MEET THE TEAM
Board of Directors
Agnes Ellis
Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board
I was born in Brazil but grew up in Germany where I completed my university degree in Economics in 2006. Ever since, I enjoy my life in Switzerland and work for a consulting company that focuses on operations in financial markets.
I was born in Brazil but grew up in Germany where I completed my university degree in Economics in 2006. Ever since, I enjoy my life in Switzerland and work for a consulting company that focuses on operations in financial markets.
Since our foundation in 2011 I am the Chairman of the organization. Besides the overall coordinating responsibilities I take care of all financial aspects, communication and coordination with our local Kenyan team as well as all other matters that relate to our donors and supporters.
“Sharing is caring” holds true especially if there aren’t a lot of resources around. Not having food when one is hungry, not being able to shower when one feels dirty or not being able to turn on the light when it gets dark make you wholeheartedly appreciate the people who go the extra mile to help out: Asante Sana to everyone involved!
In 2012 we organized the first community event in our school, inviting staff members and the local community. While students were performing on a self made stage, everyone was proudly watching them. In the background was the construction team about to finalize the first 4 permanent classrooms. So much life where only 12 months ago the school was close to being shut down by the Ministry of Education.
Dr. Astrid Benker
Co-Founder and Board Member
Born in Brazil, grew up in Germany and living in Portugal now. I lived in Tanzania and Kenya for 2.5 years each, experiencing the beauty of African culture. After 6 years as a Consultant, I am now a Freelance Change and Project Manager.
Born in Brazil, grew up in Germany and living in Portugal now. I lived in Tanzania and Kenya for 2.5 years each, experiencing the beauty of African culture. After 6 years as a Consultant, I am now a Freelance Change and Project Manager.
Since our foundation in 2011 I am the deputy chairman of School4Life. Besides the overall coordination responsibilities I take care of all the “soft” factors, including all areas of Marketing, Communications and PR. In addition, I take care of our Kenyan students joining university or college and ensure that our international volunteers are well looked after in one of our project locations.
One third of the world’s population are children. They are our future. Therefore, nothing you do for a child is ever wasted! We should worry not only about what a child will become tomorrow, but also remember that he/she is someone today.
I’ve slept 33 nights with 33 different families in their mud huts, experiencing the true challenges in life.
We try to teach our children all about life. In reality, they are the ones teaching us what life is all about…to care for each other. Every single moment with these kids is magical.
Core Team Members
Ana von Bock
Program Manager and Co-Founder Matsarigi
I’m passionate about promoting change and improving the lives of those in need since I was a teenager helping children in Brazilian favelas. With Niko, we are proud parents of Julia and Nicolas. I was born and raised in São Paulo with a strong Spanish influence from my mother. After university, I moved to Barcelona to finish my MBA studies. Since then I have worked in Marketing, Finance, Corporate Volunteering, Diversity and Inclusion, and Business Development in Barcelona and Zurich. Since 2020 I have been working for Limmat Foundation as Program and Partnership Manager and feel very fortunate because I found a place where I could engage directly with my passion and purpose.
I’m passionate about promoting change and improving the lives of those in need since I was a teenager helping children in Brazilian favelas. With Niko, we are proud parents of Julia and Nicolas. I was born and raised in São Paulo with a strong Spanish influence from my mother. After university, I moved to Barcelona to finish my MBA studies. Since then I have worked in Marketing, Finance, Corporate Volunteering, Diversity and Inclusion, and Business Development in Barcelona and Zurich. Since 2020 I have been working for Limmat Foundation as Program and Partnership Manager and feel very fortunate because I found a place where I could engage directly with my passion and purpose.
I have been helping the children and the School4Life team since 2017 with my heart, my head, and hands as a fundraiser, Project Manager as well as event and communication activities.
Because School4Life has an amazing team with incredible expertise. I have seen how S4L is improving the communities and children it supports by emphasizing on partnerships and collaboration that bring a bigger, more sustainable impact on some of the world’s toughest problems.
Meeting Agnes for the first time 7 years ago: I immediately felt that with her I could be part of something great and incredibly beautiful by helping as many children and families as possible. I was amazed and continued with S4L since.
Sven Schulte
Head of Operations
I am a proud father, a curious learner, and an entrepreneur. I love building applications and connecting people to support each other. I grew up in Germany and have now been living happily in Switzerland for many years.
I am a proud father, a curious learner, and an entrepreneur. I love building applications and connecting people to support each other. I grew up in Germany and have now been living happily in Switzerland for many years.
I helped organize a team of developers to support School4Life build their new website and web application. And I will continue to support any new challenge where my skills and/or network might be of use.
During my time at a Swiss consulting firm, I met Astrid, one of the founders, and she explained to me what School4Life does. I love the idea, the goals and the team spirit of everyone who helps here.
The gratitude of the core team to all those who help makes for new best moments at every meeting.
Steffi Scheweder
Head of Finance
Team player and passionate finance professional with 2 kids and a big smile.
Team player and passionate finance professional with 2 kids and a big smile.
Implementing Salesforce NGO pack to better monitor and report donations and spendings.
