SIP brings together volunteers and donors with a heart for helping the people of Igoma.
History
In 1998, a work team from Stouffville, Ontario, travelled to Igoma, Tanzania, to start construction of the village’s first medical clinic. Five years later, the clinic was completed. A local board of directors for the new Urafiki Health Clinic was appointed and a doctor was hired.
During this time, Stouffville resident Peter Neufeld made a presentation to the Stouffville Town Council proposing that the town adopt Igoma as a partner community and find ways to support and build connections with the village of Igoma. The council approved the project unanimously, and in September 2003, the Stouffville Igoma Partnership (SIP) was founded.
SIP continues to support the Urafiki Health Clinic to ensure high standards of care for critical health conditions. The Child Sponsorship Program was founded as ICARE in 2005 and has since become SIP’s flagship program. In 2024, we opened an office and classrooms in Igoma, which allows us to offer computer, micro-business and leadership instruction and basic healthcare education to the community.
Over the years, as needs have arisen and funds permitted, SIP has also supported vital community healthcare initiatives, such as supplying mosquito nets to needy families and installing water purification systems.
Governance
SIP is governed by a volunteer board of directors in Canada, which sets the strategic direction, oversees all programs and expenditures, supervises and evaluates the work of the Igoma based executive director, and ensures compliance with all applicable laws.
To promote smooth operations and transparency of funds sent to Igoma, and enhance local relevance, SIP registered a charity, called the Tujenge Community Organization, in Tanzania in 2023. Tujenge is a Swahili word, which means “building together.” Tujenge is led by an executive director, who is a SIP employee and ex officio board member. A volunteer board in Igoma oversees Tujenge’s compliance with the memorandum of understanding signed between Tujenge and SIP.
Board of Directors
Peter Neufeld, Jr.
Chair
Peter joined the SIP board in 2019. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Psychology and an MBA. Currently working as an HR executive for Toronto Pearson Airport, Peter also brings
experience as a former psychometrist at Willian Osler Health Center in Ontario.
Gabrielle Gilbert-Snarr
SIP Child Sponsorship Program Director
Gabrielle joined the SIP board in 2020. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Doctor of Optometry. Gabrielle works full-time as an optometrist in Ontario.
Georgia Neufeld
Treasurer
Georgia joined the SIP board in 2020. She graduated from the University of Toronto in the Rotman Commerce program in 2023 and currently works at Maple Leaf Foods in its New Grad Rotational Program with the marketing team.
Marcus Gordon
Secretary
Marcus joined the SIP board in 2010 and brings more than 15 years of experience as an advisor/analyst with the Ontario Public Service. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography/English/History and a post-graduate diploma in Public Administration.
Justin Kerswill
Director
Justin has served on the board since 2007, and was the Chair of SIP from 2015 to 2021. With Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees, he’s a teacher, one-to-one worker with Children’s Aid, Big Brother volunteer and gifted musician.
Alex William Samwel
Executive Director, Tujenge Community Organization
Alex has served on the SIP Tanzania board since 2020 and is currently the executive director of Tujenge Community Organization. He was the recipient of the Young African Leaders Initiative award by the US Embassy Department and is a highly educated and motivated individual passionate for sustainable development in his community.