Coming to Orkeeswa from New Jersey, Allison Bickel is an English Teacher extraordinaire! With experience teaching abroad Allison brings new ideas, a passion for learning and a love for students to the school. While she gets creative in the classroom and encourages students to cultivate a deeper desire for knowledge, she also maintains a relational dynamic and serves as a mentor to young female students. Allison coaches the Orkeeswa running squad and many of our students have developed a passion for distance running with Allison by their side!
Hailing from Arusha Tanzania, Audiface Amede joins Orkeeswa as the history, geography & civics teacher. He has a Bachelor Degree in Education, and is a passionate and articulate educator. Outside of the classroom he is involved in many different activities on campus, including coaching the boys volleyball team, teaching life skills classes, and leading the Health Educators club. Audiface say’s “there are so many things I like about Orkeeswa, it is too many to name!”
Seth Heinert is an amazing classroom teacher and a man of many talents at Orkeeswa Secondary School! Joining us from Wyoming, he has been volunteering with Orkeeswa Secondary since August 2010 as the Agriculture and Biology teacher. Additionally, Seth manages the garden, runs woodworking club, oversees the Microfinance program, and is the school coordinator and medical officer. Seth brings experiential learning to his classes and makes education fun and engaging for all students. Don’t be surprised if you hear singing and laughter coming from Seths classroom on a daily basis!
Thomas Laizer, from Kisongo Tanzania, is the second headmaster at Orkeeswa Secondary. He holds a BA in business administration from Kampala International University and teaches mathematics & physics. Thomas is from the Maasai tribe and works closely with the community as he acts as a liaison between the school and the local community. Thomas has an admirable commitment to individual students and sets an example as a mentor and relational educator.
With a welcoming smile and a sincere heart, the first person you are likely to meet at Orkeeswa Secondary is Mzee Leisnet. He has been involved in the school since it’s beginning days and is now the head of security but you can also find him coaching football, counseling students, working in community relations, translating for parents and much more. Mzee is adored by all who visit OSS, and he might just be your favorite Orkeeswa staff member!
The guy behind our systems and records and all things organizational is Greg Flett. Greg is the Associate Director for IEFT and brings over 11 years experience in leadership positions at child serving non-profit organizations throughout the US. He earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University and now manages US operations and fundraising as well as oversees US staff and volunteers. His experience in management, organization planning and team leadership comes as a great asset to IEFT. Greg holds down the fort at our Boston office, so be sure to call or stop by and say hello!
One of the most positive and intentional people we have ever met, is Paul Ole Saing’eu. He joins Orkeeswa as the school counselor working with students and families on a daily basis. Paul earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology in Kenya, and is well respected as one of the few educated Maasai of his generation. As Paul is from the Maasai tribe, one of the many assets he brings to the school is his ability to share a common culture, understanding and relating the traditions of the community. Paul is an incredibly caring intellectual who makes a profound impact as a trusted advisor to students.
All the way from Nebraska, Lisa Heinert began working at Orkeeswa Secondary School in August 2010. After teaching English for a year, she is now currently serving as the Activities and Athletics Coordinator. Lisa has a Masters Degree in Leadership Education and has previously worked in youth and community development. If she’s not facilitating leadership club, you might find her running practice on the football field! Lisa is one of the hardest workers we have ever met, and she is an incredible leader and an asset to the team.
Peter Luis came to Tanzania as an educator in 2005 and soon after co-founded IEFT as a result of seeing the incredible potential of youth and the lack of quality education available in rural areas. Peter’s vision for equipping youth with an education and allowing them to translate their knowledge into practical skills they can implement within their communities has been crucial in launching the clear mission of the school and developing the culture in which students are educated. Peter now lives in Tanzania working daily with our staff and students and serving as IEFT’s visionary and Executive Director.
Joining the IEFT team in 2010, Quinn Brady is a dynamic figure within the organization. Quinn is a taskmaster that takes on many different responsibilities, gets creative and makes things happen! Splitting her time between Tanzania and Boston, Quinn serves as the Development Coordinator serving a variety of roles from running the student sponsorship program to teaching Life skills and character development classes at the school. She has a gift of connecting with students and empowering young women. Her real passion is the students and giving them the tools they need through education to create and live empowered, engaged, and purposeful lives.
