ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER/EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER

Hiren Patel, H.BSc, MD Candidate

Hiren Patel was born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia and immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1995. He received his B.Sc Honours in Biology from McMaster University and continued his education by pursuing Medical School. Hiren is the Co-Founder, Director and is currently on the advisory board of ZCFC and embarked upon this journey because of this belief, if not me then who? if not now then when?” This motivated Hiren to look beyond the problems facing Zambians and instilled in him the drive, in being the change, by taking action and starting up the organization in order to contribute in bettering the lives of the children most impacted. This led Hiren in mobilizing the ZCFC volunteer teams as he wanted to empower young people in Canada too see the ways in which their service and action can be paid forward by making a difference in the lives of the orphaned children in Zambia. Just as Hiren strives everyday to make his dreams a reality, his time on the ground with the orphans has inspired him to do everything he can do to make their dreams come true. Hiren’s passion for issues in Zambia has only multiplied through his years with ZCFC and anticipates to give his time and energy in the future as a doctor to the people in his beloved country that NEED IT MOST.

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER/EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER

Chandni Desai, H.BA, M.A. candidate

Chandni Desai was born and raised in Ndola, Zambia and immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1992. She received her B.A. Honours in Political Science with a minor in Health Studies from McMaster University and continued her educational endeavors by pursuing a Master’s in Sustainable Development and Social Justice in Vermont, USA. Chandni is the Co-Founder, Director and currently is on the advisory board of ZCFC. Chandni has experienced the world with troubled eyes and voices. The essence behind her existence is to see a better world which she deems “is impossible until it is done”. This is the flame that burns in her heart. She believes that the ills Zambia suffers: poverty, hunger, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, diseases and human strife are MAN MADE in which millions of children are imprisoned. She asks, why wait for a better world, lets create it. This is the sole inspiration in which lead Chandni in taking action to establish ZCFC and energized her in uniting people to act and serve, to FREE the future generation of Zambia. She believes that freedom can only be actualized through education, which is the most powerful weapon for change, although ZCF is already making this happen, she wants to contribute first hand to Zambians as an educator one day. The impossible is happening, thanks to the donors and volunteers. Let there be no end!!

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER/EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER

Poonam Patel, BComm, ITM

Born in Africa and migrated to Toronto, canada in 1990, Poonam Patel is still intact with her African roots. She has been involved with ZCF since the organization gave birth in 2004. Poonam was elected Board Of Directors for the year 2005/2006 and has done an excellent job fulfilling the position to its fullest potential. Poonam brings great positivity, motivation and an attitude of: “If anyone else can make things happen, why can’t we?!” Her sense of humour keeps the team always on their toes. Now as part of the Advisory Board, Poonam brings to us great feedback, provides us with a direction of how to attain our goals. Poonam professional yet modern approach to raising charity for ZCF has made us always think outside the box. Not only does she support the children of ZCFC, but she also supports other children in her parents home country, India. She states: “Does it really matter how much we earn? Does it really matter how much a piece of clothing costs us? Does it really matter that we don’t have hot water for 1 hour? Does it really matter that we have to walk just incase our cars break down? Does it really matter? Think about the thousands of children who don’t even know what “income” means? Think about the thousands of children who wear the same brown shirt everyday. Think about the thousands of children who have to shower in bacteria infested water. Think about the thousands of children who have to walk for miles and miles to provide for themselves. Yes, lets think.”