
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 a retired social worker with a diverse background in child protection, supporting abused women, and working as an employment counselor. After retiring in 2000, she dedicated her time to volunteering with organizations like VIDEA (Victoria International Development and Education Agency) and positively AFRICA. In 2020, she founded Support Soweto Junior School and is our current President.

Susan Gallagher has joined our volunteer team as our Treasurer. She has been an ongoing supporter of the school’s meal program. As a retired bookkeeper and 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.

Laura Thomson is our dedicated Vice President.. 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.

Linda Brennan has taken on the vital role of Secretary. She is a lifelong entrepreneur who has built a solid foundation in several industries, including hospitality, fitness, and construction. Her most recent roles before retirement included serving as an Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator on major construction projects and as a Client Support and Trainer for a safety software company. Linda's rich and diverse career and her deep-rooted commitment to community service make her an invaluable addition to our team.

Alyssa Jackson has joined our board and volunteers as the Social Media and Communications Coordinator. A recent graduate of the University of Victoria with a degree in Political Science, Alyssa works at the Legislative Assembly, conducting research and communications for the government caucus. She believes that community initiatives are a profoundly impactful way to shape positive change in the world, and she is grateful to volunteer with Support Soweto Junior School, making a tangible difference in the lives of the children in Kibera, Kenya through food security.
Our Valued Volunteers

Mike and Susan Lawrance are dedicated to making a difference. They play a vital role in our fundraising efforts, collecting and sorting returnables for cash. Their summers are spent in the Shuswap, where they volunteer with Gleaners, an organization that provides dried soup mix for countries in need. Africa has always been close to their hearts. They have visited the Serengeti plain in Tanzania and, more recently, visited their daughter and son-in-law who work in Chad. Their experiences fuel their commitment to making a global impact. With their unwavering dedication to service, they continue to bring positive change to local and international communities.

Anastasia Crook is a new volunteer, majoring in Political Science at the University of Victoria. She has prior experience in community outreach within education, organizing school-led fundraisers and donation drives for non-profit organizations in the Okanagan. She believes in the power of collective action for positive change and takes pride in supporting Support Soweto Junior School's mission.

Val Sharp has been a supporter of our organization since the beginning. After years in the corporate world, she spent the last ten years of her career mentoring women in starting their own interior redesign/staging business. Now retired, she has been using her creativity to design our posters, thank you cards, and newsletters.

Lucas Buchanan is a Software Engineering student at the University of Victoria who volunteers as the Webmaster to support our meaningful cause. He manages and updates the website, helping us maintain a strong accessible online presence.
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