The PWC visit Pepita van Rijn

On the morning of November 11th three of our Board members, Shea Huser, Juni Jardaneh and Christa Dyson met Roos van Dijk the Director of Pepita van Rijn, den Haag.

As Roos explained over coffee,

‘Peptia van Rijn is an organization which provides sheltered housing for women, and their children, who are victims of domestic violence. Our aims are to provide a secure environment where the women can receive support and try and address the problems they face. Currently Pepita van Rijn has four safe houses around the Hague. We also have a unit for young pregnant women from problematic back grounds, such as formerly living on the street.’

Afterwards we were invited to walk to a nearby shelter and see at first hand the facilities they offer. We met some of the Pepita van Rijn staff and the women, and their children, seeking refuge.

We took away the strong impression of the commitment that Pepita van Rijn has to supporting these women and their children, with paramount emphasis being put on their safety and security. With this security the women gain ‘breathing time’ to appraise their lives in a supportive environment.

This year the PWC has agreed to continue supporting Pepita van Rijn by providing computer support for the women.

Plans are now under way to organise an exciting charity evening for 2005 to raise some money for Pepita van Rijn and make our pledge for computer support a reality. Watch this space!

Shea Huser

Juni Jardaneh