Medical Knowledge Institute

Being blessed on my birthday by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

2010-10-08T22:31:00.003+02:00

Friday, October 8, 2010

A few minutes after 7am this morning in the Saint George Cathedral my dear friend Desmond Tutu called upon me to congratulate me with my birthday.

He took his time to introduce me to the congregation and the many guests and shared with the them that I had only turned 22 years. (sorry Arch 62, born in 1948)

He started to tell who I was and what I was doing when he looked up and said, “Harold you can tell it much better, so please share with them what MKI is doing in South Africa.”

My gift was a copy of his latest book published together with his daughter Mpho Tutu with the following inscription:

“Harold, Happy Birthday, God bless you, Desmond Tutu, 8-10-2010, Cape Town”

I was accompanied by Johan Neppelenbroek, the well known Dutch Chef with one Michelin Star, in the process of opening a restaurant at Longridge Winery in Stellenbosch and Kirsty Hunt, MKI’s Executive Director for Southern Africa and her husband Ian.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu 79 years old

2010-10-07T23:59:00.004+02:00

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Tonight I joined many personal friends of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu for his 79th birthday party on board the MV Explorer.
Many laughs, wonderful talks and great seeing the Arch so relaxed and enjoying himself.

Tomorrow night he and his darling wife Leah will be leaving Cape Town on this sailing university: Semester at Sea.

Semester at Sea was established in 1963 and over the last 47 years has sailed over 100 voyages and shown the world to more than 55,000 alumni who represent 93 countries.

What a wonderful, unforgettable evening.

Happy Birthday Arch

Pictures:
The Archbishop enjoying himself and spending some time with him.

Medical Knowledge Institute South Africa Trust

2010-10-06T00:13:00.002+02:00

The deed for creating Medical Knowledge Institute South Africa Trust was been officially signed on Monday October 4th, 2010

From Left to Right:

John van Zyl, Chairman
Harold Robles
Rev. Desmond Lambrechts
Sitting Hannie Nutbey
Jelle Braaksma was missing

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 10

2010-08-16T21:53:00.002+02:00

This will never be the same.

Deep rooted friendship was created on this trip.

MKI and the Sandton Hotels are “family” forever.

Many thanks to all of you who made this possible.

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 9

2010-08-16T21:44:00.007+02:00

A documentary about MKI would not be complete without mentioning our dear partners Clover Mama Afrika.

So we visited two of our MKI Health Information Satellites in collaboration with Clover Mama Afrika and Jöell Berry joined us on behalf of Prof. Elaine Vlok.

I salute Mama Pumla and Mama Lumka, both located in the Western Cape.

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 8

2010-08-16T21:30:00.006+02:00

A very special thank you to Fikiswa Seti, our trainer at the MKI Health Information Centre in Kayamandi.

I proudly dedicated this blog to Fikiswa and her dedication to MKI but most of all to the women of her township.

We are so proud of you dear Fikiswa.

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 7

2010-08-15T19:05:00.010+02:00

For days they have been preparing because Desmond Tutu is coming to town.
Mama Rosie the head of Baphumelele has been nerves for days, for the first time in her life she would be sacking the hands of the man she adored and who she only had seen on television and in newspapers.

The children were lining up, while the powerful choir that sang in the Mandela musical was rehearsing.
In the middle of al of this I got a call from Mthunzi the dryer but also the son in law of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu that they had left the highway. We had 5 minutes to go.

More and more people had gathered and there he was.
After being introduced to the many that have been waiting we entered the MKI Health Information Centre for the graduation of two classes.
The former Archbishop enjoyed his visit and he insisted that all students who received their certificate would come to the front to meet with him.

After the official ceremony we all sang and enjoyed his company.
He thanks everyone and shared is unending support and love for the work of MKI. “God smiles when it looks at MKI”.

In the meantime outside the centre many children had gathered to sing and dance for their Archbishop and he joined them.
An unforgettable visit.

The next day I received the following email:
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your kind note. I was deeply touched by all I saw and must say I am impressed by all that you do.
God bless you and yours,
arch

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 6

2010-08-12T23:09:00.011+02:00

Today we are in Kayamandi were the camera crew will be filming a workshop on STI’s (Sexual Transmitted Infections). Our trainer Fikiswa did a great job in providing her 15 students with the necessary information.

Fikiswa explained the usage of the male and female condoms, while responding to the many questions that she received.

In the afternoon we visited one of our facilitators in the township who shared her involvement in our female hygiene project.

All together another great day which we ended with a traditional South African Braay in “De Molen”, a Dutch bed and breakfast owned by Christy and Joris Christiaans. Twenty nine people accepted our invitation including the Dutch Counsel General in Cape Town, David de Waal.

MKI South Africa Trust, now official

2010-08-12T23:09:00.008+02:00

Please meet the first trustees of the "Medical Knowledge Institute - South Africa Trust

The inaugural meeting took place on Tuesday August 10th in Somerset West, South Africa.

Picture 1: From left to right:
Me (Trustee), Hannie Nutbey, (Trustee Chair) , Kirsty Hunt (Executive Director) Ex Officio
Picture 2: From left to right:
Reverend Desmond Lamberts (Trustee), Dr. Jelle Braaksma (Trustee), Yasmin Fuyk (Operational Manager MKI Holland) Guest
Picture 3: From left to right:
Yasmin Fuyk, Prof. John van Zyl (Trustee), me, Hannie Nutbey, Kirsty Hunt, Dr. Jelle Braaksma

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 5

2010-08-12T23:02:00.003+02:00

This morning we visited the MKI Centre in Khayelitsha were a workshop on child development was being thought by May one of our trainers. The camera crew and the guests had a field day. May was in his element as always.

While the workshop went on the YOELL ladies came to work.
Their participation in the making of the documentary was very natural; they had the most wonderful thing to say. One of them in particular made it clear on camera that MKI had made a difference in her life after the dead of her boyfriend who died of AIDS, while pregnant with his third child.

I cannot explain how happy I am from these kinds of statements. This really shows that we are making a difference in the lives of so many.

Today was also an historical day for MKI. At 5:30 in the late afternoon we gathered together for the first official meeting of the Medical Knowledge Institute South Africa Trust.
After many months of preparation we set around a table chaired by Hannie Nutbey, a South African married to a Dutch Gentlemen. Hannie has been very instrumental in the creation of the MKI Trust in South Africa.
Other Trustees include, Reverend Desmond Lamberts, Prof. John van Zyl, Dr. Jelle Braaksma and me. Kirsty Hunt, the Executive Director of MKI South Africa was appointed ex official member and in charge of the day to day operations.

Because of the excitement I had a very hard time falling asleep last.

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 4

2010-08-11T15:12:00.002+02:00

Monday August 9, South African National Women’s day

What a great idea; a national holiday in honor of the most wonderful creation of God.
We spend this day in Wellington, on the estate of Diemersfontein, and we had a great time, relaxing and enjoying the wonderful breakfast and each other’s company.
The camera crew spend the day on a small game reserve were they have been trying to film of the big fives.

In the evening we had dinner with Prof John van Zyl and his wife Charlotte in Stellenbosch. Prof van Zyl is one of the first trustees of the MKI South Africa Trust which will be officially established tomorrow evening in Somerset West. Beside that John van Zyl will be involved in the creation of MKI Community Health Radio.

Very soon you will be able to find more information on this subject on our website.
Another great day with very special people.

Warm regards to all the ladies of the world.

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, day 3

2010-08-08T23:05:00.007+02:00

Sunday, a day of prayer so when I am in South Africa a visit to the church in the township of Kayamandi. What a joy it was to see my friends again.
Also this time I had to come to the pulpit to introduce my guest and to share with the congregation what I have been doing and what they can accept in the coming weeks and months from their MKI Health Information Centre in Kayamandi.
We enjoyed the beautiful singing, sometimes very emotional.

The rest of the day we spend on the beautiful wine-estate Longridge owned by Aldo and Debbie van der Laan. These two wonderful people, together with their management team and representative in Europe made a decision to donate a certain amount of money from every bottle of Longridge bottle of wine sold to MKI.

This occasion was being celebrated in style.
Another great partner believing in the mission of MKI.

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary, DAY 2

2010-08-08T23:03:00.012+02:00

The second day of filming started in our Health Information Centre in Khayelitsha. Our three top staff members, Xolani, the administrator, May, known as the top dog trainer, and Andile, a new trainer on his way to become the assistant trainer to May received the camera crew and my guest with open arms.
Later they told me that they felt so welcome it was like meeting friends they had known for a very long time.

So we used the day to visit some of our students who have become facilitators in the township. They had been waiting for us and were eager to tell their stories, predominately success stories. Success stories of how they are using the knowledge received by MKI to empower their community members and especially the youth.

It was easy sailing for the camera crew because as I mentioned before they told their story with so much passion and conviction.

The statements of these wonderful people confirmed again what a difference MKI is really making in the lives of so many people.
Defiantly something to be proud of
Again good wishes from South Africa.

PICTURES:
Enjoy some of the pictures of the day

MKI, the Sandton Hotels and the making of a documentary.

