Our team
Meet the team
Zilla Stekhoven
Board Member and founder of Sawabona Africa e.V.
A good education is the key to unlock the incredible potential of the talented children of Southern Africa.
It is wonderful to be part of this journey with Sawabona Africa e.V. and see the positive difference our contribution makes to the lives of children and their communities.
Claus Kaltner
Board Member and founding member of Sawabona Africa e.V.
The charities Sawabona Africa supports, have a huge impact on the education outcomes of all learners. The children have a chance to attend university and have sustainable careers. I am a proud supporter of Sawabona Africa and to help make a difference.
Heidi Schneider
Board Member and founding member of Sawabona Africa e.V.
When Zilla told me about her plan to start a Charity to support education of children in southern Africa was immediately energized to help set up Sawabona Africa e.V.
With a small contribution of money and time we can make a difference for children in a country with one of the highest social inequalities in this world. Through Sawabona Africa we can open doors that would otherwise be locked for them.
Coco van Zaandvoort
Volunteer for Social Media
Having visited South Africa a couple of times I have seen how big the inequality is, especially in terms of education amongst children. Since education is key for a successful future which every child deserves no matter where you come from, I am glad that we can make a difference in their lives and future with Sawabona Africa e.V.
Ritwika Chattergee
Volunteer for Maths and Science projects
Education is the basic human right of every child in this world and a good education forms the pillar of a nation.
Having worked with organizations like HOPE and MAD in India, I have always felt it as a responsibility to contribute and give back to the society at large.
I am thrilled to be a volunteer for the Maths and Science project at Sawabona Africa and work towards a better future for the kids in South Africa.
Lea Stegemann
Volunteer for Reporting
I believe that knowledge is power and that education, particularly of girls in the Global South, is the key to social justice and prosperity.
To use a bit of my privileged situation growing up and present, I am thrilled to support Sawabona Africa and have a small impact in sustainable, positive change.
Silvia Burn
Volunteer for Social Media and Communication
Access to education is the pillar of a good life—it’s the foundation for opportunity and change.
I saw this firsthand while working with a local NGO in Peru, where empowering women in rural areas to start their own businesses began with education.
Having spent time in South Africa, I’ve seen its incredible contrasts—a rich mix of cultures and landscapes alongside deep inequalities.
That’s why I’m proud to be part of Sawabona Africa, working to help create real opportunities through education.
Dominic Duval
Volunteer for Bookkeeping
I hold all that Sawabona Africa does dear to my heart.
Supporting the bookkeeping is more than about numbers, it building meaningful information that supports donors, the board, members and the wider community we serve – accountablility and transparency to each other.
Thank you for letting me join you on this journey to grow Sawabona Africa.
Mihirbala Lenka
Volunteer for on-line Marketing
Originating from a developing country,India, I find profound motivation in contributing to initiatives that uplift others, particularly in the realm of education. Embracing Sawabona Africa e.V.’s mission, I am elated to stand alongside a dedicated team, collectively shaping brighter futures for numerous South African children through the power of quality education.
Discovering Sawabona Africa e.V. ignited my excitement, and now, as a proud volunteer in their Online Marketing project, I’m thrilled to contribute to a better future for South African children through education.
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