Fundraising. Project management…wherever I am needed.
I have been friends with Agnes and Astrid for over 10 yrs now. Again and again they impressed me with their love and dedication to School4Life and the children. Finally, we found something where I can bring in my knowledge to help and support.
…is yet to come.
Daniel Peys
Head of IT
I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, driven by my passion for computer science. With experience in full-stack web development across various frameworks, I am deeply committed to using my skills to support others and contribute to meaningful causes.
In my role, I actively support School4Life by managing projects and contributing fresh ideas to enhance their mission. I also dedicate my skills to website development, focusing on software architecture and development to ensure a seamless online presence.
My journey with School4Life began when I crossed paths with Astrid, one of the co-founders, during a university project. The profound idea and noble cause of School4Life resonated with me, prompting my enthusiastic involvement in this remarkable organization.
My most fulfilling moments with School4Life are when I see the positive impact of our new website and witness the remarkable achievements of our organization. These instances reinforce my commitment to our mission.
Dominik Metzger
Program Manager
I grew up in Germany, but have now been living in the middle of the mountains in Austria for a few years. 6 months in Chile, 6 months in Iraq and 6 months on a road trip with a VW bus from Germany to India have shown me how wonderful it is to get to know other cultures and countries. I studied energy, environmental and process engineering, now build and plan solar plants and at the same time work for an NGO as a project manager for environmental projects in Iraq.
I grew up in Germany, but have now been living in the middle of the mountains in Austria for a few years. 6 months in Chile, 6 months in Iraq and 6 months on a road trip with a VW bus from Germany to India have shown me how wonderful it is to get to know other cultures and countries. I studied energy, environmental and process engineering, now build and plan solar plants and at the same time work for an NGO as a project manager for environmental projects in Iraq.
My task is to support the implementation of projects in the environmental sector and to ensure a reliable supply of water for the new project of Matsarigi in Matsangoni.
Because all the people in the team are fantastic. It’s fun to learn from such an experienced and professional group.
During a visit to Matsarigi, it was overwhelming to see how enthusiastic the local community is about the project and how well the project is embedded in the local community. That’s what it’s all about and that’s what can really make a difference.
Lukas Becker
Program Manager
I am a mother of 2 wonderful kids, a wife of an adorable husband, a good daughter, a true friend and a lover of nature. My heart beats for the ones I love, the sea, communications and to see people smile. This is why I always follow the advice of my grandmother: “The most important task of good people is to connect with other good people and to send a light into the darkness.
I live in Heidelberg and enjoy basketball, fencing, and cross fit. As a transformation and business consultant I am working with international companies to move things forward.
As in my job, I am supporting School4Life in managing projects and providing fresh ideas. Being a hands-on person, I love getting things done in a fast, efficient and successful way.
I have met the Co-founder Astrid at work and the way she spoke about School4Life inspired me to join this fantastic organization. In addition, I was in MatsaRigi in May 2023 and had the best time getting to know the Kenyan culture and people.
During our trip to MatsaRigi in May 2023, I celebrated my birthday with 100 of the school kids at the Watamu beach. Many of them were at the beach for the first time. Seeing all the happy faces was a precious moment I’ll keep in my heart forever.
Norbert Benker
Head Legal and Sustainability
After living and working in many African countries for over 12 years, I can say I’m half African by now. My passion is to support the economic development of families through entrepreneurship and microfinance. I worked as COO, CEO and board director for various microfinance institutions, banks and foundations. With my wife and our two wonderful kids we now live an active lifestyle in Southern Portugal, close to the beach.
After living and working in many African countries for over 12 years, I can say I’m half African by now. My passion is to support the economic development of families through entrepreneurship and microfinance. I worked as COO, CEO and board director for various microfinance institutions, banks and foundations. With my wife and our two wonderful kids we now live an active lifestyle in Southern Portugal, close to the beach.
I’m supporting the School4Life Board with decision-making around legal and governance matters as well as project management for the various initiatives that S4L is funding and supporting.
If you have visited the project, you don‘t need another WHY. Plus, I am the proud husband of one of the co-founders.
The moment we announced to the finalists of the Primary School that we would open a Secondary School for them and they will be able to continue their education.
Stella Orengo
Lawyer
I am a mother of 2 wonderful kids, a wife of an adorable husband, a good daughter, a true friend and a lover of nature. My heart beats for the ones I love, the sea, communications and to see people smile. This is why I always follow the advice of my grandmother: “The most important task of good people is to connect with other good people and to send a light into the darkness.
Born, raised and living in Kenya, I am a lawyer who is passionate about children welfare, gender equality and equity as well as good governance. I am in private practice managing an access to justice online program that curates legal documents, offers training and requests consultations to the wider public. Outside formal work, I love to write, cook and farm.
I support School4Life with their legal and corporate governance matters.
School4Life ensures provision of quality education to vulnerable children by imparting knowledge and skills, giving them broad perspectives in life and the ability to get innovative solutions to life’s challenges. School4Life is empowering young generations to be able to confront the dynamic environment with practical solutions through education. It is fulfilling to be part of a great team that is lifting generations to a better life.
We’re building it.