BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Carol Kerr

Carol has assisted the Kapasseni Project since 2001 and been on the Caia Connection Board since 2009 She communicates regularly with all of the Kuwangisana program areas in Mozambique, and is very familiar with the local management team. Carol is now the President as of May 2025.

Treasurer - Judith Rassenti

After spending her early working years teaching high school English, Judith eventually moved into UVic’s Co-op Program placing Humanities and Fine Arts students into internships, thereby providing broader learning experiences than students ever imagined possible. As a volunteer, Judith’s organizational and bookkeeping skills led to her becoming treasurer in several organizations including a housing co-op; a fine arts society; managing, for 5 years, a large annual art show at a horticultural college; overseeing all aspects of a Syrian family refugee sponsorship and, 5 years ago, becoming registrar of the Gettin’ Higher Choir of which she is a longtime member. As the new treasurer of the Caia Connection, Judith is happily contributing to its continued support of projects in Kapasseni and particularly excited by the ever-growing opportunities for its young people to acquire education at all levels and in many fields.

Secretary - Penny Pattison

Penny's background is in Information Technology and Project Management. Her passion is the endlessly fascinating differences between people and cultures. She has travelled extensively, and done overseas volunteer work. Penny has spent over 35 years as a member and active volunteer with Servas International, a world-wide peace and travel organization completely run by volunteers. She also volunteered for several years with Oikocredit, an international financial cooperative. Penny is a detail-orientated person, very willing to roll up her sleeves and contribute in a team. Having sung with the Gettin Higher Choir for many years, she looks forward to contributing to the Caia Connection.

Past President - Sarah Petrescu Fernandez

Sarah is an excellent journalist and has been a huge help with writing articles for our annual newsletter and updates for social media. Sarah visited Sena and Kapasseni in 2009 and wrote articles for the Times Colonist newspaper about the work being done. We thank her for her service as President.

Member at Large - Jo Volek

Jo is a very helpful part of our team . She is a great liason between the Board and The Gettin' Higher Choir and Wavelengths Choir.

We thank Ian McLachlan for his many years of being involved with planning and communications with the Kapasseni Project since it started in 1999 and being on the Caia Connection Board since 2009. He has edited all our newsletters and done a fantastic job.

Past President Siobhan Robinson and Kuwangisana Executive Director Perpetua Alfazema together in Sena, Mozambique.