Orphans Africa (OA) began in 2007 with the coming together of three people with a common vision: to help create a world of peace in which all are honored. Together they traveled to Tanzania and met with the directors of the Marilynn Orphans Projects Foundation (MOP), a grassroots nonprofit organization founded by Tanzanians whose goal is to educate some of the 2.5 million orphans living in Tanzania, and to provide widows with the training and opportunities they need to become self-sufficient. Orphans Africa (OA) was subsequently formed as a nonprofit corporation in the USA, specifically with the goal of partnering with MOP and providing them with the resources to accomplish their vision. 

Because it is so new, Orphans Africa continues to develop. At this time OA is in desperate need of highly-skilled volunteers and of funding to support its objectives. OA desires to work hand-in-hand with the leaders of MOP. Conditions in the area of Tanzania where MOP operates are primitive, and many of the school children, if they are lucky enough to attend school, do not have the uniforms, books, or the supplies they need to receive a complete education. Most of the orphans MOP has identified have no funds to attend school at all.

OA is not a “slick and glossy” organization.  OA is “in the trenches.”  We don't just read and talk about the problems in Africa, we do something about it.  OA's staff in the USA are all volunteer and unpaid. We do this work solely to benefit those we serve.  We are interested in building peace between nations by providing assistance to those who are most vulnerable, orphans, and who have the greatest potential for long term benefit (education that helps for a lifetime). 

 

Carl Gann, Co-Founder, President

Carl Gann is a co-founder of Orphans Africa with his wife, Michele Torrey, and friend, Liza de Guzman.  He began donating his spare time in 2007 to orphans and widows in Tanzania.  This resulted in the creation of Orphans Africa in 2007.  Carl has a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Missouri and a Master’s degree in Religion from Graceland University.  Carl continues his work as a rehabilitation counselor in the Tacoma and Seattle, Washington area. He is an ordained minister with Community of Christ.

Elizabeth (Liza) de Guzman, Co-Founder, Vice-President

At eleven years old, Liza moved from the Philippines to a small farm town in Iowa. She remembers the hard life living in a third world country and continues to support her relatives with necessities, funds, and tuition. From an early age, her family lectured Liza on the importance of an education. Liza graduated with a bachelor degree in nursing. She is currently working as a pediatric flight nurse for a medical air transport company in Seattle. Liza also received her Master in Pastoral Study from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. She uses this degree volunteering as a congregational support minister. Her passions are traveling around the world and making a difference in the lives of people.

Michele Torrey, Co-Founder, Secretary-Treasurer

Michele Torrey is a co-founder of Orphans Africa, along with her husband Carl Gann and friend Liza de Guzman. Ever since she can remember, Michele has wanted to help the children of Africa. Having lived for ten years overseas and traveled to over thirty countries, Michele understands the challenges and rewards of working in partnership with other cultures. She is the author of ten books for children and young adults, is a professional speaker and presenter, holds a B.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Washington, an M.A. in Religion from Graceland University, and is a financial officer and a congregational support minister with Community of Christ.

Andrea Read, Coordinator USA

At sixteen, Andrea and her parents moved to Beijing, China, where she attended an international school and traveled throughout China. It was there that she grew to be a lover of discovering the beauty and wonder of other cultures. After graduating from high school, she began her college career at Graceland University in Iowa studying fine arts. There she was given the opportunity to spend a month in Honduras building homes for Habitat for Humanity. Through that experience, she found a passion for working to empower people to develop a strong foundation with which to sustain their lives and families. In 2003 she transferred to Washington State University, from where she received a degree in Architectural Science. Her passion for helping others still lives strong as she continues to travel as much as she can and looks forward to making it to Tanzania. Andrea lives and works in Seattle, WA.

Wilfred Batakanwa, Coordinator, Tanzania

Wilfred comes to OA with a two-year advanced diploma in accountancy and an advanced diploma in Materials Management. Besides working part-time for OA, Wilfred is the headmaster at the Majohe School(founded by MOP). Wilfred oversees continued construction at the Majohe School, plus coordinates OA projects with additional MOP groups in Western Tanzania. Wilfred is married, with two children. He lives and works in Majohe, outside of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.