If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
History
Livingstone was established in 1999 in order to engage youngsters with the Biblical command to love and serve each other and to develop a compassionate and involved lifestyle. Since the start, 8000+ youngsters participated in mission teams and volunteer jobs, serving 150+ projects in 40+ countries. Many lives and communities all over the world changed for the better.
Vision
Our inspiration comes from Christion faith. We are touched by the vision that all people can live in harmony as brothers and sisters. We believe that positive changes start when people really meet each other, human to human, heart to heart. We warmly welcome all, who want to join our adventure of loving and serving each other worldwide.
Mission
We organise mission trips and volunteer jobs with an emphasis on an encounter. Our youngsters and local people work closely together in equal cooperation. They experience the richness of each other’s culture, and together they are able to make a significant impact on the projects they work on.
Mission teams
We recruit, prepare and send mission teams of 8 to 24 people, ageing up from 15 years. They serve for 1 to 3 weeks, doing social and practical work and – most importantly – share their experiences with local staff. Their team leaders are mature in leadership and Christian lifestyle.
Volunteers on vacancy
We also recruit, prepare and send volunteers on specific vacancies with our partner organisations. Volunteers, ageing from 18 years, are put to assist the local staff, using their skills and qualities. They work from 2 to 12 months for 4 or 5 days a week, depending on the local needs.
Base of cooperation
Mission teams and volunteers always work under the authority of our local partners. They assist local staff and work together as brothers and sisters. They stay at local standards, at their own costs. Besides the social and practical work, sharing of experiences and ideas is key.
Hanneke van den Biggelaar General Manager and Relations Manager Africa+
Hanneke started at Livingstone in mid-2022 when it became clear that Livingstone might be able to make a restart after Corona. This restart is now a fact for which we are very grateful. Hanneke previously worked at Kerk in Actie, where she gained a lot of experience in organizing mission trips.
Together we will make the world a little more beautiful.
Marleen Kragt Director Europe / Relations Manager Europa
Marleen also joined Livingstone during the restart. Because of her large network from previous jobs, she can reach many people in the Netherlands and Eastern Europe. Her own church’s youth group has been traveling for years. Marleen is always closely involved in this and therefore knows what is involved.
It is my passion to let young people and children see and experience more of the love of God.
Our office team
At our office, you will find our office-manager, IT-specialist and various trainees. Our partners contact with our office-manager about finances. Trainees will contact partners about the preparation of teams or volunteers for their stay.
Our volunteers
Livingstone is carried by volunteers in a good part of the work. Volunteers participate with recruiting and preparing teams for their stay. They also join in making Livingstone and all related projects known at school and churches in the Netherlands.
Our board
Our board is our principal authority. The current board consists of Mr Dirkjan Takke – Chairman; Mrs Nel den Boer – International relations specialist, Mrs Alica Posthumus – Business consultant and Mr Robert Oorschot – Treasurer of the board. Our director, Hanneke van den Biggelaar, is representative of the board for all operations.
