Our Team

Water School Leadership Team
Fraser Edwards – Founder and Former CEO

Bio

Fraser worked for many years with Compassion Canada as Africa Area Director and was responsible for overseeing the implementation of development projects. Based in Kenya and Uganda at the time, Fraser saw firsthand the devastating effects of unsafe drinking water in many African communities. Prior to that, he was the Associate Africa Director for the Summer Institute of Linguistics and oversaw projects in several countries in Africa (including Kenya). Fraser also worked as the Associate Pacific Area Director for the same organization. His extensive experience in managing development projects in many countries gives him unique insight into our program implementation process.
  

Robert (Bob) Dell – Founder and Former President 

Bio

Bob is a scientist with over 40 years experience in water treatment technology in Canada. He founded Dell Tech Laboratories (and is its current Chair), a chemical regulatory compliance company, before deciding to focus on providing clean water solutions to the developing world. Bob conducted extensive research on appropriate water treatment technologies relevant to the African context when he came across the SODIS water purification system, as developed by Eawag in Switzerland. Through field experimentation in Uganda, Bob was able to refine this system by minimizing its steps and making it more practical and user friendly. Eawag has since accepted these changes as vital and applicable.
  
Zepha Mukalere – Uganda Director

Bio

Zepha holds a Masters Degree in Management Studies and is responsible for leading the Water School team in Uganda. Based in Kampala Uganda, Zepha is one of the founding members of Water School Uganda and their successful projects throughout the country. Prior to joining Water School Uganda, Zepha was part of the leadership team at Compassion International Uganda. He is married to Rebecca and is very proud of their three children.
  

 

Jane Otai – Kenya Director

Bio

A native Kenyan based in Nairobi, Jane oversees the Water School in her home country. She has over 20 years of experience in urban slum development including 5 years of social research in urban slums and evaluation of programs in various areas of Kenya. Ms. Otai has provided leadership in HIV and reproductive health programs in the Kenyan urban slums and has worked with both health facilities and community organizations to improve the quality of and access to health services for people living with HIV, women, and young people. Jane’s many years of experience in program development, implementation and evaluation and in fostering collaboration among communities, health facilities and government agencies to help meet program goals and objectives.
  
Tony Woodruff – African Program Director 

Bio

Tony has long had an interest in the developing world.  As a young man he joined the English NGO, Voluntary Service Overseas, and taught math and science in a small rural school in Northern Kenya.  Later Tony became a successful international businessman, and travelled to many parts of the world, living in 4 different countries along the way.  In 2011 Tony retired from this, and now has taken on the role of African Program Coordinator with the Water School.

He holds an MA from Oxford University in England, and an MBA from the University of Chicago.  He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with Peggy, his wife of 36 years, and they have 3 grown children.

  
Richard Lau - Director of Administration & Fundraising 

Bio

Richard Lau is an independent Internet Domain Name Consultant, specializing in Registrars, Domain Name Management, Monetization and Domain Hijacking Recovery. He has been heavily involved as a volunteer in many organizations including Vancouver Police Citizens Crime Watch, a founding supporter at BaitCar.com, domain hijacking recovery for individuals and companies, and an avid supporter of Water School. In the Domain Industry Richard was awarded the very first “Domainer of the Year Award” and continues to be involved in the Domain Industry in a variety of capacities.

He holds a Business Degree from UBC and has lived and worked in Canada, Bermuda, England and the US. He currently resides in Vancouver, BC with his wife and two children.

  
Melissa Payne – Director of Communications 

Bio

As Director of Communications, Melissa is responsible for the strategic direction of Water School communications and community outreach, working to build awareness and strengthen support of our programs. With a degree in Communications from the University of Ottawa and a diploma in International Project Management, Melissa has spent years working as a communications professional in Canada and abroad.  Her most recent work before joining Water School was in Cambodia where she provided fundraising, marketing and organizational development services to local NGOs. Melissa has a passion for sustainable grassroots development and through her experience abroad has come to believe strongly in the role of simple, local solutions to empower and build the capacity of communities around the world. 

