Marianne Schaubeck owns Reservations Africa, a tour operator specializing in independent travel to Southern and East Africa. After a 20-year career in the retail travel industry, in 1996 Marianne launched Reservations Africa. With a passion for Africa, it made it an easy decision to specialize in this area. Since 1998, the needs of Lillydale B and the preschool, as well as the charity have become a big part of her life. In May 2004, South African Tourism presented Marianne with the first ever Tourism Friend award for her commitment to South Africa's rural disadvantaged children. 
marianne@africanpreschools.org

John Johnston is better known as Johnny "Bagpipes", a professional stand up comedian for over 25 years. Johnny has been piping since his youth and delivers his comedy performance with a Scottish twist. Johnny specializes in the corporate market and has been seen on Bravo, the Comedy and Travel Networks. His first trip to South Africa was in 1996 and he was instantly hooked on the destination. Even though most of the children at the preschool don't understand English, they love Johnny! He has also played a big role in fundraising through his comedy shows, as the charity too has become a part of his life.
john@africanpreschools.org

Joan Firkins is well known in Victoria and was recently one of 41 women nominated in Victoria as a Women of Distinction. Invited to join Rotary in 1992 as a member of the Rotary Club of Oak Bay, Joan was Club President in 1996-97. Joan has twice received the Rotary Foundation District Service Award and has also received the Four Avenues of Service Citation for Individual Rotarians. In May of 2005 she traveled to South Africa to scope out a school project for the District - during her year as District Governor 2005-06, the District has raised $44,000 which will be used to put water and electricity into the Vuyelani Elementary School in Lillydale B, South Africa - a school of 660 children who currently have no water, no electricity and virtually nothing in the way of teaching aids. Joan's interest in helping the community of Lillydale B made it a natural for her to join the board in 2005.
joan@africanpreschools.org

Elaine Foster Bobolo is a business entrepreneur with an MBA in executive management. Over the past twenty five years she has been actively involved in the start up of three very successful business ventures; two of which have been with Marianne Schaubeck, founder of the African Preschools Society. Her background is in Tourism and the Publishing Industry and is also involved in her husband's Graphic Design Business. She lives by the rule that when successful and able one should strive to give back. As a young adult she coached an underprivileged girls basketball team, taught English to new Canadians and volunteered in a group home for brain damaged young adults. More recently she has held positions with the Canadian Ladies Golf Association, Victoria, has worked as a volunteer for Victoria Hospice and is currently serving a second term on the Board of Directors for Victoria Women's Transition House. She believes that education is freedom thus her enthusiasm for the African Preschools Society.
elaine@africanpreschools.org

Angela Chambers is an original board member and was at our first fundraiser lending a helping hand. She is a Certified Management Accountant and is a professional recruiter for a specialized staffing company in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Angela is a strong believer in education and giving back. Supporting African Preschools is a logical connection for her!
angela@africanpreschools.org