In 1999, just before the establishment of Future for Kids, Solis Engineering, led by Fred Kouvelt, donated a complete water installation to the children’s home in Northern Thailand. Fred, together with Job van Slooten, spent several days on-site to install the entire system. Thanks to their efforts, the home was once again able to pump and use its own drinking water for many years.
Ten years later, the children’s home underwent significant expansion. Once again, Solis stepped in, sponsoring and helping to install a hydro-pneumatic system. Two Solis employees worked on-site for several days, successfully ensuring the provision of drinking water for many more years.
At that time, it was still hardly possible to organize, purchase, or maintain such systems locally. Another ten years later, the installation required maintenance again. However, by then, the technical capabilities in Northern Thailand had improved considerably. Fred Kouvelt, founder and director of Solis Engineering, commented: “It’s about time we take off our rose-colored glasses and see what we can now arrange locally. It’s better for the local economy and much easier for the children’s home if repairs are ever needed.” We fully agreed with him.
In early September 2018, through Solis Engineering, we came into contact with Balt van de Made. During his journey through Thailand, he offered to look for a solution to the technical issues with the water installation and to have it resolved locally. After a pleasant introduction, Balt set off for Thailand. At the end of October, he arrived at the children’s home, where he spent 12 days. He was also given a tour of the area where the children come from.
With a pump under his arm, Balt went in search of a local installer for the new water installation. Fortune was on our side: he found not only an installer but an exceptionally skilled one. The installer was immediately enthusiastic and offered to start work right away. A week later, the new installation was up and running. The installer also solemnly promised to take care of future maintenance.
Balt van de Made wrote an enthusiastic and heartfelt travel report, which can be read via this link (in Dutch only).
We are deeply grateful to Solis Engineering for their many years of support to the children’s home, and now also to Balt van de Made for his spontaneous initiative to find a local solution and oversee the installation. Thanks to their efforts, the children’s home is once again assured of safe drinking water for many years to come!