Our faithful and generous donors deserve to know the volunteers on the Sierra Leone Action Mission (SLAM) committee. There are only a few of us, but we are enthusiastic about partnering with the people in Sierra Leone to help those in need. Thank you for your generous support of this important work!
Jason Anthony Dudek is Chief Executive Officer of a technology company specializing in sustainable impact. A successful entrepreneur and impact investment thought leader, Jason has brought award-wining businesses from inception to scale in Canada, the UK, West Africa and the Middle East. He has also advised large governmental and private sector organizations about the intersection between metrics, impact and the private sector. Jason previously chaired one of Canada’s most respected philanthropic Foundations and has sat on several committees and boards including the Canada Forum for Impact Investment and Development, CIIC, and others. He holds an MSc from the London School of Economics (UK), and believes business is at its best when solving urgent human and environmental problems. Jason is deeply inspired by Matthew 25:40 and has been involved in SLAM’s amazingly effective – and financially efficient/accountable – work in Sierra Leone since 2006.
Dean Jonasson worked 10 years in the field of inclusion for persons with disabilities and 25 years as a teacher/case manager in the Winnipeg education system. During that time, he also served on the executive of the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children. After retiring from teaching full time, Dean was a Faculty Supervisor for the University of Winnipeg for 7 years.
Through networking with members of his church community, Dean became involved with SLAM, working as a Secretary and Chair as well as holding both roles at different times in Accountable Development Works, SLAM’s umbrella organization. His career in education as well as his on-going faith life have guided Dean in supporting and promoting SLAM. “Our obligation to help others is also the source of joy and an opportunity to be part of the larger human community.”
Maureen Ferley is a recently retired educator with a commitment to social justice. For over 31 years Maureen taught multi-age groups in various demographics throughout Manitoba. She has been involved with Sierra Leone Action Mission since its inception. She is account manager for the Pearl Dudek Centre for Children in Koidu, Sierra Leone. Good financial stewardship is a driving focus that has seen us through the planning, building, and maintenance of our Pearl Dudek International Academy (currently K-6) and the new Pearl Dudek Centre for Children dormitory that houses our 38 plus orphans. Maureen holds a Masters of Education and a Bachelor of Music. She is a lifelong learner and loves helping her family and community.
Gerald and Cecilia Sliva have been part of the SLAM volunteer group since its formation in about 2008. Cecilia is a former graphic artist, and Gerald is a former teacher, employment counsellor and human resource manager. They became involved in SLAM after hearing Jason Dudek’s inspirational description of the extreme poverty, the needs, and the efforts to improve the plight of the orphans of Sierra Leone. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Gerald and Cecilia feel fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the small SLAM group making a positive difference in the lives of the poorest of the poor. Seeing the results and impact of SLAM’s efforts on the lives of children gives them hope that the poor in Sierra Leone will one day be self-sufficient.
Jennifer Nicholson is a high school teacher in Winnipeg’s inner city, where she has spent 18 years working mainly with newcomers to Canada. She designs and teaches math and science courses for English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, fostering accessible and supportive learning environments. Her passion for education, justice, and adventure has led her to volunteer teaching in remote places like Mauritania and South Sudan. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Peace Education (2015) and is currently pursuing a permaculture design certificate to better serve communities both locally and globally in sustainable ways. While researching volunteer opportunities for her upcoming sabbatical, Jennifer was drawn to SLAM’s mission of fostering positive peace through building local capacity—a vision closely aligned with her values. She is inspired by Christ’s living presence in the world and seeks to reflect that hope with authenticity.
Carrie has been a member of the St.Bernadette church community for 40+ years. She has also been working in the field of education for over 32 years. Carrie has worked as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, divisional consultant, university instructor, school administrator and now as a curriculum consultant with Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning. She is also a mother, daughter, wife, sister, aunty and great-aunty! Carrie is a passionate advocate for literacy learning and teacher education – “Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship.” (Kofi Annan). She is a “servant leader” who helps others shine in their endeavours and wants all learners – children and adults – to thrive. Carrie’s career in education and faith life have guided her in supporting and promoting SLAM -“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…truly I tell you, whatever you did to the least of these brother and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:35-36; 40)
