I studied Sociology at Erasmus University in Rotterdam and graduated in Sociology of Public
Administration. After my studies and a temporary assignment in the Netherlands at a Government advisory council, I worked as a programme officer for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization FAO in Kenya and Bangladesh. Thereafter I worked for the Netherlands Development Organisation SNV in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.

In these assignments I supported local governments in developmental issues, especially participatory district planning. In Zimbabwe I was also involved in community wildlife management.

In Botswana I worked for the Okavango Sub District Administration as District Officer Development in Gumare from 1992 until 1996. Amongst others I was involved in co-ordination and implementation of development programmes including land use planning, support to local production initiatives and the establishment of the Ngethu Brigade (vocational training and production).

I am now retired and live in Gumare, where, as stated above, I used to work in the 1990’s. During retirement I have been participating in community activities like policy making about the AIDS pandemic and supporting initiatives to improve lives of people living with disabilities in Okavango.