Sekolo Projects Inc.
The mission of Sekolo Projects Inc. is to prevent new HIV infection in young people in Namibia by providing and supporting HIV prevention education, physical care and psychosocial support for young people living with and affected by HIV / AIDS.
We are committed to making Sekolo’s programs in Namibia sustainable, and locally led, managed and monitored. We are excited to be working with the Board of Sekolo Projects Namibia to ensure a smooth transition of responsibility.
The Board of Directors consists of 4 members, with an Executive Director.
Tom Mahoney, Chairperson
“I became a board member of Sekolo Proejcts because I believe Elizabeth’s initiative and committment to prevent new cases of HIV infection in Namibia is a worthwhile endeavor. With one of the world’s highest infection rates, Namibia is a country in need of educational interventions to see its youth and young adult populations reach maturity. In the course of the past year, the Namibian Ministry of Health announced that the infection rate had dropped from 19.3 to 17.8% of the adult population - a great indication that prevention education is effective. Sekolo’s Our HIV ABC program was a contributing factor to the decline.
Also, the support services - after school activities, meals, clothing, etc. - that Sekolo provides to children living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV plays a significant role in preventing new infections. While the organization plays a small role in the pandemic, it makes a significant difference in one country, and I am honored to have a small role working with a committed and dedicated board of directors.”
Didi Robinson
“Watching Sekolo evolve into an accomplished organization is a source of endless pride, and having been an integral part of its journey is rewarding. Transferring the operating responsibilities to our Namibian counterparts is challenging and will keep me participating until that goal is achieved. We’ve all watched as millions of dollars have been spent on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. A small organization with a small budget and smaller staff bringing about behavioral change as a sustainable means of decreasing HIV/AIDS infection is one of the most admirable approaches on the map, and I am proud to be a part of that organization.”
Bill Kiernan
Advisory Board
Sekolo’s advisory Board has ebbed and flowed with the needs of the organization, but all those who have served on the Advisory Board have provided strong positive influences in the development of the organization. Whether guiding the organizational structure, the legal framework, the educational content or fundraising strategy, each and every member of the Advisory Board has been incalculably valuable. Thank you!
Elizabeth oversees and monitors Sekolo’s programs in Namibia, and implements Sekolo’s annual fundraising strategies in the US. She founded Sekolo Projects Inc. in 2004 with her husband, Geoffrey Silver. As the organization has grown and adapted to changing needs in Namibia, Elizabeth has held several different positions at Sekolo, including facilitating teacher training workshops in Namibia during the 18 month national roll-out of Our HIV ABC, and consultant to the Board of Sekolo Projects Namibia as they strive to increase their capacity and assume full leadership of Sekolo’s programs.
Joe Toochin
“Having served for many years with the United Nations Development Programme, I was aware of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the developing world, particularly in certain parts of Africa. I was very impressed with Elizabeth Robinson’s plans to start Sekolo Projects in Namibia to reduce HIV/AIDS infection among young people in the country. Her method seemed simple and straightforward: training teachers in the ABC of HIV prevention to educate their young learners. I am gratified that Sekolo’s initiatives have contributed to the significant reductions of HIV infection in the school-age population in Namibia. I am also pleased that Sekolo has broadened its earlier mission and is now providing support to community-based organizations that strengthen the individual self-worth of orphans and vulnerable children. It is truly a privilege and honor for me to serve on the Board of Sekolo Projects, Inc. and to participate in such a worthwhile and important organization.”
Bill Kiernan, Treasurer
“When Elizabeth asked me to join the Board of Sekolo Projects Inc., I was pleased to be able contribute my skills and experience in tax documents and accounts to such a worthwhile cause. It has been wonderful to be part of Sekolo as it has developed from the kitchen counter to a more structured and professional organization. Sekolo’s direct approach to education about HIV and support for the children whose families and communities are affected by HIV has had good success. Although the problem of HIV infection is a global one, and needs to be combatted on multiple fronts, I am proud to be part of a dedicated team that is making a significant difference in the youth HIV infection rate in Namibia.”