Team

When I got involved with Maya in 2012, the first school had just been built one year ago. It really spoke to me that young people from all around the world founded a movement that utilizes knowledge and skills from both the local and international community to make quality education accessible for children from rural areas. This motivated me to stay involved with Maya and stimulated me to study Anthropology and International Development Studies. By combining practical knowledge with theoretical insights, I am hopefully better able to support Maya.

From the moment I heard about the great work Maya is doing I was immediately super excited to become a part of this foundation. The first year I was mainly involved in fundraising as ambassador for the foundation. I am currently studying medicine and therefore have unfortunately never been to Nepal to meet the children in real life and experience the life around the school, but I am really looking forward to the moment when this is possible. I am curious about everything the future has to offer us as a foundation!

I am Tjeerd Volbeda, vice principal at Het Amsterdams Lyceum. About five years ago Bas and Rikke, two former students, were suddenly back in my room. They came to discuss the possibilities of setting up sponsorship projects for the school in Nepal that they supported with their foundation. This has led to two great projects with 11th and 12th grade students. Fundraising activities were organized and both groups traveled to Maya in Nepal. There they rolled up their sleeves, but also organized social activities with the Nepali students. Currently I support the foundation with educational projects and the development of teaching materials.

I am a boy from Amsterdam and only recently traded my student way of life for a job at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. A traineeship of the general government of the Netherlands. Although I have known the founding fathers of Maya Netherlands for years now, I got involved in 2019 once I visited the main school myself the year before. After one month at Maya, I was sold completely. My personal highlight was organising a human rights seminar (that was very kindly cancelled due to the Coronavirus).

I visited Maya Universe Academy for the first time during fall, 2017. Having found the experience very special, I went back again the next year. Now, I try to contribute to the Maya’s mission from back home through Maya Netherlands.

I was first introduced to Maya Universe Academy in 2017, through my high school Het Amsterdams Lyceum. We started our project by raising money and later visited Nepal to see the school for ourselves. After our arrival back home, I wanted to stay involved with the foundation from the Netherlands. After all, high school was over and university could not wait for too long. I now study biology while working with Maya in my spare time. I hope to be part of many more great projects in the future.

Maya Universe Academy crossed my path during a journey I made in 2019. I spent two months at the school in Udhun Dhunga where I taught grade 4 students. The way of life, working together and connecting in this beautiful place in Nepal is admirable and has made my affinity with the theme of equality of opportunity grow all the more. Since June 2023 I can proudly call myself treasurer of Maya Universe Academy NL. It is with great pleasure that I work together with a fantastic group of people to support this special school community.

When I got to know the foundation in 2019, I was immediately impressed by the mission, the team and the impact. With my experience as an entrepreneur and future doctor, I was determined to help Maya expand its community with a fresh perspective. As a board member I keep an overview of the activities, lead the meetings, apply for funds and partnerships, remain critical of the course we take, but I am above all a team player. I am proud to be part of an enthusiastic organization with dreams and ideals that come true.

I'm Ramesh B.K., a proud Maya Universe Academy graduate who decided to stay and work at Maya. I am currently a guardian at Maya Home. My role involves resolving student issues and managing resource distribution and financial expenditure. I find joy in fostering a positive environment where students thrive.

Hello, I'm Bisham, a proud alumnus from Maya Universe Academy's first batch of students. It's a pleasure to serve as both a teacher and volunteer coordinator at Maya. As the volunteer coordinator, my role is to support new volunteers, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident in their responsibilities. I genuinely enjoy answering their questions and providing assistance whenever needed. If you're interested in being part of the Maya community, please feel free to reach out to me.