Annual General Report 2024

PRESIDENTS REPORT TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF POWER OF EDUCATION AFRICA FOUNDATION

July 23, 2025

As we look back on 2024, the 11th year of the Foundation’s operation, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride for the progress we have made and the unwavering commitment of those involved with POEA. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey.

In 2024, we supported 54 high school and 41 university students. We welcomed 19 new high school students and placed them in boarding schools.

Since its inception in 2013, POEA has provided high school education to 210 students. 50 of those students were sponsored to go on and attend university or college, and to date, 20 have graduated with degrees in fields such as law, education, nursing, laboratory sciences and journalism. Others have received diplomas in early childhood education, hotel administration, and catering. POEA is still supporting 30 students through their post-secondary school education. Of note, one in medical surgery, and another in electrical engineering.

An educational opportunity includes much more than paying tuition fees. Each student has a different story, and their needs vary. We want to ensure that families continue to feel part of their child’s school life, and we will provide extra assistance only when the family is unable to do so. This extra assistance could be all or part of the basic supplies for student boarding, eyeglasses, and remedial books. We always provide tuition fees, uniforms, shoes and books.

ACTIVITIES IN KENYA

In January of 2025, the beginning of our 12th year as a Foundation, we travelled to Kenya and visited our students and their respective schools. We found them all well, thriving, and enjoying their boarding school life. Our team of helpers in Kenya is key to our ability to care for our students. We continue to be impressed by their abilities and dedication to the work.

In 2025, we will support a total of 82 students, including 52 high school students and 30 post-secondary students.

The Kenyan government implemented a junior secondary program for grades 7-9 in 2023. 2025 is the first year that students in this program will start grade 9. As a result, this January, there were no new high school students to sponsor. In 2026, when we travel to Kenya again, we will interview students who cannot afford high school fees. This means that when sponsoring a high school student, it will be for 3 years, grades 10-12.

We sponsored 3 very needy students to grade 10 this year (still under the old high school system, grades 9-12), all of whom would have been forced to leave school as their families could not pay their fees. The girls’ cases were presented to us by the school principal. When we told her we could help, she called the girls into her office to meet us, and their faces showed fear and worry. They might have thought they were being called into the office to discuss being asked to leave the school due to unpaid fees. Once the principal explained why we were there and how POEA could help them, the pain fell away from their faces, and one of the girls could barely contain her tears. It is always heart-breaking to see students living under such pressure simply because they want to learn and get an education. It’s hard for us to imagine what it must be like for it to be a privilege, rather than a right, to go to school. At POEA, we are fortunate to impact our students’ lives in a profound way. I can’t express how grateful I am to everyone for the support that makes this possible, as without it, the girls would continue to suffer and fall behind, losing hope and not being able to reach their full potential.

One of the new girl’s father was recently sent to jail, leaving her mother, a hairdresser, to support her and her three siblings. Two of the siblings are already in high school, and the family does not have enough money to cover fees for a third child. As a result, she would have had to remain at home indefinitely.

The other two girls are both recent orphans, having both lost their mothers this past year. They were taken in by family members who had registered them in school with the promise to pay fees, but in the end, they did not have the means.

*Grade 10 students from one of the schools where we have a large number of students registered.*

When visiting the two schools where most of our students learn, we found they were handling the transition (losing grade 9 students) in very different ways. Both principals acknowledged that the lost revenue would significantly impact their school's budget. One principal indicated she would likely need to lay off several teachers. The other principal, however, had a different plan and that was to retain all teachers. Her rationale was that the following year, when she needs them again, she won't have to hire and train new staff. She acknowledged that for the 2025 school year, she would have more teachers than needed, which would strain her budget. She believes that the advantages of reduced class sizes, increased one-on-one assistance, and reduced teacher pressure will rejuvenate the staff and greatly benefit students who have struggled to catch up since the Covid-19 pandemic.

This principal's leadership fosters a strong sense of sisterhood and positive morale throughout the school. Our students are very fortunate to learn in such an environment that is both professional and nurturing.

I am pleased to share three letters we have received from two student graduates, and the third from our Kenyan POEK general manager. Each letter demonstrates the impact POEA has had on their lives. The three individuals are a testament to the vision of POEA coming to fruition. All three have a desire to give back to their community and have modelled this behaviour throughout their involvement with POEA.

