Team Leaders

 Background information

We (Karl and Josephine) have had an opportunity to serve communities in different African countries through various Churches, local and international development organisations. We got married in 1999 and have been blessed with two boys  Danston (seven years) and Adriel (ten years).

Education

We both hold a Diploma in Education(Social  Studies) from the University of Zimbabwe, Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership( Community Development) from Cornerstone Institute (Cape Town). Karl also did a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Practical Theology with International College of Bible and Missions (Johannesburg) and Josephine a Post graduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management from University of Stellenbosch (Cape Town). We have just completed our studies at Redcliffe College (www.redcliffe.org) validated by Gloucestershire University. Karl an MA in Global Leadership in Intercultural Contexts and Josephine an MA in Global Issues in Contemporary Missions.These studies have helped us to gain a global perspective while acknowledging grassroots leadership in initiating various community transformation projects. Besides these  studies, we have also undergone some work related trainings to do with HIV/AIDS, peer support counselling, security awareness, human rights and development, child abuse to mention a few.

Experience

After graduating as teachers we responded to God’s call to serve communities by coordinating the implementation of various Christ centred community lead projects through Scripture Union Zimbabwe while facilitating the establishment of Gwanda Sub  Office (Zimbabwe) leading to  formation of schools clusters and Church  fraternities in the Southern part of Zimbabwe. Karl later (2002) joined the United Nations - World Food Programme monitoring the implementation of the food aid programme by various implementing partners. This opened an opportunity for him to spearhead the opening up and establishment of three sub offices in Zimbabwe and attending workshops in other countries where WFP implements some of its projects. Karl was selected  to join other UN  agencies training to become the peer support counselling focal person for Zimbabwe reporting to the UN-WFP staff counsellor in Rome.

 In 2004, before embarking on further studies, Karl gave some support, helping in the establishment of an organisation called Khulasizwe Trust in Zimbabwe. Today Khulasizwe Trust is well established in Zimbabwe and in other neighbouring countries.

Later (2008) we joined Oasis global family and helped in the establishment of Oasis South Africa. This presented a huge learning curve as we had an opportunity to serve at senior management level in a cross cultural set up. Karl was at this stage managing and giving strategic direction to various community action projects while Josephine engaged more in managing home based care and the community clinic initiated by Oasis South Africa.

The year we spent doing our MA studies in the UK, presented to us an opportunity to serve at grassroots level with an organisation called Key Change charity. This increased our passion to set up HFAA with a strong acknowledgement of grassroots leadership.

Church involvement

Karl has been involved in the Oversight team at Valley Vineyard Church in Johannesburg, Youth leader with Assemblies of God Church in Zimbabwe and Home Group leader with Assemblies of God Church in Cape Town, Fish Hoek/Masuphumelele area.

Recommendations 

Having known Karl and Josie through Oasis South Africa, and seen them in a variety of capacities for some time ……they are  highly recommended by our Eldership Team to partner with, Cosmo City Church on setting up HOPE 4 ALL AFRICA

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mobile: +27829521362 (Jack Tsoai: Visionary Leader, Cosmo City Church) www.cosmochurch.org.za

I see Karl and Josie’s commitment to social development initiatives as very genuine and Christ centred. This is a couple that is not content with warming the benches at Church or just enjoying fellowship without attending to the needs of the disadvantaged. They seem to understand God within the oppressed as a vehicle for the upliftment of humanity to a better standard of living both at church and outside.