You want it cooked, cleaned, repaired, and maintained? Ask one of these amazing staff members; meet Rose, Agnes, Judith, Monica, Happiness and Dereva! All of them coming from the surrounding community, these dedicated individuals play an essential role in supporting, feeding and caring for our students. In addition to keeping the school clean and healthy, many of them house students who are displaced as well as serve as mentors to the students. Everyday they keep the school running and our bellies full. We couldn’t do what we do without them!
You want it cooked, cleaned, repaired, and maintained? Ask one of these amazing staff members; meet Rose, Agnes, Judith, Monica, Happiness and Dereva! All of them coming from the surrounding community, these dedicated individuals play an essential role in supporting, feeding and caring for our students. In addition to keeping the school clean and healthy, many of them house students who are displaced as well as serve as mentors to the students. Everyday they keep the school running and our bellies full. We couldn’t do what we do without them!
One of the Tanzanian visionaries involved since the inception of IEFT is Raphael Robert. Raphael has been a cornerstone in the development of a culture of compassion at Orkeeswa. He is a passionate local leader who sets a tone in management with his integrity and excellence. He is IEFT’s Tanzania Associate Director and oversees all operations from the finances to human resources to government affairs. Raphael is an efficient and effective member of the team, but always takes the time to personally invest in students, staff and volunteers. He is our secret weapon on the soccer field, and we are pretty sure he would be able to take on the entire staff in a soccer match, and win!
Chris Nainga is an experienced educator and a leader in academic development at the school. Hailing from Kenya and graduating with a Bachelor of Educational Science, Chris is a dynamic chemistry and biology teacher who engages students in the classroom and challenges their prior limits to learning. Chris coaches public speaking and serves as the schools academic coordinator.
A young and enthusiastic addition to the team, Yesaya Bendera, from Tanzania is dynamic both in and out of the classroom. His energy and willingness shape the classroom environment as he teaches both Chemistry and Biology. Bendera is a passionate soccer player and coaches both the female and male teams at Orkeeswa.
The man, the myth, the legend… Hamad! You can always count on Hamad Ali, rain or shine, night or day, he is somewhere working hard; fixing, painting, driving, repairing, building, helping. Hamad is our go to guy for anything and everything at Orkeeswa.
An incredible academic and intellectual prowess, Yussufu Robert is the Headmaster of Orkeeswa Secondary School. Robert earned his Bachelor Degree in Kampala Uganda before returning to his own community to work towards increasing quality education for young people in his tribe. He has a passion for education and commitment to his community that is undeniable. Robert is currently pursuing his Masters in community development, is a veracious reader and helps to cultivate curiosity and a desire for learning in all of our students.
Dr. Seth Msinjiri is our trusted advisor, mentor and friend. Hailing from Tanzania, he excelled as a young academic and earned a PHD in Russia before returning to Tanzania to pass on the gift of education to the same community in which he was raised. He has been working in education both as a teacher and headmaster, and now a honored advisor, for many years. With extensive experience as an educator and leader in the community he has been a wise and valued voice in the development of the school and community relations.
Solomon Sambweti brings an understanding of the Tanzanian education system and experience as an educator to the school. Solomon was born and raised n Lashaine village near Orkeeswa Secondary School, and like many of our teachers returned to his home after completing university to teach youth from him community. Solomon teachers Physics and Geography as well as facilitates the Environmental Awareness club.
Given Mambali in an incredibly energetic and passionate teacher that has the gift of engaging students at all levels in the classroom. Anytime you pass his classroom, you can see students faces light up with laughter and joy as Given brings learning to life. Coming from coastal Tanzania, Given brings Swahili culture and articulate language skills that are an asset to the school. He earned his Bachelors of Arts with Education and now teaches History and Kiswahili to Orkeeswa Students. He is loved by students and staff, as he brings a new excitement to education.