2010-08-07T18:59:00.007+02:00

Yesterday the creation of a documentary about the activities of the Medical Knowledge Institute has began with a very special church service in the St. George Cathedral in downtown Cape Town. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was not able to do the service since he had to be in London to be back this weekend to spend with us and the camera crew this coming Thursday.

After the solemn service we all felt that the mission to South Africa was being blessed and that we could start our journey in creation a documentary on the activities of MKI. So after the service we were invited to join a small group of people to have breakfast. So we found ourselves sitting in a little circle around the table with the former major of Cape Town, the co-chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, Lavinia Brown the former PA to Desmond Tutu and the Consul General of the Netherlands David de Waal, to name a few.

After breakfast we... and maybe this is the time to introduce the MKI / Sandton Hotels / Longridge / team to you. Rogier and Elke Braakman, one of the co-founders of the Sandton Hotels, Janneke Rutten, director of Intense Wines and partner of Longridge, Brigitte Plugge, Director of BIMA Productions, Sjoerd Vogel, the cameraman of BIMA Productions, Laurien Hylkema, the sound lady of BIMA Production and Willibrord Kruijsen, the lighting and photo man of BIMA Production, Yasmin Fuyk the operational manager of MKI and me of course.
For your information the creation of the documentary is being financed by Sandton Hotels, Intense Wines and Longridge in honour of MKI’s activities in Southern Africa.

So, after breakfast we paid our respect to the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Cape Town, Mr. David de Waal. David, a great supporter of MKI was so kind to receive the group in his office and to make a statement on camera.

We than toured Cape Town, visited the always very beautiful Table Mountain which gave the camera crew a sublime view of Cape Town.
We ended the day with an unforgettable being together with Kirsty, MKI’s Executive Director for Southern Africa and her husband Ian.

All good wishes from South Africa

PICTURES:
1. The group leaving Amsterdam for South Africa
2. Together with David de Waal and Rogier Braakman

Female Hygiene - Skoon Lappie

2010-06-30T00:20:00.004+02:00

I am so proud of "my girls".
The TU students, Albertien, Judith, Floor and Suze,otherwise known as the Skoon Lapppie ladies received a 8,5 for their study they did in collaboration with the Medical Knowledge Institute.

A very special thank you to Dr. & Mrs. Jelle and Liddy Braaksma, to Medical Student Minke Frijstein and MKI Faculty Member Samantha Harteveld.

This is just the beginning.

Sandton Hotels honors MKI with auction

2010-06-06T00:33:00.009+02:00

The beautiful garden of Sandton Hotel Château de Raay was on June 3rd 2010, the sending for an unforgettable auction organized by the Sandton Hotels in honor of their hospitality partner MKI. The event was used to officially install Dutch Actor Kenneth Herdigein as MKI’s newest Goodwill Ambassador. Nearly 5,000 euro was raised for the public health educational activities of MKI.

Please visit the photogallery on the MKI website for many more pictures of this very special event.

MKI’s Goodwill Ambassador Ans Markus being honored by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands

2010-06-05T23:00:00.004+02:00

Dearest Ans,

My deepest congratulations,well deserved.
We are proud of you.
Warm regards to you and Wybe

Harold Robles and the entire MKI family worldwide.

More from Springfield, Massachusetts. (USA)

2010-05-26T05:22:00.004+02:00

The Newspaper "The Republican" reported:

Dr. Harold E. Robles, Doctor of Public Health 2010 honorary degree recipient Sunday during American International College commencement in a ceremony at the MassMutual Center. Placing the hood on Dr. Robles is Dr. Peter Bittel, trustee, left, and Gregory T. Schmutte, executive vice president for academics, center.

Doctor of Public Health

2010-05-26T04:44:00.004+02:00

Dear friends this is what happened to me this past Sunday may 23, 2010 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Excerpt from Vincent Maniaci, President of the American International College, citation:
Harold E. Robles, you are truly a man of the world holding duel citizenship in both the Netherlands and in the United States. Having been inspired by the humanitarian work of Albert Schweitzer at the tender age of eight, you went on to adopt his philosophy of “reverence for life” as your own.
Doctor Robles, your awards and recognitions are numerous and impressive. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognized your work in advancing public health systems; you were nominated for the Bill and Melinda Gates Global Health Award; Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands knighted you; and Legacy International recently gave you its International Humanitarian Award at Virginia Tech University. Additionally, we are proud to note that you are a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Public Health, Education and the Humanities at American International College.
Now, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of American International College, I herby confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Public Health, honoris causa, with all the rights, honors, and privileges pertaining thereunto.

Dr. Peter Bittel on behalf of Harold Robles

2010-05-06T12:06:00.003+02:00

Officially I had to introduce Desmond Tutu on April 20th at the American International College before receiving his honorary doctorate in Human Letters. However since I have not been able to travel to Springfield/MA due to the volcano ashes my dear friend and co-founder of MKI, Dr. Peter Bittel stood in on my behalf. This is what he had to say:

Listen to Broadcast

Thanks Peter,

Honorary degrees presented at The Desmond Tutu Health Awareness Series

2010-05-05T20:20:00.002+02:00

On April 20th 2010 the American International College (AIC) and the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI) have presented The Desmond Tutu Public Health Awareness Series, on The AIC, inspired by the commitment of Archbishop Desmond Tutu to strengthen the human rights and opportunities of all people, has after this inaugural, honorary degrees awarded to the founders of the MKI: dr. Peter Bittel and dr. Harold Robles and to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a member of the Advisory Board of The MKI.

Unfortunately due to the volcano ashes I have not been able to join my two friends in Springfield. But I am proud to have been mentioned in one breath with Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and my dear friend Peter Bittel.

I will receive my honor on May 23rd during graduation of AIC.

Many thanks to Glennis Grace and Onno Pel

2010-03-29T12:04:00.006+02:00

1000x thanks dear Glennis Grace for your wonderful voice, which so many people enjoyed on Sunday March 21 at the Sandton Hotel Toor in Alphen a/d Rijn in Holland.

It was the first in many more events to come at the one of the great Sandton Hotels, the hospitality partners of MKI.

A special word of thanks to Ono Pel, the Manager of Sandton Toor Hotel and his team who made this fundraising concert a memorable event.

Enjoy the wonderful pictures taken by MKI’s Jakob Brons

Here is to the Dutch MKI Students in South Africa !

2010-03-26T16:14:00.003+01:00

I would like to use this opportunity to wish the wonderful Dutch students currently active with the Medical Knowledge Institute in South Africa all the best.
I am so very proud of them.

Warmest regards,
Harold Robles

Picture - Kirsty Hunt, MKI’s Director for Southern Africa with the Dutch contingency (from left to right):

Kirsty Hunt
Minke Frijstein, Medical Student, Erasmus University

Suze Gehem, student Industrial Design Engineering TU Delft
Albertien Greijdanus, student Industrial Design Engineering TU Delft
Floor van Goudoever, student Industrial Design Engineering TU Delft
Judith van der Werf, student Industrial Design Engineering TU Delft
Saffiya Landewijk, Student Haagse Hoge School

and Eva Ravensbergen, Student Haagse Hoge School

at the MKI Health Information Centre in Kayamandi/Stellenbosch.

Your Hygiene – Your Health

2010-03-26T11:54:00.001+01:00

The project "Your Hygiene - Your Health" as most of you know has started. The students of this project group from the Technical University in Delft and the Erasmus University in Rotterdam are keeping a Blog about their experience during this project. To follow their experience and developments please go to femalehygiene-sa.blogspot.com

A Female project on Worlds Woman and Girls Day 2010 in South Afrika

2010-03-22T23:37:00.012+01:00

I just returned from South Africa where we started a new project: “Your Hygiene – Your Health” conducted by Samantha Harteveld one of MKI’s faculty members, through our Health Information Centres. Another project, run by four students from the Technical University (TU) Delft (NL), closely links to the MKI-project. The TU Delft project investigates possibilities to increase “the acceptance, the availability and the affordability of menstrual hygienic means for women and girls in developing countries”.

The students - Suze Gehem, Floor van Goudoever, Albertien Greijdanus and Judith van der Werf – are master students of Industrial Design at the TU Delft. They found this challenging development project for their ‘Integral Design Project’ thanks to the Vrouw &Verband Foundation (roughly translated: the Women & Bandage/ Connection Foundation). For years now this foundation, currently also involved in this project as subject matter expert, demands attention for and research problems that girls and women experience in regard of menstrual hygiene.

The current situation around this issue of menstrual hygiene is far from optimal. Due to a lack of knowledge woman also use unhygienic solutions to get them through their menstruation. Many times this leads to vaginal infections and inflammations, sometimes with death as a result. Furthermore, women are restricted in running their everyday life during their menstruation period.

The students are very motivated to deal with this menstruation problem in a social and economically durable manner. It will be investigated through education how girls and women can be made aware of this problem. At the same time the students will research how and in what form the girls and women can obtain affordable and available means for their hygienic care. A solution could be that the target group, aided by a simple machine and local materials, can manufacture those aids themselves.

Early March the four students accompanied me to Africa. They will spend two months in order to do extensive research in cooperation with the local population and through the Health Information Centres of the MKI.

It was truly beyond my expectation.

Pictures: the students and faculty member Samantha Harteveld are sharing some of their work with Dr. Jelle Braaksma, Medical Ambassador of MKI

2010-03-14T12:39:00.000+01:00

A TV interview with me...

