In 1999 Ton and David van Reen founded Stichting Lalibela (Lalibela Foundation). They were struck by the bitter poverty in Lalibela and decided to help the poorest of the poor in this small town.
From the beginning their aims were set: children and distressed elderly people should be fed, have a roof above their head and receive the necessary medical care, and the children must be able to participate in school and sport activities.

During the years the number of projects increased. More people with ever more different backgrounds were taken under the care of Lalibela Foundation. Cooperation was sought and found, both in the local public as the schools, the Lalibela church and the local government. Together with these partners Lalibela Foundation determines the course, which is implemented by the local partners.

We are not satisfied with merely trying to solve the worst poverty in Lalibela. Our next goal is the education and guidance of the people to a self supporting existence. The circumstances to realize this goal, are far from ideal, but the will to get ahead is huge. With the financial help of our Dutch sponsors, we will eventually succeed in accomplishing this target.