Kemper have decided to leave the board in 2022. The candidacy of a new board member , Maaike Smit Sibinga, was approved. On November 10, the Board of Directors officially bid farewell to the former Foundation Treasurer and Public Relations Member, Albert Kuiper, after providing volunteer services to the Kemper Foundation since 2006. On the same occasion, we met Maaike Smit Sibinga. In 2022, President Carla and Foundation Board Member Jan visited Pete and Cherif Lo. Carla, accompanied by secretary Wilma and guest Els Labberton, undertook a mission to Gandiaye, then to Ndondol, Diarère and Pikine. Secretary Wilma and board member Jan attended an AMCRE board meeting in May 2022.

VI. FINANCIAL REVIEW 2022

1. the Kemper Fund

The year 2022 brought a significant loss on the financial markets due to various interest rate increases and the war in Ukraine, which was also unfavorable for the development of the Kemper Fund.

For example, the value of the Kemper Fund on January 1, 2022 was still €482,606.77 and on December 31, 2022 the value had fallen to €405,801.13. Please note that the Kemper Foundation transferred €25,000 from the Kemper Fund to its current account to pay for current projects.

2. Overview of the ABN/AMRO Kemper account

Balance on January 1, 2022 in € 20,942.38

Revenue in €
Contribution GROS SCHILDE 2,495.00
Contribution from the Kemper Fund 25,000.00
RKWO donation 7,500.00
Donation to friends Kemper Foundation 1,139.00
Total income 57,076.38

Expenditure in €
AMCRE declarations 32,933.00
Chamber of Commerce Fee 40.00
Website costs 198.44
Bank and transfer fees 211.85
Book purchase 81.60
Total expenses 33,464.89

Balance as of December 31, 2022 23,611.49