2010-03-11T23:03:00.003+01:00

Dear Friends,

I invite my Dutch speaking friends to visit the following link for an interview with me, if they are interested of course.

Watch now / Bekijk nu (click)

This is an interview with my local TV station.

Enjoy,

Harold

Celebarting Nelson Mandela

2010-02-21T12:57:00.015+01:00

Twenty years ago, on 11th February 1990, Nelson Mandela walked free from prison after 27 years of incarceration. He went on to become South Africa's first black president, elected in a fully representative democratic election, and ended the country's policy of racial segregation.

Affectionately known as "Madiba" in South Africa, Mandela, now 91, is known for helping end apartheid in 1994.

On February 8, 2010 The Medical Knowledge Institute was one of the co-sponsors of a very special evening in Rotterdam, celebrating Nelson Mandela with a very special musical, “Amandla!Mandela” produced by Bos Theater Production.

Many celebrities attended this event, including Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Maxime Verhagen, Minister of foreign Affairs and Peter Goosen, South African Ambassador to the Netherlands.

Desmond Tutu Lecture Series on Public Health Awareness

2010-01-21T13:13:00.010+01:00

Press Conference: January 14, 2010 in Springfield, Massachusetts.As part of the college's commitment to improving the lives of the children and families in the Greater Springfield area, American International College has partnered with the Medical Knowledge Institute to launch the Desmond Tutu Lecture Series on Public Health Awareness.

Archbishop Tutu, a member of MKI's international Board of Advisors, will be the first speaker in the series on Tuesday, April 20 at AIC.

The Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to healthcare education and healthcare information as a human right (www.infomki.org).

Harold Robles, co-founder of the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI) and the Albert Schweitzer Institute for the Humanities, said he is excited to join forces with AIC to present this important lecture series. “AIC and MKI both serve populations that are often underserved, overlooked, and underestimated, to meet their needs of education, awareness, and improved public health,” he said.

Dedicated to promoting healthcare education as a human right, Robles co-founded the MKI in 1999, along with Peter Bittel, president of Futures HealthCore of Springfield, who is also an AIC Trustee.

Vince M. Maniaci, president of AIC said the college is honored that Archbishop Desmond Tutu has agreed to partner with the college and Medical Knowledge Institute in presenting the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Public Health Awareness Lecture Series.

“The Archbishop's humanitarian spirit, joy of diversity, and love of youth reflects the mission of the College. His presence on campus and his life-long commitment to humanitarian efforts will serve as an inspiration to our students, as well as members of the community,” he said.

The visit by Archbishop Tutu will include a meeting with AIC students and local high school students, and a convocation in the Griswold Theatre, where the Archbishop will be awarded an honorary degree, and will deliver the first lecture of the series. There will also be a cocktail reception and dinner at the Sheraton.

Pictures: taken during the press conference in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Forty years dedicated to serving humanity

2010-01-11T19:06:00.000+01:00

In honor of our 30th anniversary, Legacy was pleased to recognize Dr. Harold Robles, chairman of our International Board of Directors, for his more than forty years dedication to serving humanity and his lifetime of practical idealism.

Legacy's President, J. E. Rash presents Dr. Robles with the Legacy Service to Humanity Award at Va Tech where Dr. Robles gave a lecture on “PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION, Together We Can Make a Difference”. He spoke about how Dr. Albert Schweitzer's philosophy of reverence for life has inspired his journey of service and work to prevent public health diseases in Southern Africa.

Dr. Harold Robles, a native of the Netherlands, has devoted his life to promoting healthcare education as a human right. He was recently appointed distinguished visiting professor in Public Health, Education and the Humanities at American International College.

More than 30 years ago, Dr. Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Institute for the Humanities.

In 1999, Dr. Robles co-founded the Medical Knowledge Institute a nonprofit organization associated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations and dedicated to the premise that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. The programs of MKI aim to improve the quality of healthcare and to promote humanitarian values through education and public health programs.

Two distinguished members of MKI star in Christmas Concerts.

2010-01-02T17:59:00.007+01:00

Dr. Christiane Engel, a member of MKI’s Board of Advisors and Prof. Jimmie Earl Perry, MKI’s Goodwill Ambassador for creative arts have been part of another very successful Christmas Concerts tour of the Hour of Power in the Netherlands.

The involvement of both Christiane and Jimmie is the result of a friendship which started two years ago with Louis Pool, the director of Hour of Power Netherlands.

Louis and his wife Erna created the organization “Heart for Children” of which I am the proud Goodwill Ambassador.

This year again MKI had a stand at all concerts were our YOELL® products have been sold. Members of MKI’s Board of Directors and members of MKI’s youth club were at hand to assist.

A special thank is in place for Sanne, Sarah and Carlo, members of MKI Youth Club, for doing an outstanding job again.

Pictures: Sanne, Sarah and Carlo at the MKI stand in Rotterdam, together with Christiane Engel, a personal friend for almost 35 years

Dutch fashion designer Marlies Dekkers visits MKI Health Information Centre in Khayelitsha

2009-12-06T16:42:00.004+01:00

Marlies Dekkers, well known for her designs of gorgeous lingerie, visited our centre on Friday December 4th after having been introduced to MKI and its YOELL project the night before.
Marlies and her two personal assistants first set in on an oral health workshop presented by MKI trainer May Msingathi.
They then showed great interest in MKI’s YOELL project and Marlies shared her dream of wanting to include a YOELL bracelet with her 2011 collection. Yasmin Fuyk, MKI’s operational manager and in charge of the YOELL project, will be working with Marlies and her assistant Manon de Lange.

Pictures: Marlies Dekkers and Yasmin Fuyk at the Dutch Ambassadors party and during Marlies’ visit to the centre in Khayelitsha

Networking in Cape Town during Dutch Ambassadors 2010 party

2009-12-03T17:22:00.004+01:00

Even though I am not that interested in football and everything that goes with it, it was a great event on the eve of the drawing for the 2010 world cup championship in South Africa.

On the day of the party and on the day before the party MKI was featured in the well known South African Newspaper “Die Burger” so it was not that surprising that some of the many Dutch people present came to talk and to congratulate me with the award that MKI received, two days before on World AIDS day.

Pictures: Erica Terpstra felt like kissing, while Ruud Gullit and Hans Vonk showed great interest in MKI activities.

A new MKI Health Information Centre, this time in Kayamandi

2009-12-02T14:31:00.001+01:00

One day after World AIDS day, Marijke Cordia van der Laan and her daughter Elaine van Reesema cut the red ribbon on the staircase of the new MKI Health Information Centre.
It was the family Cordia who made it possible for us to create our own MKI Centre on top of an existing building of our new partner, the Stellenbosch Gemeente in the township of Kayamandi.
Many people, including many children, participated in the opening ceremony. Speeches, prayers and lots of singing. Before the opening ceremony, Fikiswa, the first manager and trainer of our centre gave a stunning workshop on high blood pressure. She was assisted by Dr. Tom Garven, MKI’s Medical Director for Southern Africa.
The new MKI Centre will not only be serving Kayamandi, but also four other surrounding townships.

Pictures: An unforgettable event in Kayamandi. Marijke and Elaine after cutting the ribbon

MKI salutes Professor Jan du Toit

2009-12-01T23:30:00.001+01:00

The Medical Knowledge Institute salutes Prof Jan du Toit the dynamic leader behind the Africa Center for HIV/AIDS management at Stellenbosch University and a distinguish member of MKI’s International Board of Advisors.

Picture: Prof. du Toit at the opening of the 5th anual World AIDS Day Gala Concert

Award for humanitarian efforts in the field of HIV/AIDS for the Medical Knowledge Institute on Worlds AIDS day.

2009-12-01T23:11:00.004+01:00

It is with great pleasure that I inform you that our Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI) received the Award for Humanitarian efforts in the field of HIV/AIDS from the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University.

This all happened during an overwhelming World AIDS Gala Concert at the Art Gallery in Cape Town. The evening's theme, "Celebrating Heroes", revolved around individuals and organizations who have contributed to the fight against AIDS.

Two individuals and one organization (Ms. Irene Biraro-Seguya from Kenya and Prof. Bongani Aug Khumalo from South Africa) received the 2009 Humanitarian Award.

I received the award on behalf of MKI from Prof. Michael Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Under Secretary General of the United Nations and Prof. Jan du Toit, Director of the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management.

All of this in the presence of many dignitaries like Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Premier Minister Helen Zille of the Western Cape, the Counsel General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. & Mrs. David de Waal and many others.

Dear friends, I received this very special award on behalf of all of us involved in the mission and goals of the Medical Knowledge Institute.

Warm greetings from South Africa,

Harold

Jimmie Earl Perry, MKI’s Goodwill Ambassador appointed first UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for South Africa

2009-12-01T22:00:00.003+01:00

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has appointed Professor Jimmie Earl Perry as its first Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/AIDS in South Africa in an effort to address the alarming rate of people infected with the disease in the country. The announcement was made by Executive Director of UNAIDS, Mr. Michel Sidibe, at the World Aids Day gala concert held at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town, produced and directed by Prof. Perry and hosted by Stellenbosch University’s Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management on World Aids Day. Professor Perry, a singer, actor and dancer, is currently the Director of the Centre’s Educational Theatre and Creative Arts Program.

The UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors are prominent individuals from the world of arts, science, literature, entertainment, sport and other fields of public life who have expressed their desire to contribute to UNAIDS and to move the AIDS response forward.

According to Mr Sidibe: “Professor Perry has demonstrated a commitment to the AIDS response through his work with the creative arts and UNAIDS is confident that he will be a compelling and eloquent advocate in fostering continued support for the response and the work of UNAIDS in particular.” He noted that although South Africa has the largest HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world, advocacy remains a crucial first-line approach to keeping HIV high on the agenda.

Professor Perry, who has been involved in HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives since the 80s, says he is honoured and humbled to have been asked to be a Goodwill Ambassador. According to him, his mandate from UNAIDS is to advocate universal access and equality for all and to continue to creatively educate, help prevent and minimize new HIV infections. “If we are to turn this pandemic around South Africans have to really understand what the virus is, how it is spread, that it is not a death sentence thanks to medical treatment and to put an end to the fear and stigma of living with HIV.”

The appointment of Professor Perry brings the total of international Goodwill Ambassadors to eight. The others being Emmanuel Adebayor and Michael Ballack (football stars); Naomi Watts (actress); Salman Ahmad and Toumani Diabaté (musicians); Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie of Monaco; and Her Royal Highness Princess Mathilde of Belgium. They represent the Joint United Programme on HIV/AIDS, which coordinates the HIV/AIDS work of UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank. They raise the profile of work and the fight against stigma and discrimination on HIV issues for every affected population around the world.

We at MKI are proud of our Goodwill Ambassador Perry.

PICTURES: Prof. Jimmie Earl Perry in action, and being congratulated by the Executive Director of UNAIDS.

Presenting Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu with the Dutch van Emden Prize on World AIDS day.

2009-12-01T21:00:00.003+01:00

MKI’s honorary Chairman, Baron Kraijenhoff should have been the one standing on stage on World AIDS day in Cape Town, South Africa to present Desmond Tutu with the Dutch van Emden Prize. However because of ill health I had the honor to do it. Guup Kraijenhoff had sent the following message:

“Dear Archbishop Tutu,

We consider it an honor that you accept the Van Emden Prize which is awarded outside the Netherlands tonight for the first time.

Your merits have been recognized worldwide but what is so special about you is that you never stopped taking interest in the small charity operations – the grassroots activities and supported them in every way you can.

They have the advantage of remaining flexible and ready to cooperate with other societies. I am thinking here of one organizations with whom you and I have very close ties, the Medical Knowledge Institute MKI.

But there are many more of these “hands-on” organizations, some of them even carry your name that you inspire with your unending love for humanity.

Every society however small needs a champion, a hero, and you are our hero not only tonight but for forever”.

Pictures: Presenting Desmond Tutu with the Van Emden Prize on behalf of Guup Kraijenhoff.

MKI and the 46664 bangle of the Nelson Mandela Foundation

2009-11-14T17:37:00.001+01:00

“It never ceases to amaze me how people react to situations when they realize that a small action can have big implications, The response in Holland over the last two weeks since the launch of the 46664 bangle in de Bijenkorf Amsterdam store has see the sales increase at a fantastic rate” said Robert Coutts the CEO of the 46664 Bangle Initiative. The generosity of the Dutch people is very evident in the way they have taken to helping others less fortunate and started taking the 46664 bangle program to heart by buying the bangles.

It is equally gratifying to see how people like Dr. Harold Robles, founder & president of the Medical Knowledge Institute took the bangle program under his wing for the Benelux region and opened doors so that we would be able to launch in Holland with all the correct partners and fanfare the initiative deserves. De Bijenkorf the selected partner to launch the program, provided a platform in the best store at the busiest time and only goes to show that the retailer who really do care are prepared to allow programs like the 46664 bangle initiative to gain access to the general public via their retail outlets.

This festive season de Bijenkorf deserve your support as much as we would like the 46664 bangle program to gain your support for this generous opportunity they have given the 46664 bangle program.
We look forward to making a large impact via the de Bijenkorf stores throughout the Benelux region.
The bangles are available in Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum at €36.99, € 186.00 respectively for Copper and Silver with the Gold and Platinum on special order only.

Pictures: Kenneth Herdigein and Sebastiaan Labrie, South Africa Ambassador Peter Goosen and Baron Kraijenhoff, Ambassador Goosen and Kenneth Herdigein receiving the 46664 Bangle (2x), Kim Vos, Kenneth Herdigein and Ambassador Goosen, Robert Couts and Harold Robles, and finally THE 46664 BANGLE.

Michael Gorbachev, celebrating a friendship of more than 15 years.

2009-11-02T06:38:00.011+01:00

What a joy it was to see my old friend, former President Michael Gorbachev again last Sunday, October 25, 2009. We go a long way back, I have for instance been chairman of his organization ‘International Trust for Children’s Healthcare’.
I was invited to have lunch with him at the Hermitage in Amsterdam. His first remarks were that I had grown grayer…
He was interested in my activities in South Africa and we talked about the growing HIV/AIDS problems in his country.
He was accompanied by two old friends from the past; his personal assistance and translator Pavel and Alexander Likhotal, President and CEO of Green Cross International, an organization created by Gorbachev in 1993.

Pictures:
1. With Michael Gorbachev in Amsterdam on October 25, 2009
2. 12 years earlier at a press conference in Wallingford Connecticut, USA after being appointed Chairman of Michael Gorbachev’s International Trust for Children’s Healthcare

Summary of MKI activities in the United States:

2009-10-25T20:11:00.003+01:00

Report from Erin Edward, Member MKI Supervisory Council

There has been quite some excitement about MKI in the last two months much of this related to Harold’s visit in September. Here are several of the highlights:
1. Lynne Wilkie of Massachusetts has kindly agreed to take on the role of volunteer coordinator for MKI in the US based from the Futures’ office in Springfield, Massachusetts. Lynne will be working on MKI organizational, program and fund raising projects in the US and will be meeting with MKI staff in Holland
2. Harold and Peter has opened up collaboration with the following groups in the US:
a. Safe Blood is a Washington based NGO committed to improving the quality of the blood supply in Africa. They have pioneered the Club 25 model which is based on social clubs supporting health and wellness in young people who then become blood donors. MKI is considering a collaboration using this model in their Health Information Centers .
b. The VOSS Foundation is dedicated to improving water supply in Africa through purification and education programs and collaboration will be discussed.
3. Harold and Peter have received commitments from the following organizations to collaborate with MKI:
a. The Urban League of Springfield, Massachusetts has agreed to send staff to volunteer in MKI programs and will accept students at its summer camp programs. The Urban League is a leader in black civil rights and equal access issues in the United States.
b. The National Children Center, a well known leader in educational and health services to people with disabilities, has agreed to serve as a program host for MKI in country volunteers and also have its staff volunteer at MKI programs.
c. The Rotary Club of Amherst, Massachusetts has agreed to assist MKI in its work in Africa following a presentation from Harold. Katie Murphy who brought the “language of toys “program to Kalumbia had organized this meeting and will continue this relationship with other presentations.
d. Volckert and Elaine van Reesema, Gusta and Nikel van Reesema and Willem and Marijke Cordia families organized an evening with friends for Harold at their home in Rowayton, Connecticut. MKI has received donations with the promise of additional help in fund raising and in marketing of YOELL®.
e. Several groups and people have offered assistance to MKI in the expansion of YOELL® into the United States.

4. During the visit, Harold was able to complete an agreement with The American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. This is a small college that has focused on developing a student body integrated between black, white and Asian students with a majority non white population on an urban inner city campus. The agreement has the following elements:
a. The college has appointed Harold as its distinguished visiting professor of health, education and the humanities for its doctoral program.
b. The college has agreed to offer MKI scholarship programs for four undergraduates per year and two doctoral students from Southern Africa who will be in residence.
c. The college has agreed to create and develop a program of student and faculty exchange.
d. The college has agreed to award an honorary doctoral degree to Archbishop Desmond Tutu at a special ceremony in April, 2010.
e. The college and MKI have agreed to sponsor the Medical Knowledge Institute Archbishop Desmond Tutu lecture series at the American International College. This is meant to be an annual event dedicated to health, education and the humanities that will be inaugurated with Archbishop Tutu’s speech on April 19, 2010.

5. MKI is pleased to announce that the paperwork has been filed and awaiting approval for status as a US not for profit. MKI has secured a tax identification number, has opened up a bank account and will now be able to receive donations directly from both individuals and groups. MKI will also be able to contract with government and private funding sources that require such status.

6. Our group is currently pursuing the following activities in addition to the items already noted:
a. The development of a US based healthcare and medical faculty available to volunteer in MKI programs. This would include but not be limited to: pediatrics, maternal and family health, urology, gynecology and orthopedics.
b. The expansion of the YOELL® program
c. A collaboration and partnership with a US based family planning council with access to staff and programs supporting people with HIV/AIDS as well as other health issues.
d. A conversation with the Gates Foundation
e. The development of a cohort of US based volunteers

Picture: Harold Robles and Peter Bittel wit the President and CEO Philip Campbell of NCC (in between)

2009-08-30T21:35:00.003+02:00

The similarity between Ans Markus, the Sandton Hotels and the Medical Knowledge Institute.

