Thinking of a very special lady, we think of Tina. Purposeful, energetic, talented and very loving. This and so much else characterizes her.

In May 2009 Tina and Lydia came to Thailand for the first time to visit the girls in Baan Phak Phing. Together they had prepared two weeks of wonderful activities: Lydia was responsible for the creative workshops while Tina taught English enthusiastically. It all fit together seamlessly and the girls had a great time. In May 2010 they came back with a suitcase full of new ideas and again the girls and our staff enjoyed it all immensely.

During her second visit Tina asked me (Tatjana) whether I could show her round my sons’ international school. I then jokingly said: ‘Of course, but only if you promise to come and teach there for a whole year, because we are short of teachers.’  Her quick-witted reply was: ‘Be careful what you wish for, I might take you up on that.’

And so the joke became reality. During the school year of 2011-2012 Tina moved to Thailand. On weekdays she taught at the international school and on Saturdays she was there to teach the girls at Baan Phak Phing. It was a remarkable year which did not just make a big impression on the school and the home but also on Tina herself.

Even after her return to the Netherlands Tina remained involved with the foundation Baan Phak Phing in all kinds of ways. On 1 January 2020 she took this one step further by becoming chairwoman of the foundation’s board. She led the board with gusto while maintaining close contact with the team in Thailand. Tina organized events, she came up with creative ways to raise funds and she personally ventured out to enthuse people to connect with the foundation. I don’t think she was able to talk to anyone without thinking of ‘her’ girls in Thailand.

Apart from her work for the foundation Tina was quite busy. She gave private lessons and dedicated herself as a volunteer in other places as well.

For this long-standing and selfless commitment to different causes she received a royal distinction in April 2023. We were, and still are, so immensely proud of her. Only a week later she received terrible news, she was diagnosed with cancer. Although this news turned her world upside down, Tina was not to be daunted. She fought hard and clung to life and her work until physically this proved to be impossible. Slowly she had to abandon her lessons, her volunteer work and her daily activities. Except Baan Phak Phing. Until a week before she died, she kept in touch with Thailand. Even on her death announcement and during the funeral service her ultimate heartfelt wish was apparent: donations for the girls at Baan Phak Phing.

Such a hero, such a legend!

We will always be eternally grateful to Tina for the work she has done for the foundation. The impact she left on our work, the girls and everybody who is connected to the foundation is immeasurable.

Rest in peace.

Tina van Eijsbergen 11 July 1952 – 31 July 2026