MEET OUR TEAM
Wajoli Foundation is made up of many different people, working together for a shared purpose. We are extremely blessed to have incredible staff. An organisation is only as strong as the people who are working toward the same purpose. Thankfully, we have a clear mission and some of the best people in the world.
Our Leadership Team
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Angela Driver
Co-founder / Executive Director / Volunteer in Uganda
My trip to Uganda in 2015 changed my life. I fell in love with the people and their strong sense of community and family. I have lived here ever since and continue to serve the community. I love the work and the constant challenges. The skills I have learnt throughout my multiple careers have equipped me well for this role!
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Gillian Cottrell
Co-founder / Director
I co-founded Wajoli Foundation with Angela and back in 2017. We witnessed great need first hand and wanted to assist the community in a manner that is sustainable and community driven, to support long term change.
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Catherine Akello
Director / Phonics Specialist
I am passionate about supporting Gulu community, and being a teacher myself, I know how much effort goes into educating children and single mother's, and what a difference it makes to their future. I believe in our programs and know they transform lives. It is an honour to serve on the board.
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Daryl Driver
Co-founder / Board Advisor
I became involved in Uganda in 2009 because I have a passion for the people, particularly the children, as they stir your heart strings. We have accomplished so much, and I am proud to be a small part of this amazing and dedicated team that works to serve the people of Gulu District.
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Jaimee-Ann Driver
Board Advisor / Tech Support / Fundraising Champion
The people of Uganda teach me so much about strength and resilience. Working with Wajoli Foundation, I get to be a small part of providing opportunities that I was lucky to be born with to people who need them most.
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Alex Odoch
General Manager
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Irene Acen
Accountant & Purchasing Officer
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Shelley Heriot
Education Advisor / Fundraising Champion
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Kim Nadalin
Fundraising Champion / WEP Cosmetics Teacher
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Judith Achiro
Student Sponsorship & Marketing Coordinator
I grew up in a slum area of Kampala. Life in the slum was tough; the basic needs of the family like clothing, feeding and school dues are so hard to come by. I am a graduate, but this would not have been possible if my older sister didn’t provide for my education. I am forever grateful for her love and support. Because of this act, I have developed compassion to care and advocate for those who are going through similar adversaries so that they can also receive the opportunity to learn and prosper.
Wajoli Kindergarten & Primary School Team
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Catherine Aciro
Head Teacher / ECD Educator
I love working with children and seeing them learn and grow. Being part of Wajoli has helped me after becoming a widow at a young age. I now raise my two boys alone. I am thankful for my job, and the sponsor I have to upgrade my ECD training from certificate level to diploma.
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Susan Aketo
Acting Deputy Head Teacher / Senior ECD Educator
I am married with two sons. I love working at Wajoli Kindergarten and Primary School because I love children.
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Stephen Tookoma
Reading Program Coordinator & Administration Assistant
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Grace Piloya
Speed Class Educator (Disability Support)
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Erick Tumwiine
Primary Educator
Being part of the Wajoli Sponsorship Program gave birth to me becoming a Primary Teacher, and thereafter serving at the very foundation that raised me up. I am passionate in ensuring the success of all my learners. My gratitude towards Wajoli reflects my humility and appreciation for the opportunities provided to me as I serve the people in my community.
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Monica Gloria Atim
Primary Educator
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Job Richard Odokonyero
Primary Educator - Maths & Science
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Francis Odongkara
Primary Educator
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Harriet Anena
Primary Classroom Support
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Patricia Christine Apoko
Primary Classroom Support
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Everlyn Atto
ECD Educator
Since I have been with Wajoli Foundation, I have seen myself progressing. I love working with children and strongly believe in the quote "Children must be taught how to think not what to think."
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Gloria Acan
ECD Classroom Support
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Christine Adong
ECD Classroom Support
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Mandreen Lakareber Adong
ECD Classroom Support
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Concy Caroline Piloya
School Chef
Wajoli House Women’s Empowerment Program
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Immaculate Amito
Wajoli House Assistant Manager / Social Worker
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Phillips Olweny
Office Administrator / School Van Driver
My positive experience of Wajoli Foundation stems from Wajoli's recognition and celebration of individual differences. They value diversity and understand the importance of respecting and embracing each person's unique qualities and backgrounds.
I was first hired as a School Van Driver for Wajoli House, yet now I also work as an Office Administrator between driving the school van. I feel valued and treated with dignity at Wajoli Foundation, regardless of my age.