Felix Miruka. Graduate of Kenya School of Law 2024

“Power of Education Africa Foundation I write to convey my deepest gratitude for the life-changing support the Power of Education Africa Foundation has extended to me and many other vulnerable yet bright African children. In the year 2000, at only three years old, I faced the devastating loss of both my parents to AIDS. Survived only by my elder brother and sister, our family was engulfed by uncertainty and hardship. Fast forward to 2011, having completed my KCPE examinations, I found myself unable to afford secondary school fees. It was then that I miraculously met Shiella Fodchuk, the then Chairperson of the Foundation, whose empathy and generosity enabled me to attend Homa Bay High School under the sponsorship program. The support did not end with financial assistance. Through the mentorship of distinguished leaders such as Ms. Darlene Durrad, Dr. Phil Sestak, Dr. David Yeung and Fr. George, I was nurtured in character, vision, and purpose. Because of you, I pursued and attained a Bachelor of Laws degree and completed pupillage at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I am proud to serve as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Today, I share my life with my partner, Elizabeth —herself a POEA-sponsored student graduate—and our two children. My passion lies in human rights and constitutionality, particularly the right to human dignity, which I believe underpins all other fundamental freedoms. I hope to transform my society through just, community-based legal practice, replicating the good virtues the Foundation has instilled in me over the years.

Your steadfast commitment to empowering vulnerable children from humble backgrounds has shaped destinies and created ripple effects across communities. I remain eternally grateful for the doors you have opened and the faith you have placed in me. Thank you, from the depths of my heart, for uplifting my life and for continuing to invest in the futures of bright, underprivileged African children.

Yours sincerely,

Felix Omondi Miruka”

Pauline Okoth, Graduate of Kenya School of Law 2024

“My name is Pauline Ajwang Okoth and I was born and raised in Awendo, Migori County. Thanks to the incredible support I received from POEA I graduated from the University of Nairobi with a degree in Law. I was admitted to the bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya after getting my post-graduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law. I am now working at a Nairobi law firm.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express fully what POEA has meant to me. There were moments when I honestly didn’t know how I’d keep going, and then your help came,

generously, and exactly when I needed it most. You didn’t just help me pay for school; You gave me the chance to believe in a future I wasn’t sure I’d reach. Because of you, I was able to walk across that graduation stage, hold my head high, and make my family proud. Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to become not only the first female, but also the only lawyer in my generation of family. I carry that kindness with me every single day, and it’s something I hope to pass on. I’m currently the secretary on the Power of Education Foundation Kenya Board, and I’m more than honoured to offer my legal services to the Foundation. I want to ensure that another girl like me somewhere in the villages of Nyanza gets an opportunity like mine. I’ll be forever grateful to the Foundation. I am a proud beneficiary of Power of Education Africa Foundation.

I will turn 26 in October of 2025. When I came to Nairobi to study, my uncle took me in and supported me with his wife and family. I have met great friends and built a supportive community. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed on in 2021, but I know she would be very proud of me if she were here today. My sister was unable to continue her education beyond high school, but I have been supporting her in her business so she can support her baby daughter. I have been supporting one of my cousins in her high school education, and I will try to support her through university. The help the Foundation has given me has not only been beneficial to me, but to my whole family, as I will be able to continue helping with the resources I now have.

Let me share my journey:

My sister and I were raised by a single mother who had previously lost two children and her husband, who died two months before I was born. My mom died when I was 5, and my maternal grandmother took over our care, ensuring my mother’s insistence on Education was honoured.

Despite the pain of losing both my parents at a young age, I worked hard in school and was always at the top of my class. My grandmother was always supportive and worked hard at the farm to ensure we had food. I wanted to make her proud, and this made me work even harder. I completed primary school in 2014 and was accepted to a national high school. There was no money to pay for high school, but this is when I was interviewed and accepted for sponsorship by Shiella Fodchuk of Power of Education Kenya Foundation. The Foundation had stepped in at a crucial time, as I was almost giving up and was scared, thinking that all my hard work would go to waste because we could not afford school fees. I worried that I would end up like most of the girls in our village, married at a young age and hopeless. I can’t express enough the joy I felt when I knew that I had the chance to fulfil my dreams of becoming a lawyer. The Foundation, thanks to my sponsor, provided financial assistance, but also mentorship and encouragement that helped me stay focused and believe in myself throughout high school. They would always check up on me to ensure everything was going well.

I finished high school with good grades, qualifying me to pursue a law degree. After further consultation between the Foundation and my sponsor, they agreed to sponsor my university education. I was beyond elated. I met Darlene Durrad, who became the president of the Foundation when I was starting university, and she smoothly transitioned and became a great support to us. My course was very demanding, and she constantly checked up on me, shared letters from my sponsor and offered support from the Foundation with an open heart. Because of this support, I completed my degree and continued to my Advocacy Training, which was even more demanding. I was so lucky to be one of the girls the Foundation sponsored, and it helped me get where I am today.

I completed high school with good grades and my LLB Degree at the University of Nairobi, School of Law, where I graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). I completed my postgraduate diploma and passed the bar exams on the first attempt. I was admitted to the bar as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in November 2024. During my university years, I interned in the Law Courts in Nairobi, and my summers were spent working at a bank in Nairobi as a Legal Assistant, where I was awarded for Outstanding Performance and Work Ethic. I was invited to sit on the board of Power of Education Kenya Foundation as secretary and as a legal advisor.