Coming to Orkeeswa from New Jersey, Allison Bickel is an English Teacher extraordinaire! With experience teaching abroad Allison brings new ideas, a passion for learning and a love for students to the school. While she gets creative in the classroom and encourages students to cultivate a deeper desire for knowledge, she also maintains a relational dynamic and serves as a mentor to young female students. Allison coaches the Orkeeswa running squad and many of our students have developed a passion for distance running with Allison by their side!
Hailing from Arusha Tanzania, Audiface Amede joins Orkeeswa as the history, geography & civics teacher. He has a Bachelor Degree in Education, and is a passionate and articulate educator. Outside of the classroom he is involved in many different activities on campus, including coaching the boys volleyball team, teaching life skills classes, and leading the Health Educators club. Audiface say’s “there are so many things I like about Orkeeswa, it is too many to name!”
Seth Heinert is an amazing classroom teacher and a man of many talents at Orkeeswa Secondary School! Joining us from Wyoming, he has been volunteering with Orkeeswa Secondary since August 2010 as the Agriculture and Biology teacher. Additionally, Seth manages the garden, runs woodworking club, oversees the Microfinance program, and is the school coordinator and medical officer. Seth brings experiential learning to his classes and makes education fun and engaging for all students. Don’t be surprised if you hear singing and laughter coming from Seths classroom on a daily basis!
Thomas Laizer, from Kisongo Tanzania, is the second headmaster at Orkeeswa Secondary. He holds a BA in business administration from Kampala International University and teaches mathematics & physics. Thomas is from the Maasai tribe and works closely with the community as he acts as a liaison between the school and the local community. Thomas has an admirable commitment to individual students and sets an example as a mentor and relational educator.
With a welcoming smile and a sincere heart, the first person you are likely to meet at Orkeeswa Secondary is Mzee Leisnet. He has been involved in the school since it’s beginning days and is now the head of security but you can also find him coaching football, counseling students, working in community relations, translating for parents and much more. Mzee is adored by all who visit OSS, and he might just be your favorite Orkeeswa staff member!
The guy behind our systems and records and all things organizational is Greg Flett. Greg is the Associate Director for IEFT and brings over 11 years experience in leadership positions at child serving non-profit organizations throughout the US. He earned his Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University and now manages US operations and fundraising as well as oversees US staff and volunteers. His experience in management, organization planning and team leadership comes as a great asset to IEFT. Greg holds down the fort at our Boston office, so be sure to call or stop by and say hello!
One of the most positive and intentional people we have ever met, is Paul Ole Saing’eu. He joins Orkeeswa as the school counselor working with students and families on a daily basis. Paul earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology in Kenya, and is well respected as one of the few educated Maasai of his generation. As Paul is from the Maasai tribe, one of the many assets he brings to the school is his ability to share a common culture, understanding and relating the traditions of the community. Paul is an incredibly caring intellectual who makes a profound impact as a trusted advisor to students.
All the way from Nebraska, Lisa Heinert began working at Orkeeswa Secondary School in August 2010. After teaching English for a year, she is now currently serving as the Activities and Athletics Coordinator. Lisa has a Masters Degree in Leadership Education and has previously worked in youth and community development. If she’s not facilitating leadership club, you might find her running practice on the football field! Lisa is one of the hardest workers we have ever met, and she is an incredible leader and an asset to the team.
Peter Luis came to Tanzania as an educator in 2005 and soon after co-founded IEFT as a result of seeing the incredible potential of youth and the lack of quality education available in rural areas. Peter’s vision for equipping youth with an education and allowing them to translate their knowledge into practical skills they can implement within their communities has been crucial in launching the clear mission of the school and developing the culture in which students are educated. Peter now lives in Tanzania working daily with our staff and students and serving as IEFT’s visionary and Executive Director.
Joining the IEFT team in 2010, Quinn Brady is a dynamic figure within the organization. Quinn is a taskmaster that takes on many different responsibilities, gets creative and makes things happen! Splitting her time between Tanzania and Boston, Quinn serves as the Development Coordinator serving a variety of roles from running the student sponsorship program to teaching Life skills and character development classes at the school. She has a gift of connecting with students and empowering young women. Her real passion is the students and giving them the tools they need through education to create and live empowered, engaged, and purposeful lives.
