Leadership
Edith Jokomo
Executive Director HAF Zimbabwe
Edith Jokomo is a member of the United Methodist Church with a passion to touch lives by reaching out to people making them realize their potential to change .She holds a Diploma in Home Economics from Gweru Teachers College and a BSc Education Degree Major in Biological Sciences from Njala University College in Sierra Leone. She has worked extensively with NGO’s on several humanitarian issues as a Director of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church and as an Officer in the Curriculum Development Unit in Zimbabwe. She has been involved in research for several projects including Farm Community Trust Project, Quality Education for Science Teaching (QUEST). She has two biological children Verna Runyararo and Rutendo Gracious studying in the US and many more children throughout the World.
Virginia (Ginny) Sawatsky
President
Ginny is co-owner and Executive Director of Pacific Developmental Pathways Ltd., a company providing services to adults with developmental disabilities. Virginia has been involved with Hear Africa since its inception and is passionate about their work in Zimbabwe. Virginia loves being involved because it directly impacts the lives of people and aligns with her values of empowering individuals to be part of change in their own communities.
Bediam Zimbiti
Liaison to Zimbabwe
Born in Zimbabwe, Bediam attended Salisbury Polytechnic and graduated with a Diploma in Business Management before immigrating to Canada in the 1990’s. Upon arriving in Canada he enrolled in studies at Trinity Western University and holds a BA in International Studies (specialization) in Economic Development from the institution. Bediam has worked with several non-profit organizations and is a co-founder of Mukiwa Art with Dr. Hester Vivier.
Eric Schurch
Treasurer
A commercial property manager, Eric is responsible for a large portfolio of properties. He has traveled extensively throughout southern Africa, including two trips to Zimbabwe. Eric has also been involved in various aspects of humanitarian work, serving in countries like South Africa, Mexico and Venezuela.
Alyssa Vanderploeg
Alyssa is originally from Ontario, moving to British Columbia to study nursing school at Trinity Western University. She is now employed as a Registered Nurse at Langley Memorial Hospital. After spending some time travelling and volunteering in Eastern Africa, it was important to find a way to be involved from Canada in development work. What sticks out about Hear Africa is that they promote sustainable development within the communities, which they are involved. All projects are based on what the community needs, and has the community being involved in taking ownership of the projects, such as building the bricks for their schools.
Charlene Redekop
Charlene is an elementary school teacher and administrator. She has been involved in humanitarian projects in Thailand, Russia and Ukraine as well as Zimbabwe. She has a passion for education and the change that it can bring to children’s lives and the community as a whole through organizations such as Hear Africa.
Samantha Kleingeltink
I have a huge heart for international development and I am passionate about the mission of Hear Africa. I completed my diploma in Community Social Service Work in 2013. Since, I work as an outreach worker for the Surrey School District and I am the event coordinator for the Unedited Movement.