On September 17 this year something special will happen; the Sandton Hotels in the Netherlands will officially become the hospitality partners of the Medical Knowledge Institute.

The management of this unique hotel chain will join the Medical Knowledge Institute in its mission: Prevention through Education. At Sandton Hotels they believe in MKI’s fundamental principals that Healthcare Education and Information is indeed a human right and that no one should be deprived of that. One of MKI’s greatest supporters, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, is very excited about this new venture and has written a letter which I will proudly deliver on September 17 to Gui de Vries and Rogier Braakman, the founding fathers of the Sandton Hotels.

So what is Ans Markus’ role in all of this? For those how wonder who Ans Markus is: In one of the many books about Ans they write about “a phenomenon”. She is well known from television, the gossip magazines and the numerous interviews in newspapers and magazines. There are those among the general public who have forgotten why she became so famous that she has not only an incredibly famous face, but actually is a renowned painter. Already for twenty-five years. She produced more than 650 paintings. She depicts images of what she felt. No abstract ones, the most obvious, but of very realistic women, for instance a woman in bandages on a swing in the air. One of the ropes is starting to snap. How does that feel? Terrifying, insecure, powerless, lonely, wanting to find protection, constrained.

Ans Markus’s work is very much about what women feel. About vulnerability, freedom, communicating with others. So when Patricia Steur introduced me to Ans Markus and I told her about my dreams and hopes for the many unfortunate mothers and their children in Africa, she and I connected. In just a few moments a connection of a long term friendship and respect was born.

Now for the first time she is designing jewelry for YOELL®, the unique jewelry collection of the Medical Knowledge Institute handmade by HIV infected women in South Africa.

On September 17 Ans will present the first piece of jewelry named “Sandton” in honor of the relationship between the Sandton Hotels and the Medical Knowledge Institute. Last week I had the privilege to see this wonderful piece of jewelry, which I am not able to share with you yet. What I can share however is that Ans Markus has designed a dozen of the most beautiful pieces of new YOELL® jewelry. Our YOELL® ladies in South Africa are gearing up to start a new production.

Patricia; thank you for the gift: Ans Markus, an extremely kind and sympathetic lady ready to contribute a little to creating a better world.

Picture: together with Patricia Steur and Ans Markus

2009-08-02T16:57:00.008+02:00

The summer soccer competition playing for MKI

For the last 5 years, Maarten Tuininga has been organizing a summer soccer competition between companies in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Staff of companies like KPN, Heineken, ABN/AMRO Bank and Google gather during the summer afternoons to play soccer against each other.

This has turned into a very serious competition event where companies now have to sign up and pay an entry fee to participate.
This year for instance, 40 companies signed up with more than 400 participants.

Maarten found out about the activities of the Medical Knowledge Institute and decided that he would donate part of the proceeds to the educational projects of MKI in Southern Africa.

My father joined me for the opening ceremony of the summer soccer competition which took place on June 4th. This past Saturday, July 25th the final game was played in Amsterdam.

Barbara Barend our Goodwill Ambassador, a television sport journalist was at hand to officially kick off the final game and later on to present the trophies to the winners of this year, KPN.

Many thanks to Maarten Tuininga who announced that MKI will once again be part of the good cause of next years summer soccer competition.

Pictures: Together with Barbara Barend and Maarten Tuininga, the two final teams and below Barbara Barend at the official kick off.

2009-06-27T17:32:00.017+02:00

"You may ask yourself – why do I need a Health Passport? ..........
Because it can save your life!”

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu strongly supports the MKI Biometric Health Passport, proving the following passage from the foreword in the passport: “I salute the Medical Knowledge Institute and priv-ID, a spin-out company of Royal Philips Electronics, for having developed this important initiative. Now, it is up to you, to support this venture by putting your very own Health Passport to work – carry it with you whenever you seek medical help, and make sure that it is always up-to-date with all information regarding your health status, and the health status of your children.”

It was another unforgettable event at the MKI Health Information Centre at Baphumelele in Khayelitsha where many officials came together to witness the first MKI Health Passport being handed over to Mama Rosie, the founder and director of Khayelitsha childrens home Baphumelele.

The official kick off took place on June 19th at 11.00 hrs by the Dutch Consul General, David de Waal:
I am very proud and happy that we have found priv-ID, the Dutch spin-out company of Royal Philips Electronics to join us in this project. Priv-ID provides the biometric software which increases the value of this unique health passport.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank Michiel van der Veen, the CEO of priv-ID for his vision but also for his support and belief in MKI. In a very short time Michiel and his team have become special friends of MKI.

The Health Passport (HP) is a new, unique approach for collecting a patient’s medical data and history in one easy to handle booklet. The HP is targeted for people of local health care facilities and especially mothers and their children who visit local Health Information Centre’s of MKI.

The current pilot is scheduled to last four months and will be held in three locations: the townships near Cape Town where MKI has established two of its Health Information Centres in association with the local healthcare facilities; and two nearby healthcare facilities that are associated with the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS).

Many thanks to the many people who made the launch of the Health Passport possible. A very special thank you to MKI’s South African Representative Kirsty Hunt and my friend Dr. Tom Garven MKI’s Medical Director for their invaluable input. A very special thank you to the South African Red Cross, its Secretary General, Mandisa Kolako Williams and her Cape Town team under the dynamic leadership of David Stephans for their great support in this project.

Pictures:
1. With Tom Garven and Kirsty Hunt in front of the MKI Centre in Khayelitsha.
2. Michiel v.d. Veen and Joop Strous are training our Dutch student-interns at the Centre Michiel .., Aleid van der Wiel and Margot Wijnen.
3. With the Dutch Consul General, David de Waal during the official launch

4. During the presentations
5. Mama Rosie with the first MKI Health Passport
6. This lady in her Sunday outfit showing off her health passport
7. Waiting in line to receive the first Health Passport
8. Dancing and singing at the launch of the Health Passport
9. Together with Tom and Michiel I am showing off my Health Passport
10. Xolani now in charge of the registration at the MKI Centre in Khayelitsha.

2009-06-04T16:29:00.003+02:00

Peter Goosen, the New South African Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

A breath of fresh air was my first reaction when I met with Peter Goosen, the new South African Ambassador for the Netherlands. What a joy it was to have been invited to meet with Peter who was well informed about MKI and its activities in Southern Africa thanks to his secretary Carla Dormehl, who for many years now has been a great friend of MKI.

I offered Peter my support in the creation of a form of Dutch NGO working in South Africa. He and I will be continuing our discussions in the coming months. Peter, very interested in MKI’s activities, offered his diplomatic support which we will use from time to time.

Peter Goosen, born in South Africa, is the former South African Ambassador to the Argentine Republic and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. He held the position of Chief Director for Peace and Security at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pretoria and was the Chief Director for Disarmament and Non-Proliferations Affairs.
He started his first diplomatic career as Third Secretary at the South African Embassy in London and later as the First Secretary in Washington DC. Peter was also Deputy Head of Mission in Geneva, Switzerland to the Conference on Disarmament.

Peter Goossen is a true great asset to the Netherlands as the representative of the South African Government to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

MKI Health Information Centre @ Cotland in Soweto

2009-05-13T22:56:00.014+02:00

With the 4 new MKI Trainers of Soweto

With the representative of the Dutch Ambassador
and Jackie Schoeman, Executive Director of Cotland

It was an unforgettable beautiful day yesterday, Tuesday may 12th in Soweto.
So many people showed up for the grand opening and the celebration of a very special partnership between MKI and Cotland

African ladies dressed in their finest traditional dresses were dancing and singing under a sunny blue sky.

The Dutch Ambassador was represented and the audience enjoyed the personal message from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

"I am deeply sorry that I will not be able to participate at the opening ceremony of the MKI Health Information Centre at Cotland ion Soweto.

But let me start by saying that I will be there with all of you in spirit.

I am very excited that the Medical Knowledge Institute, with whom I am proudly associated, has entered into a healthcare education partnership with Cotland, one of South Africa's oldest and most well-loved children's charities.

I am well aware of the activities of both organization and applaud their partnership.

The MKI Health Information Centre have proved to be very successful, a very simple grassroots centre, that offer a variety of training courses which impact different life skills and provide contacts with relevant support and information. The centres are creating a critical mass of trainers who will continue to empower their local communities. The Medical Knowledge Institute acts from the premise that healthcare is a human right. Its programs are designed to improve the quality and values of life.

Cotlands, founded in 1926 was originally created as a care center for unwed mothers and their infants, and over the years has evolved into a shelter for abused, abandoned, HIV positive, orphaned and terminally ill children from birth to fourteen years of age.

The activity of Cotlands has reflected the changing needs of our society and has increased both the quality and quantity of services provided. Today's Cotlands has identified and urgent need to care for children directly impacted by HIV AIDS and other public health diseases. That is why I support this partnership between the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI) and Cotlands.

Successful partnerships are built on trust, shared vales, and a clearly articulated vision of outcomes and this partnership between Cotlands and MKI is one of them.

