The Chikondi Board of Directors – CANADA

Arelene Lihala – Co-Founder

Arelene is honoured to be the Founder, President and CEO of Chikondi One Heart Angels Orphanage.  She is very grateful for her journey as a Servant Leader and strives to empower her Charity’ Team.  Her passions are children and people, and sharing with them her joyful, kind-hearted spirit and her love.

Her mission is to build a community within a community in Zalewa, located in the Neno District of Malawi.  She works towards creating a holistic program whose aim is to strengthen a community development model providing educational tools for life skills, and inspiring children to transform their lives for a brighter future.  She aspires to be remembered for small gestures of kindness, seemingly insignificant little things which make a big impact on children’s lives – a legacy of lasting impact which has a ripple effect living on for generations to come.

 ~ Proverbs 31: 25-26 Woman

Arelene has a very diverse entrepreneurial background, and owns and operates her own well-established business called, “Place of Peace Cleaning”.

Christine Garcia-Kehn – Director of Communications, and Public Relations

Christine was introduced to Chikondi through Arelene, who she has known for many years. As a Board member she can support the orphanage in achieving its goals to ultimately lift the children and the surrounding community from the cycle of poverty. She is also pleased to be supporting Arelene as an office assistant and coach. Christine was born and raised in Morocco, Africa and was half-orphaned herself as a young girl so she feels very close to the cause of Chikondi and the children. She’s excited to be a part of a non-profit so focused on making sure that all donations go directly towards supporting the children. She owns and operates a home-based business that offers virtual bilingual office assistance and works as a Safety Coordinator for a barge transportation company.

Sheri Hayward – Fundraiser Manager

Sheri has always felt a deep love for children.  Mother and grandmother, she is a creative person who enjoys sewing, cooking, art, nature and the great outdoors of Vancouver Island.  When Arelene first opened the orphanage, Sheri joined as a volunteer Director of the Board, helping Arelene with fundraisers such as bake sales, shoe drives, suitcase programs and gala events.
Due to a busy work life in the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as a full family life, Sheri left the orphanage for a while, but now she has more time on her hands and will again contribute her energy and love to our children and the orphanage.

The Chikondi Board of Directors – MALAWI

Edward Constantine – Grounds Manager

Edward’s kind-hearted spirit reflects through his devoted love for the children and people of Malawi, Africa. Edward believes that together, we can make difference when we focus on our goals and keep moving forward. Edward is a self-starter dedicated to the task at hand and an amazing support for the team. Being a part of the Charity has given Edward a drive towards excellence and the wish to change children’s lives for the better.
~ God is watching.
Edward’s passions are photography and videography – capturing the beautiful images and videos of the children’s faces and stories, to share with the world through social media.
He has owned and operated his own engineering company for over ten years in Blantyre and has earned the respect of the business community.

Kelvin Masanga – Director

Kelvin was born and raised in the Chiladzulu District of Malawi, in Africa.  He is a Teacher and a Pastor at the Seventh Day Apostolic Church.  He enjoys reading, especially the Bible and other humanitarian books.  Kelvin owns and operates a local business which sells commodities in the local market of Blantyre. Kelvin also helps and counsels people; he does so with a high level of compassion, understanding people and in turn emphasizing their own personal strengths.
For Kelvin, joining Chikondi One Heart Angels Orphanage is a calling from God;  all his life, Kelvin has loved to help people.  He will work hand in hand with the Charity’s Team to help children with their basic needs, as well as help them grow spiritually and independently.