I started a thrift shop online that allowed me to support my basic needs financially; I have since passed this business on to my sister to help her support herself and her baby daughter. I discovered a passion for travel and, together with a partner, opened a tour and travel consultancy. We have two employees so far and have facilitated more than 350 clients to travel locally on the Kenyan Coast. We have also created job opportunities for the chefs and drivers who take care of our guests.

In my spare time, I started a non-profit community-based organization called You Can Dream (YCD) with the major focus of helping the less fortunate Children in the Community. We focus on street justice and mental health. We have been operational since 2020 to date and have since added 40 volunteers and 9 executive officials. I also teach Sunday school at our local church to mentor the children. I am now working at a law firm and also building my business on the side. We have the goal of opening our own law firm in the near future, together with my best friend, whom I met when I joined the campus in 2018.

Yours Sincerely,

Pauline Okoth”

Kevin Jaling, POEK Ground Operations Manager

“TO POWER OF EDUCATION AFRICA FOUNDATION

Many greetings from my side, hoping and believing that you are doing well over there. I’m also doing well with my family, doing great, it’s only that my son was unwell and having signs and symptoms of malaria. He is now feeling better after receiving medication. My main reason for writing this letter is to say and appreciate working with Power of Education Kenya Foundation since 2016; especially as from May 2022 after I resigned from the girls secondary school where I was working as a full-time driver.

Thanks to the foundation for asking me to help the foundation full-time with their activities while operating from home. This relieved me from the stress of not being able to stay with my family for many years while working away. Over time I have been able to rebuild the bond with my young family, which was broken during my times that I was away from home for many months at a time. I’m glad to express my gratitude to the foundation for their support of my daughter’s school fees, the installation of electricity, which I couldn’t pay for, and I do appreciate. On behalf of all the vulnerable students, I say thank you and request that you dearly keep the spirit of kindness and continue supporting us. The foundation means a lot to me and I’m very happy working with you.

Thank you very much.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Jaling, POEK Ground Operations Manager”

Here in Canada…

POEA remains a success thanks to the many sponsors and donors who have supported our work year after year. We have sponsors who prefer to have a dedicated student to whom they can send letters of encouragement, and in return, receive letters and photos from the student. Others choose to donate to our general operations and trust us to allocate these funds appropriately. Everyone’s combined contributions allow us to support our students in Kenya to the fullest. I am very grateful for your support as we continue to work with our students, supporting their goals and hopes for a promising future. Your gift of education will have a lasting impact throughout their lifetime.

We appreciate the assistance of our helpers in Kenya who ensure our students receive support throughout the year. Our students often require eyeglasses, replacement uniforms, revision books, or minor medication or medical treatment. We may also need to assist a student returning home on a school break with money for transportation, and/or to purchase the basic supplies they need to resume school after the break.

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of two of POEA’s honorary members:

Bo Fodchuk, husband of our Founder, Shiella, played a crucial role in establishing POEA. He generously shared his time and expertise, demonstrating a strong commitment to our success. We are grateful to have known him, and he will be deeply missed. Bo's legacy will continue to live on in the work of POEA, reminding us of his remarkable contributions.

Dr. Moria Chan, with her husband Dr. David Yeung, was a vital supporter of POEA. Her belief in our mission in Kenya greatly contributed to our efforts. Moira's legacy of commitment and generosity will be remembered by everyone she inspired.

POEA looks forward to growing our board and welcoming new working members. There continues to be a considerable amount of administrative work that would benefit from more assistance. If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved with our Foundation, please contact us at 604-244-2996, or poeafrica@outlook.com for more information.

With warmest appreciation and gratitude,

Darlene Durrad, President

Board of Directors: Roles and Responsibilities

Jennifer Owen Blacklock, our Treasurer, has been with the Foundation since 2019 and has proven to be a valuable and much-appreciated member of our Board. She continues to prepare our Annual Financial Statement and file the Annual CRA Return. She again negotiated with the Kenyan Auditor, approved his contract, discussed best practices and reviewed his audit. She continues to work with Judy Mostardi, our bookkeeper, to initiate streamlining and centralizing our Kenyan bookkeeping, accounting, reporting and auditing services. Jennifer’s knowledge and professional presence as a CPA on our Board gives us confidence in all our financial dealings.

Syd Gallinger, Director, chairs our meetings and provides steady leadership on the Board. He guided us in putting a sound financial infrastructure in place. Syd retired from his role of Treasurer, but he continues to guide all of us when needed. Syd has continued to provide information to donors and sponsors, so that they are fully informed about the Foundation’s use of their financial gifts. He set up our RBC account to receive and facilitate gifts of securities. He welcomes inquiries about gifts from donors. I have a great appreciation for Syd and how he continues to freely share his gifts of kindness, calm, and knowledge.