I salute Jackie Schoeman, Cotlands Executive Director and my good friend for many years now, Dr. Harold E. Robles, President of the Medical Knowledge Institute for presenting Sowetans with a Health Information Centre where they will be able to receive relevant healthcare education and information so desperately needed.

The creation of an MKI Health Information Centre is not only powerful for the community of Soweto it is also most powerful health prevention tool for all.

I wish all those involved with Cotland and MKI my very best wishes.

May both organisation continue to serve the people f my wonderful country.

God Bless you all.

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu

A new virus in town.

2009-05-03T20:02:00.022+02:00

What started as a normal day on Wednesday April 29 turned into a very official, beautiful and unforgettable day.

On behalf of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands I received a knighthood in the order of Oranje Nassau.

Family and friends came from across the country to witness this event including my 88 year old dad, unfortunately without my mother who is very ill and would have not been able to make the trip from Amsterdam to Oostvoorne, the beautiful little town by the sea in the south of Holland.

After Mayor Peter de Jong had reviewed my life in the form of an obituary, Baron Kraijenhoff, honorary Chairman of MKI informed the audience that the Swein Virus had been overruled by the “Robles Virus”. No one had to be afraid this virus was not at all dangerous. The only problem with this virus is that if and when contracted it would be there forever.

I will leave it to the wonderful pictures to tell the rest of the story about April 29 and the new virus.

Pictures by Wout v.d.Blink

Millennium Development Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

2009-05-01T19:24:00.008+02:00

I was very pleased to accept the invitation of Medical Students of the University of Amsterdam to speak on the 6th of April about the 6th goal of the Millennium Development Goals during one of their regular weekly meetings.

Below a report from Saskia Bogers one of the students.
On Wednesday the 6th of April, the sixth lecture of the MDG-8 Focus series took place at the cultural centre of the University of Amsterdam. During this evening the sixth millennium development was discussed.
After a short introduction about the nights’ subject, the first speaker, Dr. Robles started his lecture. Dr. Robles is the co-founder and president of the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI) and a member of the third chamber, which is very engaged with the millennium development goals (MDG’s). He held a very enthusiastic and informative speech about the MKI and the experiences he’s had during his work for this organization. One of the projects the MKI has set up is YOELL®, in which AIDS-infected women in South-Africa make exclusive jewelry which is sold in the Netherlands. While doing this, the women earn money with which they can take care of their families. Another project of the MKI is the “mother and child first”-training programme. This is a training programme in which midwifes and other health personnel is being educated and trained in order to prevent HIV infections being passed on from mother to child. The lecture Dr. Robles gave was inspiring and was ended with a short message from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who supports the work of the MKI.
The second speaker of the evening was Dr. Joep Lange, who is working as a professor in internal medicine, especially viral infections, and who is head of the department Poverty-related Communicable diseases at the Academic Medical Centre of Amsterdam. He is very active in the world of AIDS-related medicine. Dr. Lange held a lecture about the discovery and the spread of HIV/AIDS and explained the process of how a therapy for AIDS was created, and why this had happened so fast. He also told the audience why these medicines aren’t really available in developing countries, where they are most needed. Finally, he spoke about the development goal as a whole and if it was going to be reached in 2015. The evening ended with a short discussion and questions of the audience were being answered by both Dr. Robles and Prof. Lange. It was a very informative and interesting night!

Meeting with David de Waal, the new Consul General of the Netherlands in Cape Town

2009-03-13T07:42:00.002+01:00

This afternoon, March 11, 2009 I visited David de Waal, the new Consul General of the Netherlands in Cape Town.

What a delightful meeting that was.
In the short time that he has been Consul General he has already visited our Health Information Centre at Baphumelele in Khayelitsha together with the Dutch Ambassador in South Africa, Rob de Vos.

They were both very impressed which led to today’s meeting at the Consulate Generals office in Cape Town.

One of the issues we discussed is to see if our YOELL ladies will be able to produce a little momentum that the guests will receive when they visit the Consulate on Queens Birthday on April 30th coming up.

David De Waal is defenitely a man after my own heart as he indicated that he supports small grassroots organizations that are there to empower local people.

An important new friendship has began today in Cape Town.
Many thanks David for your time this afternoon.

Picture: Together with Paul de Waal in front of a official picture of Queen Beatrix.

Rhena Schweitzer Miller, an old personal friend for so many years has passed away

2009-03-04T22:43:00.003+01:00

Rhena Schweitzer Miller, the only child of the Nobel laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer and the director, in the late 1960s, of the hospital that her father and mother opened 96 years ago in a jungle of west central Africa, died Sunday February 22 at the home of one of her daughters in Pacific Palisades, Calif. She was 90.
Rhena Schweitzer was born on Jan. 14, 1919, in Alsace-Lorraine, which was returned to France later that year; for more than 45 years before World War I it was part of Germany. Two years earlier, during the war, her parents had been arrested by the authorities in French Equatorial Africa because they were German and sent to a prison camp in France; their hospital was closed. Dr. Schweitzer returned to Africa in 1924, leaving his family in Europe. His wife and daughter were at the hospital intermittently over the next 20 years.
I met Rhena for the first time in 1969 and we became very good friends. Rhena was very instrumental when I founded the Albert Schweitzer Institute for the Humanities in the United States in 1979. We organized many events together and she and her late husband Dr. David Miller were very much involved when I, together with a group of volunteers organized the largest NGO gathering ever at the United Nations in New York in August 1990; “The Relevance of Albert Schweitzer at the Dawn of the 21st Century”. The long life and spiritual legacy of Albert Schweitzer was the inspiration for the creation of the International Albert Schweitzer Colloquium at the United Nations. It was by no means just a fond tribute to a man of the past, great as he was as a humanitarian, physician, philosopher, theologian, musician and author. Rather, it was a future-oriented study of his ideas and ideals, and of their application to the world of today and tomorrow.
Rhena’s foreword in one of my books about her father exemplified the friendship which we enjoyed for so many years. This is what she wrote: “So often I meet medical doctors, ministers, musicians, and students who tell me that what they are doing is done under the influence of my father. Harold Robles is one of those who, while still a child, was deeply impressed by Schweitzer. His mother once told me rather sadly, “When he was eight years old I lost my son to your father.”
Rhena is survived by four children from her first marriage: a son, Philippe; three daughters, Monique Egli, Christiane Engel and Catherine Eckert; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Rhena will be buried next to her parents’ graves in Lambaréné.

PICTURE: Together with Rhena Schweitzer in 1974 in Deventer/Holland

What a difference six beautiful girls can make

2009-02-15T22:08:00.003+01:00

The beginning of last year, 2008, six female students initiated a school project called “Key2SuxSex”.
Key2sucsex S.C is a Student Company created by 6 female students at the Hotel – and Event management department of the Business School TIO in Rotterdam. In their third and last year of education they have been working on this student project which at the end became the most successful student company school project this year.

Let me introduce them to you:
Shirley Clark, 19, Director
Bo Klein, 19, Sales Manager
Sabine Kromkamp, 20, Marketing Manager
Samantha Janssen, 19, PR Manager
Megan Wols, 19, Purchase Manager
Deborah Tijsman, 19, Financial Manager

Key2SucSex, the name says it all! Your key, which will lead to success and a safe future. A safe future, because Key2SucSex is equipped with a condom. With this key chain you will prevent inconvenient surprises and you will support the Medical Knowledge Institute: that was the aim of these fine young ladies.
The beautiful key chains, made of recycled beads, are being made by our YOELL teams in South Africa.
The goal of these students was to sell the condom key rings and to donate the money to the Mother and Child First program of MKI and that is exactly what these wonderful ladies did. On February 10th they presented me with a check of EUR 725.
I have worked with these six wonderful ladies for one year and I can easily say that I have a learned a lot from them. I am so proud to have become “their” friend.
What was very special is that my friend and colleague and co-founder of MKI, Peter Bittel was at hand to witness the presentation of the check.
Many thanks dear Shirley, Bo, Sabine, Samantha, Megan and Deborah. You six have made a difference.

A presentation in support of Close the Gap, a strategic partner of MKI

2009-02-15T22:04:00.003+01:00

On January 29th, I gave a presentation to a group of well respected CIO’s of some of Holland’s most prestigious companies on MKI’s mission and vision.

The event was hosted by Prince Bernhard jr. of the Netherlands and Mr. Jan Baan in honor of Close the Gap. This is an international not for profit organization that helps bridging the digital divide by offering cost-efficient high-quality used IT equipment to projects in the South. Socio-educational programmes such as schools, hospitals and other projects focusing on improvement of educational and information facilities can ask for support of Close the Gap.

MKI is honored to be one of Close the Gap’s project partners.
I would very much like to use this opportunity to say to both Olivier Vanden Eynde and David Leyssens of Close the Gap how proud I am to be associated with them.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-13T20:59:00.011+01:00

May this year be good for you and yours and may all your dreams come true.
Make it a point in becoming this year a window person not a mirror person; look out, not in.

What a great year it was.
We as MKI have been able to accomplish so many wonderful things and I am deeply thankful for the tremendous support that we have received from so many friends and or wonderful volunteers.

It would make a very long chapter in the MKI book of success if I would have to report all the 2008 accomplishments in this New Year. message.

Please allow me to highlight just a few very interesting and remarkable events of this past year.

