KLABU | FAQ

1. What is KLABU?

KLABU is a social start-up with a scalable business model to power positive change, founded by Jan van Hövell together with a group of dedicated young people in Amsterdam and Kenya. During our work in various refugee camps around the world, we have experienced first-hand how sports and games can make a huge difference in the lives of young refugees rebuilding their lives far from home.

2. What is KLABU’s mission?

KLABU uses the transformative power of sport and community to support refugees on their way to a better future.

We are a unique combination of an NGO (KLABU Foundation) and a brand / social enterprise (KLABU B.V.). Through our NGO we build sports clubhouses in refugee camps that are hubs for play, good health, education, employment and entrepreneurship. Through our brand, we create and sell sportswear to raise funds and build a strong community of supporters. Half of the profits from sales go to our KLABU Foundation to build and maintain the sports clubs. The other half are reinvested into our brand to increate our impact.

The goal: to reach 2+ million refugees in 2030 by setting up 50+ KLABU sports clubhouses in refugee camps, and becoming the biggest club in the world.

3. How is KLABU achieving this mission?

We support refugees who are rebuilding their lives by building KLABU sports clubhouses which give refugees the tools to find relief, pride and happiness in the practice of sport and feeling of community.

Everyday, local managers rally the community together, lend sports equipment and games on the basis of a smart library system, and also organise activities, events and tournaments. They earn a meaningful income and are continuously mentored by the KLABU HQ team.

Solar power and connectivity turn the clubhouses into social hubs where refugees can meet, watch broadcast sports matches, listen to music, access Wi-Fi and even study. The clubhouses can reach up to 20,000 beneficiaries directly and indirectly.

Other organisations also use the facilities to run their programmes on education, health, entrepreneurship and employment, thereby further increasing our impact. The system is simple and sustainable, and can easily be replicated globally.

4. Why is supporting young refugees an urgent issue?

Over 110 million people across the world are currently forced to flee their homes.

Escaping from war and persecution, refugees leave everything behind. Despite being safe, many are traumatized and live in harsh conditions, in urban slums or refugee camps with little access to education and employment. Solutions can take years, meanwhile refugees sit idle in camps, frustration sets in and human potential risks being wasted.

5. Why sports?

Through sport, KLABU helps turn refugee camps into more than mere places of survival.

In the short term, sport is a way to feel better. In the medium term, one can find a community through sport. In the long term, it teaches transferable skills that help to rebuild lives. These include teamwork, rigour, organisation, trust, concentration, self-confidence and responsibility for example.

Finally, sport has a unique power to give hope and recognition to people who are so often forgotten. By creating bridges between our members and the rest of the world, we contribute to changing the narrative around migration, shining a light on the talents and beauty of refugees and giving them hope that there are opportunities for all through sport.

6. What is most needed?

In refugee camps, NGO’s often provide food, housing, medical care and educational support but there are no structural solutions for activities beyond just survival. The most essential sports needs are sports equipment, sportswear and playing fields.

To encourage girls to join sports activities, suitable sportswear is needed to meet religious and cultural requirements.

7. What makes KLABU different from other sports initiatives?

Most sports initiatives in refugee camps are one-off and sporadic. Donated materials are often not looked after, can be sold or are not suitable to the tough conditions in a camp. Sports programmes end when instructors leave the camp or sponsors simply lose interest.

KLABU provides a long-term solution for young refugees and locals to play sports because it is community-driven. The refugees and locals are engaged from the very beginning, we build the sports clubs together and they are in charge of the day-to-day management of their club.

8. How can KLABU build clubhouses far away when you’re based in Amsterdam?

To set up a new KLABU sports club, we always work with a local partner and local community representatives. They are the project owners, KLABU is the facilitator and fundraiser. Together we identify the local needs, develop a budget and work plan and bring it into practice.

9. What has KLABU accomplished so far?

Since the foundation of KLABU in late 2017, we have built our organisation, crafted a business model, generated support from funders and partners and executed a successful pilot program in the Kalobeyei settlement in Kenya. In January 2019, we completed the construction of the first KLABU clubhouse, set up the local management system and supplied the club with materials and equipment.

Today, we've replicated the model to four other locations: Cox's Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh, Ter Apel reception centre in the Netherlands, Lesvos in Greece and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. In Cox's Bazar, we've also created a mobile clubhouse which goes to schools in the host community surrounding the camp.

10. What’s next for KLABU?

The refugee crisis shows no signs of lessening. Our aim is to set up 50 clubhouses in refugee camps between now and 2023, getting 2,000,000 refugees onto the playing field.

1. Why does KLABU need funding?

KLABU is a scalable model that can be easily replicated around the world. First in refugee camps and later on in other places where young people do not have access to sports such as slums and favelas. The KLABU Foundation requires funding to finance the costs to (a) set up and and (b) run the sports clubs.

Our overhead budget is very modest. We are a small, experienced and dedicated team. The voluntary and enthusiastic support from a group of great partners and advisors has been indispensable to set up the KLABU in this start-up phase.

2. How is KLABU organised?

KLABU creates a self-sustaining business model due to its foundation and brand working together.

