DIRECTOR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kinnari Ami Patel, BArch, EMBA

Kinnari Patel was born in Baroda India, raised in Lusaka, Zambia and Houston, Texas. She received a Bachelor of Architectural Science, thereafter earned her Executive MBA then acquired her Gold Seal certification to pursue a career as a Construction Manager. Kinnari has been involved with ZCFC since 2005 and joined the Board of Directors in 2006. Prior to ZCFC, Kinnari was involved with Habitat for Humanity in several countries in conjunction with Global Village and local affiliates. She was part of various committees and boards leading several teams on global build sites to maintain a balance of give and take in the circle of life. Kinnari’s inspiration to make a difference derives from her grandfather’s fight against illiteracy and his dedication to provide means to basic necessities for his village. His vision and efforts to eradicate illiteracy drives Kinnari to do her part for the orphan children in Zambia. Through ZCFC, with the support of volunteers and donors the children have, what she believes is the key to a successful human being.
HOPE (Home, Opportunity, Power & Emporium)

• Home- Shelter - a home enables children to focus on what they can be not what they don’t have.
• Opportunity- with an Education the children have the ability to grow and become productive citizens
• Power- Nourishment - Food, education and love fuel young souls to be first class citizens
• Emporium- clothes, stationary, means to basic necessities.

DIRECTOR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jay Naik, BA, CHRM, CHRP

Jay Naik was born in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa but grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He received his B.A. in Labour Relations and Certificate in Human Resources Management from York University in Toronto, Canada. Jay has been involved with the Zambian Children’s Fund – Canadian Branch since its inception in 2004. In 2006 Jay was selected to be a member of ZCFC’s Board of Directors. Prior to being on the ZCFC Board, Jay has served as a volunteer for several non-profit and cultural organizations such as the Peel HIV/AIDS Network, Skills for Employment, Life and Family (formerly the Peel Literacy Guild) and the Anavil Samaj of Toronto to name a few. Jay also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ZCFC board position from his former role as Chair – Board of Directors for the Student Peer Support Centre at York University. Jay’s involvement with the fund stems from two core beliefs. The first belief being that it is his most humble duty to give back to a country with which he has a strong affinity (being born there and still having family residing there). Secondly and most importantly, he believes that through the guidance and support of the Zambian Children’s Fund, the orphaned children of Zambia can be empowered with the right knowledge and skills (through the provision of shelter, nutrition, care, and a formal education) at a young age so that they are more likely to be liberated from the cycle of ignorance, poverty and despair. Breaking from this cycle in the end, he believes, will allow the orphaned children to become productive citizens and thus have brighter futures. It is this vision of a brighter future for the children which Jay believes ZCFC has a major role to play in making it become a reality.

DIRECTOR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Khyati Shah, HBA Candidate

Khyati Shah was born in Livingstone, Zambia, Africa and moved to Mississauga, Ontario, Canada in 2001. Khyati current attends York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Ms. Shah is enrolled in the Honours program in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Khyati’s volunteering experience began in high school where she took initiative in leading a week long event to raise funds for a children-with-cancer summer camp. Khyati has been a part of ZCFC since its inception in 2004. Khyati achieves tremendous satisfaction from helping and caring for others, and thus decided to join the executive team as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Her wish is to give back to a community that once gave so much to her. Through her involvement in ZCFC, she not only hopes to change the lives of the orphaned children in Zambia, but also inspire them to break away from the cycle of poverty. Khyati believes that, “”together, we can all work towards building a promising future for the children.”