Glennis Grace, Holland’s upcoming singing star joined us as Goodwill Ambassador for MKI’s YOELL project. Glennis believes in the empowerment of women.
I was asked to serve on Holland’s third chamber, the shadow parliament for development cooperation. What a great honor. I have been in and out Africa since 1969 and with my knowledge and experiences I hope to be able to ask a lot of attention for education and information in the field of healthcare.
Our YOELL project has become very popular in the past three years. What makes me happy is that it gives so many disadvantaged women an opportunity to gain back their place in society and their dignity. By living a normal life of learning while working.
In July we opened our first Health Information Centre in Khayelitsha, a township near Cape Town and soon the next centers followed. Plans are to create more Health Information Centres in the different townships in collaboration with local partners. Many thanks to the financial supporters, private, corporations and foundations in helping us to make this all possible. I have always believed that education is the gate to the future.
In November Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu published an article about the activities of MKI in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, entitled: “The role of partnership in health equity”. I had the honor to represent MKI and Desmond Tutu at the publication of this journal in San Diego, California. While in California I was the guest of Dr. Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral.
The most unforgettable event however was my visit to South Africa with Baron and Baroness Kraijenhoff. In November and December I reported in a few messages on my blog about this visit. As special supporters the Baron and Baroness were finally able to visit some of MKI’s projects. They participated in workshops, spend time with our YOELL ladies, met for breakfast with Desmond Tutu after joining him for an early morning church service and were the honorary guests at the Worlds AIDS gala organized by the African Centre for HIV/AIDS management at Stellenbosch University.
Thanks to Goodwill Ambassador Wilma Veen and her husband Andre, MKI enjoyed again the exposure at the very popular Millionair Fair in Amsterdam.
Goodwill Ambassador Jimmie Earl Perry has been singing the stars from the sky during the 6 Hour of Power Christmas Concerts in the Netherlands. Jimmie’s involvement in this years Christmas concerts is the results of a very special relationship which started in the summer of last year when I met with the Director of Hour of Power Netherlands, Louis Pool. Together with his wife Erna he founded the organization “Heart for Children”, of which I have become proudly the Goodwill Ambassador.
During all these events our volunteers are always ready to assist in helping not only to sell the beautiful YOELL projects but to also share the mission of MKI with those interested in our work. I could write another chapter on these wonderful volunteers; however this time I would like to highlight two of them; Jakob and Hanneke Brons. Jakob is the owner of INFLUX a press agency in Apeldoorn/Holland who has been supporting MKI for the last three years with all our PR activities. During one of the Christmas concert both Jakob and Hanneke stood in the MKI stand selling YOELL products and preaching the MKI gospel. Many thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who are making me look good.
A unique event last year was my involvement in the making of a movie of my great example, Dr. Albert Schweitzer. I was invited to advice the movie company and the well-known Dutch actor Jeroen Krabbe. What a great experience it was to spend one week on the set in South Africa. It was like being a time machine 40 years ago.
Ten years ago Peter Bittel and I created MKI. After some wonderful childhood years we are now entering our teens and are truly ready to professionalize this wonderful organization. As a real diplomat and great friend of MKI our honorary chairman Baron Kraijenhoff molded a new model for MKI. As off January this year the organization has re-written his bylaws and created a Supervisory Council and a Board of Directors. Baron Kraijenhoff personally invited three of his best friends to the Supervisory Council, Adriaan Nuhn, Rob Abrahamsen and Buford Alexander. I will remain the Co-Founder and President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. More detailed information of this new structure you will soon find on our website http://www.infomki.org/ . A warm welcome to the new board members and a very special “thank you” to my dear friend Guup Baron Kraijenhoff.
Finally, what a great beginning on the New Year, MKI being nominated for the Gates Award for Global Health 2009. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu: “It is well deserved recognition for The Medical Knowledge Institute, a grass roots organization that I am proudly associated with. The Founders of MKI Drs. Robles and Bittel and their international team have helped rethink how we serve people with great disadvantages. MKI is truly making a difference."

Pictures: Baron Kraijenhoff and Desmond Tutu are having a great time together – Together with Dr. Robert Schuller – Jakob and Hanneke Brons promoting MKI – Together with Jeroen Krabbe, the Dutch actor playing Albert Schweitzer.

MKI’s Goodwill Ambassador Jimmie Earl Perry stars in Hour of Power Christmas Concert in the Netherlands.

2008-12-22T12:33:00.005+01:00

After a successful world AIDS concert in Cape Town on December 1, Goodwill Ambassador Jimmie Earl Perry has been singing the stars from the sky during the 6 Hour of Power Christmas Concerts in the Netherlands.

Jimmie’s involvement in this years Christmas concerts is the results of a very special relationship which started about six months ago when I met with the Director of Hour of Power Netherlands, Louis Pool.

Louis and his wife Erna joined Yasmin and I during our summer visit to South Africa. Hour of Power Netherlands had just created “Heart for Children” a Dutch foundation which mission it is to create small homes for the many orphans in Africa.

With the help of my contacts in South Africa the first home was found within the first days of our visit and now the mothers running the home of “Heart for Children” are also part of MKI’s educational program in South Africa.

Louis and Erna Pool dedicated to “Heart for Children” appointed me Goodwill Ambassador together with the famous American tenor Daniel Rodriquez.

That is why this years Hour of Power’s Christmas concert were dedicated not only to “Heart for Children” but also to MKI. Hence the invitation for Jimmie Earl Perry to join Daniel Rodriquez and Dutch famous young singer Sharon Kips. These three wonderful voices have been enjoyed by more than 12,000 people in the 6 concerts (Utrecht, december 13 - Leiden, december 15 – Rotterdam, december 16 – Drachten, december 17 – Maastricht, december 19 and Arnhem, december 20)

Many thanks to the wonderful friends of Hour of Power Netherlands, especially to Louise Pool and Jan van den Bosch.

Pictures:

Jimmie in concert with Daniel Rodriquez abd Sharon Kips, and during the break with Baron Kraijenhoff and his granddaughter Pamela van Reesema.

For more pictures visit the photo gallery on the website of the Medical Knowledge Institute: http://www.infomki.org/

Political visitors interested in the activities of MKI during the Christmas Concerts

2008-12-22T12:01:00.010+01:00

Two under ministers from the Netherlands were among the 1,900 visitors at the Christmas concert on December 16 in Rotterdam.

Marja van Bijsterveldt, under minister for education and Jack de Vries, under minister of defense, showed great interest in the activities of MKI.

They both spent time at the MKI stand in the Laurence Church talking to not only some of our volunteers but also to the members of the MKI Youth Club.

Marja van Bijsterveldt was very impressed with the members of our youth club and made it a point of sharing her feelings with the youngsters.

They both purchased YOELL bracelets and promised to keep in touch.

MKI’s YOELL® collection glitters at Millionair Fair in Amsterdam 2008

2008-12-16T13:20:00.009+01:00

Well she did it again! Wilma Veen, MKI’s Goodwill Ambassador for YOELL® invited MKI for the second time to join her and her beautiful paintings at her stand at the Millionair Fair in Amsterdam.

Many thousands of people joined the opening event in Amsterdam last night which I can easily say was the best of those that I attend since the creation of this every unusual fair. This is the place where the rich and famous of Holland is mingling to see and to be seen .

Goodwill Ambassador Wilma Veen and her colleague Ambassador Barbara Barend did everything within their power (which is al lot!) to get the audience to purchase YOELL® bracelets. They even got their own families involved.

Well known Dutch TV presenters, politicians, sports men and women walked around at the end of the evening with the beautiful YOELL bracelets produced by the our HIV/AIDS infected ladies at the MKI Health Information Centres in the various townships of South Africa.

It was amazing to see well-known Dutch men, like Peter R. de Vries, Ed Nijpels, Frits Barend, Brian Roy and Harry Mens, to name a few, looking through the different collection to find the one with the most beautiful colors.

It was a great success and for the next four days MKI will continue to enjoy the spotlight at the Millionair Fair in Amsterdam. Many thanks to Wilma Veen and her husband Andre. They are both so dedicated to the mission of MKI!

Pictures: YOELL’s man of the first hour Rodrigo Otazu came to visit our stand; Wilma’s beautiful stand at the Miljonairs Fair; Ed Nijpels showing off his YOELL’s to Barbara Barend; Two of MKI’s Goodwill Ambassadors, Wilma Veen and Barbara Barend.

Visiting Baphumelele

2008-12-03T16:11:00.005+01:00

The day after worlds AIDS day I had the privilege to accompanying Baron and Baroness Kraijenhoff for a meeting with Rosie Mashale, otherwise known as Mama Rosie to Baphumelele.
Rosie is the founder of this very special HOME in the township of Khayelitsha. MKI has very special relationship with Baphumelele and of course with Rosie. It is on the campus of this home that MKI has been given the space and the freedom to create one of our Health Information Centers’.