The KLABU Foundation takes care of everything on the ground, this involves the inception, erection and maintenance of clubhouses, identifying new possible ways to innovate access to sports and moving KLABU to the people and places it is most needed in the world. The KLABU Foundation is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI) in the Netherlands and overseen by a Supervisory Board. It funds activities primarily through donations from institutions and private individuals, and proceeds from the sale of KLABU related apparel and other related products.

Instead of being fully reliant on donations and funding from sponsors, we want to become a healthy organisation that can have long-term impact, therefore the development and sale of KLABU related products is spun off by the Foundation into a separate legal entity, KLABU B.V., a limited private company which is a social enterprise that runs the KLABU brand. This facilitates an increase in the proceeds from sale of products and thereby the funding that becomes available to the Foundation to fulfil its mission. Half the profits from our sales go to the KLABU Foundation to maintain our sports clubs in refugee camps. The other half are reinvested to increase our brand’s impact.

3. How can I support KLABU?

If you are an individual, you can purchase KLABU sportswear and accessories through our webshop. Are you a team or organisation? We can customize KLABU kits for your team, for more information please visit our Team Kits page.

You can also make a direct donation to the KLABU Foundation to set up and run (new) clubhouses.

4. How will my contribution make a difference?

Your contribution makes all the difference. As an organisation or an individual, when you donate directly to our foundation, we can use the full amount to build more sports clubs. 100% of what we fundraise goes towards our mission.

If you choose to buy KLABU sportswear, 50% of the profit of sales is donated to the Foundation. The other 50% is reinvested into the brand to sustain continued growth of business and impact.

1. Why are you selling KLABU sportswear?

KLABU sportswear enables us to celebrate the spirit of the KLABU refugee club members and their stories of resilience, bravery and love. It also generates income. Instead of being fully reliant on donations and funding from sponsors, we want to become a healthy organisation that can have long-term impact. Developing and selling KLABU products gives us a level of independence.

On top of that, the more people wearing KLABU sportswear, the more we spread our story and build bridges. Wearing KLABU makes you an ambassador for young people in refugee camps and their ability to keep on going, to find hope in adversity, to band together and grow.

2. Where can I buy KLABU sportswear?

KLABU sportswear is available online via our webshop and in our store at Haarlemmerdijk 106 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. If you are a retailer and you are interested in KLABU sportswear, please get in touch with us.

3. Is KLABU sportswear eco-friendly?

Many items within our collection of sportswear are made from recycled materials. However, currently, not 100%. Not yet. We are well aware that improvement is needed in this area and we are working hard to make this happen. We did choose to minimise our carbon footprint by producing most of our sportswear in Europe or Turkey and opted for recycled polybags for the majority of our packaging. As we scale up our organisation, we aim to make sustainability a core focus in all facets of sportswear production.

4. What is the best way to clean my KLABU sportswear?

The sportswear should be machine washed at a cold temperature (30°C). Please don't tumble-dry.

5. When will KLABU release new sportswear?

We are working hard on new products. We also want to collaborate with existing brands. Follow us on social media to receive the latest updates.

6. Can I send back KLABU items I don't use anymore?

Yes, please do! We can upcycle used KLABU items and if the condition of the items is good enough, we will use them for our sports projects.

1. How can I purchase KLABU sportswear?

1: Select a product
2: Select the size of the product
3: Add the product to your shopping cart
4: Choose the size of the product
5: Click ‘To Secure Checkout’
6: Enter your details
7: Select one of the payment methods
8: Place your order by clicking ‘Pay now’

2. Do I need a KLABU account to order sportswear?

No, you do not need to create an account to make a purchase. Just enter your select the product(s) you wish to purchase, enter your details, pay and the order will be on its way to you.

3. How can I find the right size for me?

To find your perfect size, each item includes a size guide. We recommend you take a look at this size guide when you are considering a purchase.

4. Can I change or cancel my order after I have paid?

After you have placed your order, it is unfortunately no longer possible to change the details or cancel.

1. Which countries do you ship to?

We ship KLABU sportswear to you, wherever you are. Please note that if you are based outside the European Union, you may have to pay additional import duties and taxes when you receive your order – these additional costs are for your account. Please contact your local authorities and/or postal service to learn more.

2. What are the shipping costs?

We offer free delivery in the European Union on orders with a value of €50 and above. For other orders, different shipping costs apply to different destinations:

Netherlands:
· €5 standard shipping costs

Germany, France and Belgium:
· €7.50 standard shipping costs

Other countries within the European Union:
· €7.50 standard shipping costs

Rest of the world (including the United Kingdom):
· €15 standard shipping costs

3. Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept:
· Visa (free)
· MasterCard (free)
· AmericanExpress (free)
· iDeal (free)

4. Can I track my order?

Yes, as soon as we ship your order, you will receive an email from our fulfilment partner with a Track & Trace code, so you can track the shipment of your KLABU sportswear.

5. Has my order been shipped yet?

When our fulfilment partner ships your order you will receive an email with your shipping confirmation and a Track & Trace code. This can be used to track delivery of your item(s).

