I am Erik Jager, and my journey began in a world of loneliness. As a child, I grew up without experiencing love and without the attention I needed. My journey brought me closer to God, and with that came the realization that we are here on Earth to make a difference for one another through connection and love. This understanding led me to an encounter that not only changed my life, but also the lives of many others.
A journey of hope
In 2001, my journey began with Zjenja, a young girl from Belarus. Her situation was heartbreaking—she had a father struggling with addiction, and her future seemed anything but hopeful. But together, we began building something step by step, which later grew into something much bigger. What started small eventually transformed into a project that changed both of our lives: House of Peace.
House of Peace became more than just a project; it became a home. A place where young people, who had been on the margins of society, rediscovered their strength. Here, they felt loved, simply for who they were. From our deep belief that love, in its purest form, can heal lives, we built a place of peace, love, and hope. Every step we took together brought us closer to a future full of possibilities.
We didn't know where the journey would take us, but by building together, hand in hand, something small grew into something much greater. When the time came to hand over the House of Peace to the young people who had once been helped there, I felt a deep peace. They were ready to move forward on their own. And so, space was created for a new dream: Nofam.
A hopeful future for all children
Nofam is more than just a foundation; it is a family, a place where children who would otherwise be on the sidelines of society are given hope for a better future. Just as Zjenja was given a chance, Nofam, in collaboration with many other charities, now offers children worldwide the opportunity to make their dreams come true. And just as my life was enriched by my journey with Zjenja, I feel the same joy when I see children blossom through the love and attention they receive via Nofam.
Nofam stands for the power of collaboration. We don’t just build; we strengthen one another. We don’t dig new wells or rebuild schools, but we actively seek collaboration with other charities. Through this joint effort, we can make a greater impact without wasting unnecessary resources. This is what Nofam stands for: a future full of hope and enriched lives, both for the children we help and for the people who help them.
My journey began with small steps, but it ultimately changed the lives of many, including my own. Now, I want to invite you to think about what you can do to make a difference. How can you reach out a hand to someone in need? It doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes, it’s the small gestures that make the greatest impact.
If you want to know more about my journey or how we make a difference through Nofam, feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you and am happy to answer any questions you may have.
