Support Soweto Junior School

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

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 Association) and positively AFRICA. In 2020, she founded Support Soweto Junior School.

Sabine has a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of young students. Her commitment to the cause is unwavering, and she continues to contribute her time and expertise to ensure the success of Support Soweto Junior School's mission.

What excites Sabine most about her role is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and their community. It's the prospect of contributing to their education and future prospects that fuels her passion.

Looking ahead, Support Soweto Junior School faces several challenges. They currently cover only about 15% of the school's food budget and aspire to provide more funding for daily hot meals. Additionally, they aim to supply more resources to the school, including school supplies and computers. As a small organization with limited resources, they want to grow and enhance their fundraising capabilities. Since the school receives no government funding and has diverse needs, their ultimate aim is to make the school sustainable.

Sabine's journey with Support Soweto Junior School began when she served as a link between positively AFRICA and the school during her volunteer work from 2008 to 2017. The collaboration aimed to support the school through the sale of handicrafts. Later, they partnered with an organization in Calgary that sent volunteers to build community resources worldwide. When the Calgary NGO ceased its international work due to COVID-19, Sabine remained in touch with the school s Principal. In 2019, when the school faced difficulties feeding its 300 students, she took action, developed a website, assembled a Steering Committee, and launched Support Soweto Junior School.

Sabine'ss advice to those wanting to get involved is simple yet profound: recognize that even one person can make a world of difference, whether through donations or volunteering time and energy. She believes we all have the capacity to change lives.

Sabine's proudest moment in her career to date is creating a platform for generosity and knowing that supporters will always step up when needed. Her drive stems from the stark contrast between the abundance in Canada and the unimaginable challenges faced by the school, the children, and their families. She emphasizes the importance of being open to others' ideas and perspectives, keeping the end goal in mind, and not letting ego or the need for control hinder progress. Brainstorming with the team is crucial to opening up new avenues.

Sabine hopes to leave behind a legacy of positive change, improved education, and enhanced well-being for the children and the Soweto Junior School community.

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.

Susan Gallagher

Susan Gallagher: Making a Difference through SSJS

Susan Gallagher's journey through life has been marked by a genuine desire to help others, and her role within the Soweto Junior School (SSJS) NGO embodies that commitment. With a diverse career history and a heart full of compassion, Susan is a valued member of the SSJS team.

Career Evolution: A Path of Compassion and Learning

Susan's career path reflects her innate empathy and her continuous quest for knowledge. For over 13 years, she served as a massage therapist in British Columbia, offering healing and comfort to those in need. However, her thirst for learning led her to expand her horizons. She returned to school, earning an Accounting Diploma, and transitioned into a role at Coast Capital. As she prepared for retirement, she embarked on a new adventure, becoming a support worker for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to aiding others.

SSJS: Fulfilling a Need and Building Relationships

Joining the Soweto Junior School (SSJS) was a natural progression for Susan. Inspired by her close friend Sabine, the founder of SSJS, Susan recognised the organisation's potential to make a meaningful impact. Her role within JJSJ is not just a position but a calling to fulfill a need, which resonates deeply with her compassionate nature.

The Excitement of Collaboration

Susan finds excitement in collaborating with remarkable individuals who share the same passion and determination for SSJS’s success. The prospect of working alongside like-minded individuals with unique skills and unwavering commitment fuels her drive and enthusiasm.

Challenges and Hopes for the Future

Susan acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead for SSJS, particularly in engaging contributors on a monthly basis. She understands that there is a global need, and people often focus their support on local communities or war-torn regions. Despite these hurdles, Susan remains hopeful that SSJS will continue to garner support and flourish in its mission.

A Legacy of Kindness and Thoughtfulness

Susan's life philosophy is succinct yet profound: "Be kind. Be thoughtful. Have a good sense of humour."" She strives to leave behind a legacy of compassion, empathy, and laughter, values that have guided her throughout her life.

Beyond Work: Puzzles, Reading, and Family

Outside of her dedicated work with SSJS, Susan enjoys indulging in hobbies like puzzles and reading. Her son has been the biggest influence on her life, and being a parent has been the most rewarding experience she cherishes.

Looking ahead, Susan's hope for the future is universal: peace. Like many, she aspires to a world where conflicts cease, and compassion prevails.

Susan Gallagher's journey is a testament to the power of compassion, continuous learning, and the pursuit of making a difference. Her dedication to JSS embodies her philosophy of kindness and thoughtfulness, leaving a legacy of love and care for generations to come.

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.

Laura Thomson

Laura Thompson: Board Member and Dedicated Philanthropist

Laura Thompson, an essential member of the Board of Directors at Support Soweto Junior School (SSJS), brings a unique dedication to education and a commitment to the students of Soweto Junior Education Centre. Raised in Africa, including Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, Laura's profound connection to the continent fuels her passion for promoting and supporting education at Soweto Junior school.

In her professional life, Laura is the co-owner of a training consulting company that has been providing training services to various companies in British Columbia for the past 21 years. Her career journey reflects a commitment to both her local community and broader global causes.

Being a part of the SSJS Board holds special meaning for Laura. It allows her to contribute in a small yet impactful way to the well-being of children in Africa, her birthplace. The excitement in her role comes from the direct connection with the school through Jeff, and the active involvement of children in fundraising activities brings a tangible connection to the cause.

As with any initiative, challenges are inevitable. Laura identifies capacity as the primary challenge for SSJS, given the small group of core volunteers. Attracting and retaining more volunteers is crucial for the sustained impact they aim to achieve. Laura's journey with SSJS began through her involvement with Positively Africa (PA), collaborating with Sabine Laubental,. When Sabine expressed her desire to support Jeff at Soweto Junior during the pandemic, Laura readily offered her assistance.

For those aspiring to get involved in similar causes, Laura's advice is to find something genuinely interesting and avoid overcommitment. A sustainable commitment allows for more meaningful and impactful contributions.

One of Laura's proudest career moments is raising over $5000 last year through various fundraising events for Jeff and the school. The joy of helping others and connecting with like-minded individuals is what drives her in her endeavors.

In reflecting on her career and life lessons, Laura emphasizes the importance of enjoying what you do, especially when volunteering. If the enjoyment diminishes, it's crucial to reassess and focus on what truly matters.

Key to innovative thinking, according to Laura, is listening to alternative ideas. Staying open to diverse opinions and avoiding echo chambers is essential for fostering creativity and innovation.

Laura aspires to leave behind a legacy of being a role model to her children, showcasing the importance of helping others whenever possible.

Reflecting on her biggest opportunity, Laura points to the opportunity to become a mother, which she considers her biggest and most cherished achievement. Her hope for the future is for a safe and healthy world for her grandchildren to live in.

Laura Thompson's journey is a testament to her commitment to education, philanthropy, and creating a positive impact globally. As an essential member of SSJS, Laure's dedication continues to contribute to the betterment of Soweto Junior Education Centre and the community it serves.

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