Tristan Durrad, Secretary, joined our board in June of 2024. He prepares agendas and notices of meetings and records comprehensive minutes of our Board meetings. We are very pleased to have a permanent secretary.

Richard Kyle Paisley, Director, is an international lawyer and Director of the Global Transboundary International Waters Governance Research Initiative at the University of British Columbia's Institute of Asian Research. He has worked extensively throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas including with the marginalized and disadvantaged in Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Riwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other Nile Basin countries. We are grateful for the energy, enthusiasm and knowledge Richard adds to our Board.

Dr. Phil Sestak, CEO of our operations in Kenya, sitting ex-officio on the Kenyan Board of Directors, as well as being a Director on the Board in Canada. Phil has the authority at our Kenyan bank and with the schools to run the operation in Kenya, if needed. With many years of experience working as a volunteer HIV/AIDS physician in Africa, Phil brings extensive knowledge to both Boads of Directors. Phil generously spent a month working with me and our students in Kenya in February of 2020. When our students were sent home from school in March of 2020 because of the pandemic, Phil wrote an information letter to guide them in keeping themselves safe and healthy. Phil’s long experience in Kenya and his cultural sensitivity are invaluable gifts he brings to the Foundation.

Lauren Selden, Technology Director, updates our website as needed, formats the Annual Report for publication, maintains our social media accounts, and edits Keynote presentations for our events. Lauren brings a valuable skillset to the Foundation. Lauren has also travelled to Kenya on several occasions to help with our work on the ground, including interviewing students, supporting registration, and conducting home visits.

Judy Mostardi, Director, is our bookkeeper and joined our board in 2024, but has always been an essential cornerstone of the Foundation, having been with us since POEA’s inception. Judy is highly competent, dedicated, steady and unflappable. She reconciles our expenditures in Canada. She worked with Jennifer and Syd in streamlining and centralizing our bookkeeping services in Kenya. She calculates conversion rates and keeps our financial records in two currencies. Judy drafts record-keeping forms and codes for our daily use in Kenya, and prepares semi-annual financial statements. She meets with the team that returns from Kenya, scrutinizing every expenditure.

Advisors

Fr. George Ochola has relocated to South Australia but remains on our Kenyan Board as an advisor. We are very grateful for Father George’s years of service to the Foundation and are thankful he has agreed to remain on our board. His knowledge and advice on Kenyan culture and traditions are invaluable to our work. We were very fortunate to see him in Kenya this year as his annual vacation aligned with our visit.

Honorary Members

Shiella Fodchuk is the Founder, former President, Director and now retired member of POEA. She was instrumental in building the Foundation from the ground up, bringing together an amazing group of people to help further her cause of educating the neediest of girls. She worked tirelessly in one of the most impoverished places in Africa, in very challenging and often uncomfortable physical conditions. The relationships she forged in Kenya continue to support us.

Bo Fodchuk, a retired lawyer and Co-Founder of POEA. He coined the name of the Foundation, developed our Constitution and Bylaws, obtained our registration as a Society and secured our status as a Registered Canadian Charity. He advised us on new regulations in the Societies Act. He filed our Annual Report in Victoria, maintained our Minute Book, and provided legal advice. His contribution to the Foundation is greatly appreciated.Bo Fodchuk passed away in early 2025.

Anne Kober retired as a Director in March 2019. Anne helped us to set up the Foundation as a registered charity. She provided wise, legal and practical advice to the Board. She successfully guided us through the several phases of NGO registration, banking signatory protocols, and the composition of the Board of Directors in Kenya. Anne worked to protect our interests while achieving a balance of Kenyan and Canadian representation. We are very appreciative of all of her contributions.

Anne Millar resigned from our board in 2023. She held multiple roles as Director of Communications and of Student Records. Since the beginning, she partnered with Shiella in sharing visionary responsibilities, deliberations, and decisions, in almost every sphere of our operations. Throughout the years, Anne assumed the vital work of corresponding with sponsors and donors, sending out hundreds of handwritten letters, photographs of our work in Kenya, student letters to sponsors, and tax receipts. She educated sponsors about our protocols, students, and the Kenyan education system, and she expressed our gratitude to them. Anne updated our donor and sponsor lists, and our student and family contact information. She maintained our student records, which enabled her to know our students, their schools and home situations. She developed complete student profiles and all other necessary documents for us to take to Kenya.

Dr. Moira Chan and Dr. David Yeung sponsored students and paid for the installation of solar lamps in the homes of our day scholars. Their donations subsidized our graduate students in their post-secondary education, as not every sponsor can continue carrying the cost of a student’s post-secondary tuition and room and board. We are very grateful to the Moira and David Foundation for their major financial support over the years.Dr. Moira Chan passed away in late 2024.