Wajoli holds a positive work atmosphere that enhances employee satisfaction and morale. By fostering an environment of acceptance and respect, Wajoli Foundation not only supports its employees but also strengthens its overall mission of empowering women, families and communities.
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Beatrice Aciro
Adult Educator / Social Worker
Wajoli Foundation has made me who I am now because of the empowerment, building hope in young ladies, and making them aware of what life is all about. Above all, providing psychosocial support and giving light to the community we serve is such a blessing to me.
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Gloria Joy Apiyo
Hair & Beauty Teacher
My greatest appreciation to Wajoli Foundation for granting me the opportunity of skilling young ladies in Hair and Beauty. This creates a great impact on their lives. It indicates that there is no shortcut in life as long as you are ambitious enough to accept opportunities that come your way. I have learnt how to deal with ladies at different stages of their life, and to give inspiration and motivation to continue with their studies and fulfil their dreams.
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Jennifer Acen
ECD Day Care Coordinator
I feel deeply fulfilled by my role as Day Care Coordinator, and I appreciate the opportunity to work, especially considering the extremely high unemployment rate in Uganda.
By ensuring that the children feel loved, cared for, and included, I create a nurturing environment where our little learners can thrive. Socialising and facilitating friendships among the children further enriches their experience and contributes to their overall development.
As a single mother myself, I understand the challenges and struggles that the Wajoli House families face first-hand. This personal experience fuels my passion for ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, receive the support and care they deserve.
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Jenneth Akello
ECD Day Care Assistant
I believe that working with children is my calling and indicates a strong sense of purpose and passion for my role with Wajoli, and for my life. Seeing the innocence of children and bringing smiles to their faces brings me joy.
Despite facing personal challenges, such as my husband's disapproval of my career choice, I remain grateful and fulfilled by my work with children.
My determination to further my education in Early Childhood Development by pursuing a diploma, and my commitment to providing the best care possible for the children in my care is paramount.
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Flavia Adokorach
Wajoli House Chef
This job has made a difference in my life by gaining more skills in handling a larger number of people compared to my past employment. Through good management and team work, I am able to work and manage the stress of a Chef very well.
Wajoli respects each individual and I have realised the value that the organisation put on treating each person as they are. Being part of the Wajoli House Women’s Empowerment Team has also given me confidence and trust in the organisation. I have developed good time management skills and feel that the job has raised me from zero to hero!
Support Staff - Ocuka & Layik Campuses
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Stephen Abonga
Security & Maintenance Manager
The transition from farming to working as a Security Guard at Wajoli Foundation has improved my livelihood and provided much-needed stability for my family.
Initially, relying solely on farming income posed many challenges, particularly with unpredictable factors like weather affecting yields. Furthermore, as a returned child soldier, and one of thirty-nine children kidnapped from school by the LRA during the war, my schooling was cut short.
The ongoing training provided by Wajoli Foundation in workplace management and interpersonal skills has enhanced my abilities to fulfil my role effectively. This not only contributes to a positive work environment but also fosters a sense of peace and fulfilment in my professional life. I am now saving for my children's higher education, investing in their future to break the cycle of financial insecurity.
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Robert Owaci
Security & Maintenance, Ocuka
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Patrick Odocki
Security & Maintenance, Ocuka
I first worked at Wajoli Foundation as a helper during construction of the buildings. From there, I was hired permanently as a night watchman. I never got to go to school, but I am working hard to make sure my children can study. I am married and have five children.
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Jacob Okot
Security & Maintenance, Layik
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Florence Acirocan
Security & Maintenance, Layik
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Kenneth Okello
Security & Maintenance, Layik
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Alice Anena
Groundskeeper
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Consy Arach
Groundskeeper
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Morish Acaba
Groundskeeper
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Alan Onencan
Groundskeeper
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Sarah Ajok
Assistant School Cook, Ocuka
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Betty Akello
Wajoli House Cleaner, Layik
My journey from facing homelessness and struggling to provide for my children to finding stability and hope through the support of Wajoli House Women’s Empowerment Centre has been life changing.
Despite the hardships I faced after separating from my husband and being rejected by my in-laws, my resilience and determination to provide for my children led me to take on various jobs, including labouring at the stone quarry.
Now, with thanks to Wajoli Foundation, I am studying Hair and Beaty, as well as working as a Cleaner at Wajoli House. I am receiving a good income and can now support my children.
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Irene Amayo
School Cleaner, Ocuka
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Nighty Angwech
School Cleaner, Ocuka