TREASURER

Harshika Patel, BBA, CMA

Harshika Patel was born in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa and immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1995. She received her B.B.A (Co-op) specializing in Accounting from University of Toronto – Scarborough Campus and recently became a Certified Management Accountant. Harshika has been involved with the Zambian Children’s Fund – Canadian Branch since its inception in 2004. In 2005 when the fund blossomed, Harshika was selected to be the Treasurer of ZCFC, a role of significant importance to the fund. Harshika’s hard work and persistence in registering ZCFC as an official Canadian Charity paid of when the fund was granted official charitable status through Revenue Canada. Harshika brings a wealth of financial knowledge and experience to ZCFC from her prior co-op and work-related experiences. Harshika states the reason for her involvement in the fund as follows: “Given the opportunity to give back to country where I was not only born and raised but also to a country that will forever have a place in my heart is not only a great learning and self-growth opportunity but also one that will forever be a part of me.  I know that the little time I can give back will not only bring a smile to a child’s face but also secure and brighten their future.  Every child deserves to know that they can grow up in a healthy and safe environment and follow their dreams rather than live in fear.  They are the worlds’ children after all, however they are children who need our ‘parental’ support.”

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Tulsi Naik, HBA

Tulsi Naik was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Africa and grew up in Francistown, Botswana, Africa. Tulsi’s home for the last 12 years, approximately, has been Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She received her B.A. Honours in Sociology with a double Minor in Psychology and Women’s Studies, from the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Tulsi has been involved with the Zambian Children’s Fund – Canadian Branch since 2004. In 2007 she commenced the position of Secretary for ZCFC. Along with being involved with ZCFC, Tulsi has beneficial volunteer experience with The Woodlands School, The Anavil Samaj of Toronto, Region of Peel – Children’s Services, and The University of Windsor’s Womyn’s Centre. Tulsi also brings valuable knowledge to ZCFC from her former Co-op position as Child/Youth Worker at Queenston Drive Public School. When Tulsi was given the opportunity to get involved with ZCFC she was very happy, for Zambia is where her family history lies, as her paternal grandfather’s home is still standing in Lusaka, Zambia. Tulsi is thrilled to commit to the humble children of the country that gave so much to her parents and her extended family. It only felt right for her to give something back to Zambia. Lending a hand to those in need is both a strong personal and professional principal that Tulsi values dearly. “There is so much suffering in this world”, says Tulsi. “Therefore”, she says, “if I can aid in bringing hope to even one child, then my duty as a citizen of this world will be fulfilled.”

MARKETTING COORDINATOR

Serena Menezes, HBA Candidate

Serena Menezes was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and came to Toronto at the age of 9. She currently attends York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Serena is enrolled in the Honours program in Geography and Urban Studies. She learned about ZCFC through one of the board of directors and immediately wanted to be part of the team. It was while watching a video about the Children of Zambia, Serena felt inspired to make a difference. She remembered a quote she once heard by Mother Teresa, “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted.” It was that quote which made Serena want reach out to the Children of Zambia, so that they would feel the love and support which may be lacking in their lives. With love and support Serena believes they can have a stronger livelihood and grow into young, mature adults with a bright future ahead of them. Through her involvement she not only hopes to change the lives of the children of Zambia, but hopes to inspire others to lend a helping hand to those in need of love, shelter and support. Serena believes that, “it is our duty as citizens of the world to throw out little torches and lead these children through the dark. It is through our involvement that we will gain the true meaning of success in our own lives.”

FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

Jayson Menezes, CTC, SSO, IATA, HBA Candidate

Jayson Fredrick Christopher Menezes graduated from Centennial College from the Tourism and Travel program in 2004, and is a licensed Certified Travel Consultant. Jayson currently attends York University in Toronto, Ontario and is pursuing his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in the field of Aboriginal History and Sexuality Studies. By joining ZCFC, Jayson hopes to promote ZCFC to mainstream society. He hopes to do this by utilizing his communication, fundraising, and leadership skills to help raise funds for the orphaned children. Jayson believes that by promoting and fundraising for ZCFC (to members in the Canadian community) it will encourage people to take an active role in our society. As a little boy Jayson has always been an active member in society. In the past Jayson has participated in numerous charitable organizations including helping care for seniors and children with disabilities. He was recently awarded a certificate of recognition from York University in summer of 2007 for the excellent work he did in the University community. After completing his degree at York University, Jayson hopes to pursue a professional career as a Fundraising Coordinator for a non-profit organization while continuing to work closely with ZCFC to help better the lives of the orphan children of Zambia because he strongly believes like Gandhi that, “Poverty is the worst form of violence” and that we are the best agents for change in this world.