6. What is the delivery time of my KLABU order?

Unless mentioned otherwise, your KLABU apparel will be delivered to:
· Netherlands: 1-2 business days
· Germany and Belgium: 2-3 business days
· Rest of European Union: 4-8 business days
· Rest of the world: 5-15 business days

Contact us at info@klabu.org if you have a specific question on your order.

7. What happens if I’m not around when my package is delivered?

If you are not around when your package is delivered, through the Track & Trace code, please check if it is delivered at your neighbour or if the local courier will try to deliver your package again on the next business day.

8. What is your returns and exchange policy?

If you are not satisfied with your KLABU sportswear, you can return or exchange within 30 days, but only if the apparel is unused, undamaged and with all labels still attached.

Please note that since we are a social start-up we cannot offer you free returns or exchanges, meaning that the shipment costs of returning or exchanging any item are at your own expense, so please consider your purchase carefully.

If you want to return or exchange any item, please send us an email at info@klabu.org and we will get in touch with you as soon as we can.

9. I’ve returned my order, what happens now?

As soon as we receive your package, we'll send you a confirmation email. If the apparel is unused and undamaged, we will refund your money as soon as possible or make sure that you get an exchange.

1. Is KLABU looking for partners or sponsors?

Yes please! Our ambition is to multiply our impact by setting up many more KLABU sports clubs in refugee camps, and we can’t do that alone. We are very fortunate to be supported by amazing companies and organisations so far, and are always looking for opportunities to join forces.

Send us an email at info@klabu.org. We will get in touch as soon as possible.

2. Does the KLABU Foundation have ANBI status?

Yes, the KLABU Foundation is qualified as a ANBI (or Public Benefit Organisation) by the Dutch Tax Authority.

Our ANBI identification number (or RSIN-number) is 858181228.

Since the KLABU Foundation is qualified as a ANBI, this leads to a number of tax advantages including that natural and legal persons making donations to the KLABU Foundation may deduct their gifts from their Dutch income tax or corporate income tax.

3. What is the best way to donate?

There are several ways to financially support KLABU:

1. To make a single donation, please go to our donation webpage.

2. To donate periodically, please get in touch through the wesite contact form or email us at info@klabu.org

3. To make a direct bank transfer, see the bank details below (answer to question 21). Please mention: ‘Donation’.

4. If you would prefer an invoice or a donation receipt for tax purposes, please send us an email (info@klabu.org).

4. What are KLABU’s bank account details?

IBAN: NL98 TRIO 0338 7993 89
BIC-number or SWIFT-number: TRIONL2U
Bank name: Triodos Bank
Bank address: Utrechtseweg 44, 3704 HD Zeist, The Netherlands
Account name: Stichting KLABU Foundation
Address of organisation: Van Nijenrodeweg 635, 1082HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

5. Can I donate periodically?

Yes, please! Regular donations mean a consistent, predictable income for the KLABU Foundation helping us to plan and budget more efficiently. There are benefits for you too. A recurring donation is a hassle-free way to support KLABU and may be tax deductible. In the Netherlands this is the case as KLABU has the so-called ANBI-status.

To donate periodically, please get in touch by sending us an email at info@klabu.org. Thank you!

6. Does KLABU need material donations?

We prefer to buy local and and not to burden the planet with cross-continental transport. However, sometimes specific materials are needed that we can’t source locally. Please contact us at info@klabu.org to find out what is needed right now.

7. Where can I find KLABU Foundation's articles of association?

You can read KLABU Foundation's articles association through the link below.

1. Is it possible to interview one of the KLABU team members?

We are happy to talk about KLABU with you. For any press or media related questions, please fill in the website contact form below or send an email to press@klabu.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

2. Do you have a media package?

Yes, we do. Please contact us at press@klabu.org for further information.

48. Would you like to help us support the unbeatable spirit of refugees?

That’s great! We always share job applications on our social media, mainly LinkedIn, so make sure to follow us there.

1. How can I contact you?

Do you have a question or want to become a partner, sponsor, advisor or maybe a supporter? Please feel free to contact us through the website contact form or:

Email: info@klabu.org

Store / postal address:
Haarlemmerdijk 106
1013 JH Amsterdam
The Netherlands

2. How can I stay up to date with KLABU news?

Connect with us on Instagram (@theklabu), Facebook (@theklabu), YouTube (@theklabu) or Twitter. Use the hashtags #klabu and #jointheklabu to share stories, videos and articles and keep up to date with the latest news.

You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and breaking news.

1. Is KLABU looking for partners?

Yes please! Our ambition is to grow fast and multiply our impact, so we need to team up with others. We are very fortunate to have partnered with amazing companies and organisations so far, and are always looking for opportunities to join forces.

2. My company would like to collaborate with KLABU, how does this work?

Great! Please send us a message in the contact form below or send us an email at info@klabu.org. We will get in touch as soon as possible.

FAQ

We believe in full transparency. Regarding our mission, our goals and how KLABU works. See below the answers to the most frequently asked questions about who, what and why.

[Update 1 July 2023] If you have any KLABU sportswear items lying around which you don't use anymore, please send them back to us so that we can upcycle them into new products, or use them for our sports projects!

A. Impact