  
Bradley Pierik – Program Advisor 

Bio

Brad joined Water School as a science intern. He is currently doing a post graduate Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at The University of British Columbia. His research focus is on Solar Water Disinfection. Brad works closely with Bob Dell to ensure Water School is at the forefront of cutting edge research where the SODIS water purification method is concerned. He produced the technical training manuals available for download on Water School website and works closely with our international staff to ensure all training needs are met.
  
Walker Williams – USA Team Leader

Bio

Walker A. Williams is President and Chief Executive Officer of Alternative Marketing Access Inc and Leadership Africa USA. Mr. Williams brings more than three decades of experience working with governments, corporations, NGOs and multilateral institutions in the U.S. and overseas.

Beginning in 1992 and continuing until he founded Leadership Africa USA in 2006, Mr. Williams served as President and Founder of Education Africa USA, focused on addressing critical educational challenges facing South Africa’s first democratically-elected government. He facilitated the following programs and projects: Education Africa Presidential and Premier Education Awards, Nelson Mandela Presidential Medallions, the Walter Sisulu Scholarship and Training Fund, and fundraising support for Education Africa’s programs in South Africa.

As a consultant, Mr. Williams has worked with more than 100 NGOs actively involved in development issues (gender equality, economic development, education, agriculture, environmental and health issues) and he currently works with international and U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Mr. Williams is a graduate of Boston University, where he earned a degree in communications. He also attended Seton Hall and Rutgers University’s Graduate Schools of Business Administration.

  
Enoch Firmin – Haiti Team Leader

Bio

Enoch Firmin was born in a very remote area of northern Haiti named Soufriere, and as a child he personally experienced the danger of many waterborne diseases, including typhoid. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Sciences and was the country manager for five years for Hope Seeds in Haiti, successfully promoting home vegetable gardens and seed production. Later, he worked with Lifewind International as a trainer using the tools of Community Health Evangelism (CHE). He taught botany at the Northern Haiti Christian University for eight years. Enoch is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University in Organizational Leadership. Musically inclined, he has conducted a youth choir for the past 17 years and also plays piano at his church. He is fluent in four languages: Haitian Creole, French, Spanish and English. As the country director for the Water School in Haiti, he develops sustainable structures for clean water programs and leads the in-country team.
  

