ABOUT US
Support Soweto Junior School is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit organization. All funds raised go directly toward the purchase of food to promote the well-being of the young students at Soweto Junior Education Centre in Kibera, Kenya.
The relationship with the school was originally established in 2006 through the work of positively AFRICA, a nonprofit society that supported the school's meal program. Since the folding of positively AFRICA in 2017, the school has struggled to feed the youngsters. The school's dire need for support with food costs has resulted in the launching of Support Soweto Junior School.
OUR TEAM
Board Of Directors
Sabine Laubental is the founder of the organization. A retired social worker, she volunteered for 10 years with positively AFRICA, a nonprofit society supporting those living with HIV/AIDS to live with hope and dignity. Within this group, she was actively involved with Soweto Junior's supporting the health of young students and has maintained an ongoing relationship with the school.
Susan Gallagher has joined our volunteer team as our Bookkeeper. She has been an ongoing supporter
of the school’s meal program. Presently, she works as a Bookkeeper for another non-profit group. In
addition to being a retired massage therapist ,Susan has served on BC Ferries, BC Transit and the City of Victoria Accessibility Committees. She brings years of experience to maintaining our financial records and has become a valued team member.
Cate O'Neill is our administrative assistant and is also involved with planning and organizational duties.
She is a retired school teacher and special education coordinator. Cate brings past experience
volunteering for African causes and global unity. Her enthusiasm and dedication is an asset to our team!
Laura Thomson is one of our Steering Committee members. She previously served as a Board Member with positively AFRICA. She was born and raised in Africa (Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Namibia and Zimbabwe), and has a keen interest in promoting and supporting the students of Soweto Junior Education Centre.
Our Valued Volunteers
Islem Douissa our new Communications/PR volunteer. Originally from Tunisia, where she ran her own Communications firm, Islem and her family are recent newcomers to Victoria. She is offering her skills and experience to benefit the meal program at Soweto Junior School.
Esther Hart served on the Board of positively AFRICA. She maintains the mailing list for Support Soweto Junior School and sends the Newsletters via MailChimp.
Merle Viaud acknowledges donors with thank-you cards. Her career in Early Childhood Education included caring for children, administration, and teaching at Colleges. In her years of work, she developed a deep respect for the rights of children to be cared for and educated. Supporting the Soweto Junior School to educate and feed the children is important to her. She knows that ensuring the children have food every day is essential, and she believes it is a way to
demonstrate respect to both the children and their families. It is a privilege for her to volunteer in this important project.
Thabo Mtetwa Thabo serves as our Web Administrator. He has previous experience working with organizations that provide support services to refugees and immigrants to Canada, the Alberta public service, and doing development work across the continent of Africa. He fell in love with Kenya through his four visits there and carries a deep interest (and love) for our work.
OUR PARTNERS
African Partners
Soweto Junior Education Centre is an elementary school located in Kibera, the largest slum in Kenya. 300 children ages 4-12 years attend classes from Kindergarten to Grade 5.
OUR DONORS
Our donors are the lifeblood of Support Soweto Junior School. Your generous contributions assist the school in supporting the healthy growth of the students. Your support makes a significant difference in their lives—thank you!
Contact: sabine@supportsowetojuniorschool.org
Support Soweto Junior School
1927 Quamichan St.
Victoria BC V8S 2C3