Our Story

TBF Origins

Born out of a group of students in The Hague with the urge to help Ukraine, The Bell Foundation was established as a student-led charity that organizes project-based humanitarian aid missions and advocacy for populations in crisis situations. Based on the poem “No Man Is An Island” from John Donne, our missions echo his words of “any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind.” 
 

About us

We are a group of students mostly studying politics, international relations, and economics at Leiden University with a passion for civil society. We were all strangers to one another before this project, and we have since created a small but lovely community that continues to inspire others to contribute and help, not only in Ukraine but also in the future, other populations in crisis situations. Although we sadly cannot bring peace, we can make life for many people just a bit better, just a bit nicer, and at the same time show that solidarity is an underestimated power!
 
In the end, we’re just a bunch of students with a dream of a better world, like almost all of our peers. We have seen what we can do when working towards this dream and won’t be stopping anytime soon!
 

Our Mission

We truly believe in the power that we young people have in affecting the world not only through democratic institutions but proactively through civil society. With Leiden University as our patrons, we are looking forward to helping those in need and invest in our volunteers to develop their free will to creatively support others. 
 

Meet the Team

Yamal van oordt

German

Student of the MA International Relations: Global Political Economy and the MA Development Studies and Diplomacy

The Hague, Netherlands

My reason to join:
It felt somewhat natural to become part of a group of fellow students who are looking for ways to express their need and desire to do good. This materialized in the creation of this organization.

Matthijs Hage

Dutch

Student of the BA International Studies and the BSc Economics

Rotterdam, Netherlands

My reason to join:
Coming back from my first journey to Ukraine in 2024, I wanted to do more for Ukraine and was fortunate to meet the amazing people that turned into the team we are today.

Clara Gonzalez

Spanish

Student of the BA International Studies

The Hague, Netherlands

My reason to join:
There’s so much good that can be done when you find the resources and the people committed to making it happen. I am happy to contribute my share and give back in the process.