Water School Uganda  
Zepha Mukalere Zepha holds a Masters Degree in Management Studies and is responsible for leading the Water School team in Uganda. Based in Kampala Uganda, Zepha is one of the founding members of Water School Uganda and their successful projects throughout the country. Prior to joining Water School Uganda, Zepha was part of the leadership team at Compassion International Uganda. He is married to Rebecca and is very proud of their three children.
Ignatius Tebukoza Ignatius attained a Bachelor degree in Social work and community development (2009) from Kyambogo University. He worked at Agape Baptist Church as Administrator/Finance (2001 – August 2007) and Agape Child Development Center as Project Director (Sept 2007 – August 2009. He Joined Water School Uganda as the Training Officer/Administration Sept 2009. “I enjoy my work here WSU especially when I see a positive change in people’s live, improved health and improve household incomes as a result. In short I work to help people improve their standards of living using simple and sustainable methods.” Said Ignatius
John Ochieng John holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (2006 – 2007) Law Development Centre Kampala and Bachelors of Law (2002 – 2006) from Uganda Christian University. He has worked at Busia Town CDC as a Project Director as Supervisor of the implementation of child development programs of Child ministry (2008 – 2009). Uganda Judiciary Magistrate Grade one (2007 - 2008); adjudicating Civil, Commercial, Land, Criminal and domestic cases in court. July 2009 to date joined Water School (U) as Training facilitator; He trains, monitors and evaluates of program implementation. “Offering my unreserved Professional service to Water School is because its program is life saving and fundamentally transforming Communities. Being part of the team that values not just how many beneficiaries are registered but how many lives have been fundamentally transformed cements my relationship with Water School family.”
Joseph Tumusiime Joseph holds a diploma in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Makerere University. He served as a class teacher as Advanced level Secondary school and a national examiner for Geography. Handy with experience in socio-economic surveys, first as a research Assistant and later on Research supervisor, with CARE international, International Gorilla Conservation Project (IGCP) and later with African Wild Life conservation. 2007 joined Water School Uganda as the team leader for Kisoro field training officers. He’s currently serving as the Training Facilitator in charge of Research & Development for Water School Uganda. “After learning that Water School could fundamentally transform the lives of many Ugandans from the peril caused by contaminated water, through the simple and easily affordable SODIS technology, improved sanitation and hygiene practices” said Joseph.
Prossy Akale Eyangu Prossy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Makerere university Business School (2002- 2005). In 2010, joined the Water School as Finance Associate and moved to Schools’ facilitator. Prior to joining Water School Uganda, Prossy worked with MTN Uganda as Customer Service Advisor. She is married to Samuel and is very proud of their three children. “The reason I am serving as schools' facilitator, I have a passion for children and youths, they are full of ideas and energy.” Said Prossy.
Amos Openji Amos attained a first class degree in Bachelors’ of Social Work and Social Administration from Uganda Christian University (2003 - 2005). He served as a Project Director in Nebbi Diocese children ministry (2006 – 2011. “I am delighted to be part of the Water School team that’s changing the undesirable health conditions of my community (West Nile) that has been a fairytale for decades. Water School allows me to exercise the brain freely in achieving the desired goal.” Said Amos
Elisha Dushime Elisha holds a Diploma in Secondary Education (2000 – 2002). He served as a deputy head teacher and director of Studies at Vision High School. He also served as a chairman of Water & Sanitation committee in Kisoro town. He joined Water School in 2010. “The work I am doing in Water School helps me reach out to the suffering children who are dying of diseases that could be avoided. Water School gives me a chance to do a lot of teaching.” Said Elisha
Moses Barugahare Moses holds Bachelors’ Degree in Social Sciences and diploma in Secondary Education from Kyambogo University, Kampala (2001-2006). He served as a class teacher at Kisoro Vision School, child development officer in-charge of Finance at Compassion Assisted Project (Sept2006to May 2010). In May 2010 to-date, he joined Water School Uganda as Field training officer. “Am passionate to see lives of people in the communities, schools I serve transformed and live better lives. Water School activities, have transformed my life as I serve and this motivates me.” He said.
Annet Kampire Annet holds a diploma in Secondary Education from Kabale NTC (2004 -2006). In October 2007, she joined Water School as a Field Training Officer. “. I train people about sanitation, hygiene and clean water means promoting peoples' health hence transforming the community.” She said
Herbert RwerekaneHerbert is the team leader in Kisoro Water School office. He holds a Certificates in Fundamental Accounting Principles 1&2 and Community Empowerment DFID Uganda. He served at Muhabura Diocese as a Credit officer. In October 2007, He joined Water School in Kisoro as Field training officer. “I am passionate to work for the betterment of the communities and so since Water School Uganda's objective is to improve the welfare of the communities it motivates me to do the work I do.” He said
Damalie Namakula Damalie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Uganda Christian University (2007 – 2010).In March 2011, she joined Water School as finance Associate. She said “As a Finance Associate I vigilantly handle finance management through maintaining daily book keeping.”
Joseph Ajube Kiiza Ajube holds Bachelor’s Degree Social Work and Social Administration 2007- 2010. Water School Uganda Training Officer. “I have always thanked God for being part of Water school. As a social worker I am professional change agent. This work has enabled me to reach out to communities with the SODIS program which has caused positive change in the lives of people in the communities I have been operating in.”
James Muzinga James attained a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication (Public Relations Management) from Uganda Christian University (2003 – 2006). He worked as Field Communications officer at Compassion International and a Research Associate at the pincer Group Consultants 2006 to May 2007. He also served at Project Director at Child development Centre in Northern Uganda (June 2008 to February 2011. March 2011to date, he join Water School as Donor Relations Facilitator. “It’s my duty to establish and build a clear correspondence of Water School Impact of modeling health perception and brand health in communities. I ensure that all our communication programs cultivate positive Donor relations through stewardship, acknowledgement and practical accountability using evidence-based success stories of the Water School mission.”