You want it cooked, cleaned, repaired, and maintained? Ask one of these amazing staff members; meet Rose, Agnes, Judith, Monica, Happiness and Dereva! All of them coming from the surrounding community, these dedicated individuals play an essential role in supporting, feeding and caring for our students. In addition to keeping the school clean and healthy, many of them house students who are displaced as well as serve as mentors to the students. Everyday they keep the school running and our bellies full. We couldn’t do what we do without them!
You want it cooked, cleaned, repaired, and maintained? Ask one of these amazing staff members; meet Rose, Agnes, Judith, Monica, Happiness and Dereva! All of them coming from the surrounding community, these dedicated individuals play an essential role in supporting, feeding and caring for our students. In addition to keeping the school clean and healthy, many of them house students who are displaced as well as serve as mentors to the students. Everyday they keep the school running and our bellies full. We couldn’t do what we do without them!
One of the Tanzanian visionaries involved since the inception of IEFT is Raphael Robert. Raphael has been a cornerstone in the development of a culture of compassion at Orkeeswa. He is a passionate local leader who sets a tone in management with his integrity and excellence. He is IEFT’s Tanzania Associate Director and oversees all operations from the finances to human resources to government affairs. Raphael is an efficient and effective member of the team, but always takes the time to personally invest in students, staff and volunteers. He is our secret weapon on the soccer field, and we are pretty sure he would be able to take on the entire staff in a soccer match, and win!
Chris Nainga is an experienced educator and a leader in academic development at the school. Hailing from Kenya and graduating with a Bachelor of Educational Science, Chris is a dynamic chemistry and biology teacher who engages students in the classroom and challenges their prior limits to learning. Chris coaches public speaking and serves as the schools academic coordinator.
A young and enthusiastic addition to the team, Yesaya Bendera, from Tanzania is dynamic both in and out of the classroom. His energy and willingness shape the classroom environment as he teaches both Chemistry and Biology. Bendera is a passionate soccer player and coaches both the female and male teams at Orkeeswa.
The man, the myth, the legend… Hamad! You can always count on Hamad Ali, rain or shine, night or day, he is somewhere working hard; fixing, painting, driving, repairing, building, helping. Hamad is our go to guy for anything and everything at Orkeeswa.
An incredible academic and intellectual prowess, Yussufu Robert is the Headmaster of Orkeeswa Secondary School. Robert earned his Bachelor Degree in Kampala Uganda before returning to his own community to work towards increasing quality education for young people in his tribe. He has a passion for education and commitment to his community that is undeniable. Robert is currently pursuing his Masters in community development, is a veracious reader and helps to cultivate curiosity and a desire for learning in all of our students.
Dr. Seth Msinjiri is our trusted advisor, mentor and friend. Hailing from Tanzania, he excelled as a young academic and earned a PHD in Russia before returning to Tanzania to pass on the gift of education to the same community in which he was raised. He has been working in education both as a teacher and headmaster, and now a honored advisor, for many years. With extensive experience as an educator and leader in the community he has been a wise and valued voice in the development of the school and community relations.
Solomon Sambweti brings an understanding of the Tanzanian education system and experience as an educator to the school. Solomon was born and raised n Lashaine village near Orkeeswa Secondary School, and like many of our teachers returned to his home after completing university to teach youth from him community. Solomon teachers Physics and Geography as well as facilitates the Environmental Awareness club.
Given Mambali in an incredibly energetic and passionate teacher that has the gift of engaging students at all levels in the classroom. Anytime you pass his classroom, you can see students faces light up with laughter and joy as Given brings learning to life. Coming from coastal Tanzania, Given brings Swahili culture and articulate language skills that are an asset to the school. He earned his Bachelors of Arts with Education and now teaches History and Kiswahili to Orkeeswa Students. He is loved by students and staff, as he brings a new excitement to education.
