Staff
Africa Jam's success in reaching youth is the result of hard work and dedication of its more than 180 volunteers and six full- and part-time staff members.
Ninety-five percent of Africa Jam's leaders are unpaid employees who graciously donate their time and gifts to support the mission and vision of Africa Jam. As we work to continue to expand the reach of our programs to more schools and townships, our goal is to identify funding for additional staff positions.
Ellen Ruiters: Director of Development
Ellen Ruiters founded Africa Jam with her husband Quinton Ruiters in 2001 after recognizing a need for safe, youth-empowering after school and faith development activities. Read More»
ellen@myafricajam.org
Cheryldene Hector: Director, Leadership Development
Cheryl has been working in unique partnership with Africa Jam since our inception in 2001. Our past collaborations on community projects with youth in Atlantis has brought about positive change in the lives of the youth we served. Africa Jam is very excited to have Cheryl lead the Cape Town Team and share her wealth of experience working with non profits with Africa Jam.
Karin VanWyk Project Coordinator, Office Manager
Karin first got involved with Africa Jam in 2001 as a youth participant when she was in 9th grade. Karin currently serves as a project coordinator for the Lotus River program as well as Africa Jam camp co-director.
Karin@myafricjam.org
Loyiso Damoyi: Project Coordinator
Loyiso Damoyi has been involved in Africa Jam since 2001 and was a stand-out participant in the organization's first annual camp. Damoyi currently manages the Khayelitsha Performing Arts group and works with schools outreach team. Read More»
Loyiso@myafricajam.org
FULL-TIME VOLUNTEERS
Ryan DeCook: Youth Worker
Ryan joined the staff in December 2007. Originally from the United States, he felt called to come back with Africa Jam while volunteering at Africa Jam Camp in January 2007. Ryan recently graduated from the University of San Diego after studying Communication Studies and Business Administration. He is developing Africa Jam's income generating programs. He is also spending time working with young people in small groups and teaching guitar and assisting with the running of the minsitry.
Alicia Kelly: ELCA Volunteer
Alicia Kelly is from Phoenix AZ, graduated with a degree in Business Mangagement in 2004. She always dreamed of traveling overseas to experience another culture and finally got the chance this year. Alicia was selected to come to South Africa and work with Africa Jam thru a program for young adults in conjunction with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. This January 2009, Alicia will be coordinating volunteer efforts for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of American in Global Missions at Africa Jam camp.
To lean more about funding Africa Jam staff positions, contact us.
To learn more about volunteering for Africa Jam, visit our volunteer page.
South Africa Board
Africa Jam has a South African board that is committed to raising funds, spreading the word about Africa Jam's mission and supporting the youth development work that is transforming South Africa. View Board Members»
United States Board
Africa Jam is also strengthened by a board in the US that directs funds, organizes mission and volunteer experiences and provides support. View Board Members»
To learn more about serving on Africa Jam's board of directors, contact us.