About the FOUNDATION JEANNE DEVOS

The many Flemish visitors of Sister Jeanne could appreciate how she, lacking any administrative structure, manages to mobilise people to set up an organisation with two million members in 2007. This National Movement is a network, counting fellow workers all over twenty one states in India. There, women and children, entangled in house slavery, may find support and education. All the members contribute some money, albeit a few cents. This indeed is Sister Jeanne’s vision on action: do respect the dignity of those who live in poverty and exclusion and let them contribute something, however little in may be. The women and children are proud of their organisation, which literally thrives on its own forces.

Every year the organisation highlights its Domestic Workers on January 9, Sister Jeanne’s own anniversary day: a wonderful acknowledgement of the work of a woman who in the heart of her two million members already has deserved a prize for human rights.

Yet, not everyone can be cared of within the network. Many children are sold by their poor parents to traffickers, with the illusion of better opportunities and a better future in a better family, do get involved in house slavery and become victims of life punishment and sexual abuse. Not having any family anymore, not even knowing where they come from, they run away to Sister Jeanne’s movement, thanks to the notification on the permanent telephone line. Up till now, these women and children can go into hiding with the sisters and members of the organisation. Still, the number of necessary places for the intake is too limited and sometimes independent care for abused women and children even represents a dangerous risk to the volunteers. That’s why Sister Jeanne looked for structural help. When Rector Marc Vervenne got informed by her on her needs, the idea of raising a foundation was brought forward.

The foundation in the bosom of Leuven university --------> www.kuleuven.be/mecenaat

  •  Has a specific name and goals;

    • has no incorporation;
    • is governed by a management board, appointed in consultation of the contributors.




  • There exist foundations

    • with sufficient base capital
    • which become supplied by yearly gifts of donors
    • which supplement their base capital by special fundraising campaigns.

  • Partnership & Academic Development
    Leuvens Universiteitsfonds
    Isabel Penne, directeur
    Minderbroedersstraat, 5, 3000 Leuven