Hello world! I am Tim Spijker (25) from The Netherlands and I am in SOLS 24/7 because I want to make a difference in this world. Inspired by SOLS 24/7 during an earlier period as a volunteer (2009), I took the decision to come back (2011) to learn how to become a social entrepreneur. My goal is to start my own social projects in the future.

I have been in SOLS 24/7 for about 10 months divided over two periods. During this period I have been volunteering in Malaysia and Cambodia. I spent by far my longest time in Malaysia, a country which I feel in love with.

During my first period as a volunteer I was involved in the teaching department (English, Math, Sales & Marketing), initiated a fundraising project in my own network (to buy new furniture), and even in recruitment (promote internship program for students to universities).

Managing classes & monitoring student progress - Cambodia

I had a wonderful time as a volunteer. I really enjoyed teaching and mixing around with the students. To see the students progressing is a wonderful thing to see and gives a lot of fulfillment.

After working for a corporate in my home country for more than a year, I decided to give a completely different twist to my life. I applied to join the SOLS 24/7 International Program. Joining the SOLS 24/7 International Program is not a usual step that people take, especially not for a Masters graduate. Instead of working for a big multinational, earning a lot of money, living in a big house, and driving a nice sports car, I am currently in almost the opposite position. I am working in developing countries without any salary,  share a dorm with seven boys, and I had to give a lot of compromises to my privacy, luxury and comforts.

Am I insane? Maybe some would say yes, but I don’t think so. My goals are very ambitious and challenging and the road I am travelling is full of excitement and adventure.

The reason for joining the SOLS 24/7 International Program is because I strongly believe that SOLS 24/7 is the best learning school for young social entrepreneurs who want to learn all the ins and outs of this profession.

Discussing ongoing projects with Malaysian colleague

The International Program is customized to the student’s own interest and passion and has a very practical focus. For example, I am currently managing several projects in SOLS 24/7 Malaysia and I learn a lot by just doing it. As a Masters graduate it is interesting to compare this method of training in SOLS 24/7 with the approach of education by universities. Universities seem to be too much theory-driven and many professors think they can solve social problems by doing research in an ivory tower. SOLS 24/7 is very practical and operates on a grassroots level but at the same time we are all striving to be scientific in our actions.

To become a changemaker is not easy. It requires tremendous amount of effort, hard work, reflection, improvement of weaknesses and the development of new skills.

Teaching in Laos

A social entrepreneur needs to have the skills to initiate and manage projects; be a leader/example; guide and inspire youth; deal with partners, donors, and governments; generate income to make the projects self-sustainable, and much more.

By being put in many situations and having a lot of different responsibilities I am working on the development of these skills and get a lot of valuable experiences. I have the unique privilege to learn from two of the best teachers I could ever wish for: Big Teacher and Teacher Raj. With their mentoring, guidance and feedback, combined with my own efforts, I am in the process of becoming a more dynamic, bold, responsible, patient, flexible, humble, loving, caring and wiser human being.

Quick Questions:

1) SOLS 24/7: What is your definition of a  ’changemaker’?

Tim & Frank (extreme right) after fundraising and purchasing beds for Malaysian students.

Tim: I would define a changemaker as someone who addresses social problems and comes up with innovative and practical solutions with the goal to make a positive change in this world. There is a lot of suffering going on and each country – whether it is rich or poor – has its own social problems. Many people are aware of these problems and complain about it, but most just neglect it and live their life onward. Only a few unique persons with a great heart for humanity are attacking these problems by looking for solutions. These people are the real heroes in this world, the changemakers.

2) SOLS 24/7: What made you change your perception of life from the ‘rat race’ to social entrepreneurship?

Tim: My perspective on life changed drastically after my first period as a volunteer in SOLS 24/7. By working with students from a poor background, from broken families or with other disadvantages and by living under different

conditions, I realized that I am in a very favorable position compared to the vast majority in the world. I am young, high-educated, come from a wonderful family, had a fantastic youth, and was born in one of the most wealthiest countries in the world (Netherlands). I have all the tools to do GREAT things for humanity and to give something back to the world. I’m not interested to be part of the ‘rat race’. To be a successful businessperson and have a lot of money is one thing. To be a great human being who makes a difference in the lives of others is another thing, which brings much more fulfillment, happiness and meaning than any currency does.

3) SOLS 24/7: To learn is to change, and sometimes change can be difficult. What has been your biggest learning curve so far?

Tim: I wouldn’t say it is my biggest learning curve but one of my most recent ones is that I’m learning more about leadership and how to become a great leader. I wouldn’t consider myself as a natural born leader in terms of boldness and dynamism and therefore I’m working hard to become stronger in these areas. I am managing several projects which requires leadership and help me to develop these qualities.

4) SOLS 24/7:  What advice would you give someone who wanted to join the SOLS 24/7 International Program?

Dressing up for Deepavali in Malaysia!

Tim: The SOLS 24/7 International Program is a great program for young people who want to make a difference in the world and are willing to invest a lot of time and effort into this. This latter part should not be underestimated. To be outstanding and to make an impact is far from easy. Before changing the lives of others you have to invest in yourself. Upgrade your current skills, develop new skills, and being put in many different situations to gain a lot of field experience. If you don´t have a 9-5 attitude, are willing to put a tremendous amount of effort in your work and development and want to make a change, the SOLS 24/7 International Program is the best place to learn.

5) SOLS 24/7: Tell us what has been favourite moment in SOLS 24/7?

Tim: It is hardly possible for me to pick one specific favourite moment out of so many wonderful experiences. From having great in-depth discussions with the Founders to playing futsal with the students, and from eating raw chillies during a chilli contest to making myself ridiculous imitating a Bollywood dance. There are too many things to mention. However, all my favourite moments come back to one key element: the great love and unity among the team members, volunteers and students in SOLS 24/7.