“Bring others to flourish through God’s love.”
Objective Sproud Your Talents
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Sproud Your Talents is an initiative aimed at supporting children and young people from the Roma communities in and around Danes, with the goal of helping them discover and develop their talents. These communities often face social exclusion, resulting in limited access to clean water, sanitation, and adequate housing. In addition, they encounter barriers in accessing healthcare, education, and employment, which reduces their opportunities for a better future.
In collaboration with Perspective Danes, I want to make a difference. We encourage children and young people to develop themselves and provide them with the right tools to achieve this. We do this through, among other things, homework support, assistance with personal care and development, and mentoring.
Sproud Your Talents believes that God has given everyone talents. We are meant to use these talents to make His love visible to the people around us. Everyone deserves the opportunity to discover and develop their talents. I want to support the children and young people in the Roma communities through this process, so they can look forward to a future full of hope and opportunities. A future in which they can use their talents for their own community and for new generations.
Who is the person behind Sproud your talents?
My name is Stieneke Hagens, founder of Sproud Your Talents. I believe we are called to use the talents we have received from God in service to others, with the goal of spreading His love and honoring His great name.
In 2019, I graduated as a Social Pedagogical Worker from Hogeschool Viaa in Zwolle. After this, I spent two years studying at the Discipleship School Master’s Commission in Biel, Switzerland.
I then began working as a pedagogical staff member at an after-school care (BSO) program, where I completed the basic training for Early Childhood Education (VVE).
Between 2016 and 2024, I visited Liviu and Elena from Perspective Danes eight times to support this foundation. During these visits, I witnessed the needs of the people in the Romani communities and saw how Perspective Danes is committed to helping them. They not only focus on the immediate needs of these people but also strive for structural changes, always considering the dignity and autonomy of those they help.
After my first visit to Perspective Danes, I developed a deep heart for this foundation and the Romani community in Romania, with a desire to be a part of this work in the future and contribute my talents to the team. This has resulted in a permanent mission from my home church, starting on January 12, 2025, to Danes. I am incredibly excited for the time ahead and God’s plans for the future!