Baphumelele Waldorf Association is a non profit organisation located in the heart of Khayelitsha, The founder, Rosalia Mashale, a trained primary school teacher, moved from the Eastern Cape in 1989 and was disturbed to see young children going through the rubbish dump in search of food. Together with a group of women from the community, Rosalia began looking after these unsupervised children in the area. After the first week, 36 children had joined their charge. The name given to this project was Baphumelele (pronounced: bah-poo-meh-LAY-lay), a Xhosa word meaning “progress”.
Rosie took her time to show her special guests around and she took her time to show and share with them her new special program “save heaven”. A hi-tech flap with cot, camera and alarm has been unveiled in the bid to save the lives of hundreds of abandoned babies. This flap will allow desperate mothers to place their unwanted babies in a place where they will be safe and cared for

The Baron and Baroness were extraordinary impressed with the humanitarian activities of Rosie. They thanked Rosie not only for her unlimited love for the many orphans, but also for her great support of MKI and this projects in South Africa.

World AIDS day 2008 in South Africa

2008-12-03T15:54:00.001+01:00

MKI was honored during the world AIDS day gala in Cape Town, organized by the Africa Centre for HIV Management at Stellenbosch University.

This black tie event, with a touch of red was attended by many officials including the mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille, recently decorated with the title, “Major of the World”.

Prof. Jan du Toit, Founder and director of the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS management, and a member of MKI’s Board of Advisors, shared with the audience the special relationship his Centre is starting to develop with MKI. In the coming months we will build on this special relationship.

Prof. Jimmie Earl Perry, the create arts director at the Centre has been recently appointed MKI’s goodwill Ambassador for Creative Arts.
Jimmie will be participating in the upcoming Hour of Power Concerts, as MKI goodwill Ambassador throughout the Netherlands.

Picture: Harold Robles, Baroness Kraijenhoff and goodwill ambassador Jimmie Earl Perry.

A new MKI Health Information Center in Stellenbosch

2008-12-03T15:45:00.000+01:00

On World AIDS day 2008 at 11 o’clock in the morning a wild peach tree was planned on the side where in the very near future another MKI Health Information Centre will offer healthcare education and healthcare information to the people of four townships, Kayamandi, Cloetesville, Idasville and Jamestown.
It was exactly two years ago that Volckert van Reesema and Eliane Cordia got married in Somerset West. Instead of spending their honeymoon in some 5 star resort hotel they decided to spend their honeymoon days in the township on Kayamandi at the home of Aubrey Mpemnyama, otherwise known as Madiba and his wife Florence. Eliane and Volckert fell in love with Kayamandi and the surrounding townships. They made a commitment to help the people of Kayamandi.
Volckert, the grandson of our Honorary Chairman had been hearing about our grassroots activities in South Africa and that is how I met these two wonderful excited young people which led to the creation on another MKI Health Information Centre on top of Legacy, a community centre of the Stellenbosch Gemeente in Kayamandi.
So on World AIDS day Volckert and Eliane, in the presence of their grandfather and grandmother officially left their “legacy” in Kayamandi by announcing at a small world AIDS celebration event that they would support the creation of another Health Information centre which would serve four townships.
It was truly a wonderful event with ladies dressed in their beautiful African dresses and children with painted faces. They offered praise by dancing and singing beautiful songs.
What a way of celebrating your second wedding anniversary.
Thank you so much dear Eliane and Volckert for making a difference.

Pictures: Eliane and Volckert meeting with Desmond Tutu; Grandfather Kraijenhoff introducing the married couple; after the planning of the tree.

Powerful workshops on sexual offenses

2008-12-03T15:41:00.011+01:00

In the week of November 24 our MKI health Information Centers’ in Khayelitsha and Kayamandi have been the setting for the powerful workshop on sexual offenses.

Many local woman and man from several townships participated in this very interactive workshop under the dynamic leadership of MKI facilitator Naomi Holdt, a psychologist from Kwa-Zula Natal.

Approximately every 60 seconds in South Africa, an incidence of sexual assault is occurring. Only 1 in every 9 of these sexual offenses is reported, and of these there is only a 4-6% conviction rate. The government has stated that these shocking statistics are clearly a sign of a ‘dysfunctional society’, and in response to this, in November 2007; a new Sexual Offenses Act was released.

This workshop has been designed to bring knowledge of this act, and of people’s rights regarding this act, to grass root levels. The aim of this workshop is to empower the South African population with knowledge regarding their rights in terms of sexual offenses, and the process of reporting these offenses and receiving medical care. It highlights critical issues surrounding the entitlement of victims to knowledge of the perpetrators HIV status, and the victims rights in terms of receiving medication and information on HIV, STD’s, pregnancy etc. The hope is that with a heightened awareness of rights, more sexual offenses will be prevented and reported, and that a greater awareness of the criminal procedure may lead to a heightened sense of empowerment. It is also hoped that knowledge of basic considerations and steps to follow after an offense has been committed may lead to more evidence being able to be collected, and thus a greater conviction rate.

During this sometimes very emotional first day in Khayelitsha three women, empowered by their facilitator took the stand by creating on the stop the SOS Group (Sexual Offenses Support Group). They felt that it was about time that something being done to stop the increasing problems relating to this issue.

Kirsty Stiff, MKI’s South African representative offered the ladies space at the center for their meetings. The first meeting has been planned for December 3rd.

Bas van Wersch, member of MKI’s Board of Directors and his partner Barbra will be attending today’s meeting in Khayelitsha.

Participants have been provided with a booklet regarding Sexual offenses and a hard copy list of places to seek assistance.

An unforgettable meeting with my old friend Desmond Tutu

2008-11-28T14:10:00.016+01:00

This morning ( Friday November 28, 2008)
I left Straightway Head Country Hotel in Somerset West at around 5:45 for St. Georges Cathedral in Cape Town.

I was fortunate to be accompanied by my honorary Chairman Baron Kraijenhoff en his darling wife but also by many MKI friends from Europe and South Africa.

What a joy it was to see my old friend again. During the ecumenical service he invited me to introduce my guests to him. He was impressed with my memory. During the service we all had to come forward to get

He used to preach very often in St. Georges Cathedral during the time that he was Archbishop of Cape Town.

After the service we all got invited for a light breakfast with Desmond Tutu which gave us time to have some private time with him. We exchanged gifts which he really enjoyed.

From the Baron and Baroness he received a beautiful delfts blue plate depicting the church of Delft. On behalf of my wife I presented him with a gift for Mrs. Tutu.

He shared with how thankful he was for having had the opportunity to write something about MKI and its mission in the Journal of Public Health Management Practice which just came out a few weeks ago.

Adriaan Nuhn and his wife Glenda were among the MKI friends that joined me this morning. Adriaan is the Chairman to be of MKI’s Supervisory Board.

Tonight the daughter and son in law of the family Cordia, owners of the Straightway Country Hotel, are hosting a fundraising dinner for MKI in honor of the Baron and Baroness at their hotel in Somerset West. The Cordia’s are great supporters of MKI.

An unforgettable day for MKI.

Just for your information Desmond Tutu is a member of MKI's International Board of Advisors.

Tomorrow I report about the successful workshops of the last couple of days.

With my Honorary Chairman to South Africa

2008-11-25T09:20:00.003+01:00

After a delay of more than 2 hours we finally left Schiphol airport in Amsterdam on Saturday November 22nd for Cape Town.

On this trip I am been accompanied by my honorary Chairman, Guup, Baron Kraijenhoff and his darling wife Yvonne, the Baroness.

I am so honored for these two very special people to join me to finally see the many things MKI is doing in South Africa. Guup also felt that after the many stories from others he finally wanted to see it for him self.

After a rest day on Sunday, we started the first workshop on Monday, November 24 in our Health Information Centre in Khayelitsha.
Under the dynamic leadership of MKI’s facilitator Naomi Holdt, a psychologist from the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal about 20 participants were empowered on the topic of sexual offenses, a timely and well received workshop of 2 days.

The first day of the workshop ended with the creation of the SOS Group (Sexual Offences Support Group) made up of some of the participants who will be looking for ways of expanding on the topic by promoting the issues discussed in the township of Khayelitsha.

Kirsty Stiff, MKI’s South African Directors offered the centre for meetings and other kind of activities of this newly formed group of powerful woman ready for making a difference. The first meeting of the group is planned for December 3rd

This coming Wednesday and Thursday the workshop will be repeated in the Stellenbosch for our trainers from four different townships, Kayamadi, Cloetersville, Idasvalley and Jamestown.

On Friday November 28, we have been invited to a church service conducted by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu after which we will have a private meeting with him.

Baron and Baroness Kraijenhoff shown on the picture above during the first day of our workshop in Khayelitsha.

There is more to come, kind regards,
Harold Robles

Glennis Grace MKI's newest Goodwill Ambassador

2008-11-18T21:19:00.004+01:00

On Saturday November 15, 2008 the famous Dutch singer Glennis Grace was appointed Goodwill Ambassadors for MKI's YOELL project.

This event took place at the department store De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam.

Glennis was appointed by Barbara Barend and Wilma Veen, both Goodwill Ambassadors of MKI.

It was a great event, thanks to the support of De Bijenkorf.

Welcome to my blog

2008-11-18T21:00:00.000+01:00

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to my personal blog.
Plans are to use this blog for quick up to date information about my activities and the many activities of the Medical Knowledge Institute (MKI).

Many thanks to the many volunteers who made this blog possible.
Please do visit this blog from time to time to follow my activities.

With kind regards,
Harold Robles