Foundation Bakasso (Guinea)

Standing between the buildings in 2017,
I was determined;
I knew that though there was much to be done, we would get there gradually.

José Schraauwers

Founder and chairwoman
of the Bakasso Foundation

Our Story

In 2019, José Schraauwers founded the Bakasso Foundation with the goal of improving access to medical care for pregnant women in Guinea. José and her Guinean partner purchased a large parcel of land in the remote area of Kolissohko in 2014 to build a maternity clinic. Despite facing many challenges along the way, they have continued to pursue their vision with their own financial resources. The maternity clinic will create a safe place for the woman to receive medical care during pregnancy and delivery. It will also provide education on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and family planning. The Bakasso Foundation needs your support to make this project a reality and to make a difference in the lives of these women and their families.

When I stood between the buildings in 2017, I knew: It's still a lot of work, but we will get there step by step.

Jose Schraauwers

Have a look at the progress we made: 

What do we value?

At Bakasso Foundation, we are committed to promoting the health of women and babies in Guinea. We strive to ensure everyone in Guineas has a safe birth and a good start in life.

 

The Bakasso Foundation is committed to providing quality healthcare and employment opportunities to the Guinean communities. We are constructing a hospital to be run solely by Guineans, to improve the quality of their lives and make a lasting chance for the ones that needs it most.

Despite the drawbacks that Jose and her husband have been facing since they bought the land in 2014, they have constantly been pushing their boundaries for this project to be a success for Guinean communities.

Bakasso’s Board

Chairwoman

José Schraauwers
founder

“I am the founder of this beautiful foundation. In addition, I also work full-time as a TV producer at AVROTROS of art documentaries for Close Up. Together with my partner, we have two daughters. I used to work in health care, first as a doctor's assistant and EKG lab technician, and later I led the non-invasive Cardiology research department in the former AZU, the current UMC.”

Secretary

Anneke Klinkhamer secretary

“I work in healthcare. In addition to my job as a nursing teacher, I am also a career counselor. I have experience as a manager in setting up new departments and as a project manager within the healthcare sector. I guided a trip to Ethiopia for aspiring nurses several years ago and saw how unfair it is divided in the world. I am proud that I can contribute to this beautiful project in Guinea.“

Treasurer

Carole Kroese treasurer

I have known José and her husband for years, so I have closely followed the initiative and the developments of the plan. The issues surrounding medical care in African countries are close to my heart. I am happy that I can now actually contribute to this. Through my work as an arranger and choral conductor, I have an extensive network in the central and northern Netherlands, which I would like to use for this.

Niko, Elise, Dorotea, Fenna, José, Tim and Ryan

The I DO Project

The Bakasso Foundation has been selected for the I DO project of the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) for the period 2021/22. The ‘I DO Project’ connects 5 ambitious and open-minded second-year international business administration students and their third-year coach with a Dutch NGO. The students use their strategic knowledge 8 to 10 hours a week and actively contribute to strengthening the position of the Bakasso Foundation. Welcome Ryan Deng, Dorotea Igrec, Elise Imbaud, Nikolaus Stern, Tim van der Voorden, and of course their coach Fenna van Geloven.

"We might not be in Guinea building brick upon brick, but seeing what we, as a team together with José, can achieve is a great feeling! I enjoy working along such an inspiring personality a lot."
~Nikolaus
Website & Donations
"Working for Bakasso showed me how we all have something valuable to offer to people who need it most. Working for an NGO with a mission so close to my heart has been really motivating and I would definitely recommend to anyone willing to have a positive impact to join Bakasso!"
~Elise
Content creator
"The I DO project is a unique combination of proactive student-led decision making and creating impact. Working for Bakasso, I have learned so much about Guinea and its culture, but also about myself, and, it is an experience I highly value and would recommend to others."
~Dorotea
Website & Design
“I support Bakasso because I think the work they do is very important. Especially being a woman myself, I really resonate with Bakasso’s mission to give all women access to healthcare before, during and after childbirth.”
~Fenna
Coach
“Bakasso's cause to create self-sustaining communities is incredibly empowering. I am honored to be a part of this project and to be a helping hand.”
~Tim
Newsletter & Marketing
“Being part of I DO has given me valuable skills, important friendships, and the chance to grow as a person and expand my knowledge on NGOs, but most importantly it has shown me how a little effort can make a huge impact on other people's lives"
~Ryan
Social media & Marketing

Our Next Steps

Although we have progressed a lot in the past year on the construction of the hospital, it is still not finished.
The completion of the maternity buildings is therefore our main objective at the moment.
However, the personal financial funds from José and her husband Fodé have been exhausted.
That is why they ask for support to help finish this place for women to give birth safely.
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