The journey of Gardens of the Sincere did not begin with a large organization. It began with a personal dream, a journey to the Kaʿba, and a sincere intention to give back.
During that blessed journey, our founder Riyad Rogiest met someone who gave him the opportunity to fulfill a dream he had carried in his heart for years: to build a water well.
Back home in Belgium, Riyad was a teacher. He shared this vision with his students — and they believed in it. Together, they raised €1,500, enough to build their very first water well in Zanzibar.
The following year, the dream grew. With the continued support of students and their families, they raised enough funds to build ten water wells in Indonesia. What started as one sincere initiative quickly grew into a movement of hope, water, and lasting good.
A Movement Rooted in Education and Community
What makes our journey special is that it began in a classroom, not a boardroom. Many of those first students still support our work today as young adults. Their trust and sincerity remain the beating heart of Gardens of the Sincere.
From One Well to a Global Network
Over the years, Gardens of the Sincere expanded far beyond water wells. With the help of volunteers and donors, we now work in more than 45 countries, providing:
CLEAN WATER WELLS
From Acts of Charity to Structures of Goodness
What began with one small act of kindness grew into a network of sustainable projects. Our work is built on the principle of ṣadaqah jāriyah — creating lasting benefit that continues long after the initial donation.
Powered by Students, Sustained by Communities
The foundation of this movement is sincerity. Students, families, and supporters gave not for recognition, but because they believed in the vision. Their support transformed a teacher’s dream into a global movement for change.
Looking Ahead
What began as a dream at the Kaʿba has become a journey that connects hearts across the world. From water wells to schools and farms, Gardens of the Sincere is committed to building hope, empowering communities, and giving with sincerity — one project at a time.
