WHO
WE ARE
Our commitment to Eswatini dates back to 1945. In 2010, our teams returned to the country to provide services to the Lubumbo Region. We currently have a full-time staff in Siteki providing consistent care and services.
STAFF & BOARD MEMBERS.
LYNDA "LINDIWE" HETRICK ARROYO
CEO & Founder
The daughter and granddaughter to missionaries, who have served in Eswatini since 1945; Lynda was born and raised in Eswatini. She studied Early Childhood Development at Point Loma Nazarene University. Her love for children and the country of Eswatini prompted the founding of
HopeAlive268, “coming alongside” its people in collaboration to feed and educate orphaned and vulnerable children. She is married to Pastor Ricardo Arroyo, they have four children and three grandchildren.
BENJAMIN SIMELANE
Executive Relations & Founding Board Member
Ben was born in Eswatini and had a career as a Production Manager for the Royal Swazi Sugar Company for over 17 years. Currently, he is the CEO of Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Manzini. He has faithfully served as director and advisor to HopeAlive268 since its founding. Benjamin along with His wife, Jabu, are well known for their active involvement in community and church.
REVEREND DUMSILE SHIBA
Community Liaison,
Psycho-Social Development Coordinator &
Founding Board Member
Dumsile was born in Eswatini and calls Siteki home. She is a mother of two girls and grandmother of three. Dumsile recently retired from her lecturing post at Southern Africa Nazarene University. Her formal education includes degrees and certifications in Social Welfare, Community and Rural Development, Social Psychology and Counseling from recognized institutions worldwide. Dumsile plays an important role in the everyday activities of HopeAlive268.
SIBONISO MBANE
Educator & Outreach Program Integrator
Siboniso, from the Lubombo Region, is a dynamic young man with a heart and passion for social engagement. Once a HopeAlive268 scholarship recipient himself, after graduation he became a tutor for those following in his footsteps. His organizational skills and passion keep HopeAlive268 on target. Siboniso is one of our Community Educators and Outreach Integrator. He is active in ministry at his local church and coaches a soccer team that he founded as an effort to keep young people in his community engaged in activities.
MUTAMBWA "GOLDEN"
CHIMWAYA
Education Resource Coordinator
Golden was born in the Livingston District of Zambia, home of the mighty Victoria Falls. He and his wife, Nondumiso, now reside in the Lubombo Region of Eswatini along with their 6 children, three boys, and three girls. A high school teacher, Golden is HopeAlive268’s Education Resource Coordinator and Tutor. His expertise is in mathematics and sciences, though he capably tutors the full curriculum of subjects. Golden is a fluent speaker of 11 languages. His passion is mentoring young people, especially the marginalized and less privileged.
PHOLANI PAUL
MAMBA
Logistics & HR Development
Paul was born in Manzini, Eswatini and calls Siteki home. He holds a B.A., with merit, in Sociology and Industrial Sociology from the University of Zululand and a B.S. in Industrial Organizational and Labor Studies, with honors, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His experience in people management, industrial relations, change management, and research, brings a wealth of wisdom to the team. At HopeAlive268, he is also involved with Student Tutoring, a Community Educator, and resource development.
PASTOR RICARDO "LINDANI" ALFREDO ARROYO
Chaplain & Operations Manager
Rev. Lindani is a native of Puerto Rico and educated at the University of Maryland, earning a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He was ordained into ministry by Calvary Chapel in Palm Harbor, Florida. Pastor Ricardo is a loving husband to Lynda Arroyo, father and grandfather. Pastor Arroyo is HopeAlive268’s Chaplain, counselor, and mentor, discipling and encouraging people to mature in the Christian walk.
MATHUBAMAHLE GUMEDZE
Community Engagement Liaison & Advisory Board
Mr.Gumedze (Mathuba) is an active community leader in the Lubombo region. A veteran of Royal Eswatini Police with nine years of faithful service. His education includes Advanced Diplomas in Human Resource Development from Amadi University College and Theology from Southern African University. He is currently pursuing further studies at North West University for a Bachelors in Theology in Christian Ministry. Mathuba is devoted to his community in meeting their spiritual and physical needs. He has a great love for music and can often be found leading others with songs of praise.
USA BOARD MEMBERS.
CHERI
KOWALSKI
Board Member
Cheri is a bookkeeper and administrative assistant at a church located in the Tampa Florida area. She has been with HopeAlive268 from its beginnings. Cheri has sat as the treasurer for HopeAlive268 and also as a coordinator assistant for Team trips. Cheri’s hobbies include crafts and baking with her grandkids.
JIM
NELSON
Board Member
Jim faithfully served in the military 23 years before retiring. He has also been a Pastor for over 18 years. His heart is for people and he has spent his life serving others. He and his wife, Gina, lived in Eswatini for 10 months after having visited on several occasions. They have a deep love for the Country and the people. They have ministered alongside HopeAlive268 since its beginning. Jim and Gina have 7 children and 15 grandchildren.
MARIA
BRANDES
Board Member
Maria has been the market and central processing manager at a large Pump Company for over twenty-two years. She mastered many areas of business, including accounting oversight. Outside of work, Maria has spent over 20 years volunteering and serving her community with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Metropolitan Ministries and Joining Hands Mission. Maria’s background in administration and vast experience with Not-For-Profits has well equipped her to serve and advise HopeAlive268.
HAVEN
RECTOR
Founding Board Member
Haven has been a part of HopeAlive268 from its inception. She first fell in love with the people and country of Eswatini while visiting with her family in 2006. Since then, she has returned several times with her husband and two children. The entire family shares a love for the work and ministry of HopeAlive268. Her favorite memory of Eswatini is encountering the love and joy of the people and watching her two children play alongside friends in the villages. Haven and Joshua are licensed foster parents and have a heart to protect and advocate for children; especially those orphaned and vulnerable.
MELISSA
MADASZ
Founding Board Member
Melissa began her journey with Hopealive268 in 2010, when she assisted in leading a team of volunteers from the USA to Eswatini (then Swaziland). As the Director of Missions, Children and Youth ministry at a church in Florida, Melissa’s passion and experience play an important role in the organizations’ vision. Melissa is a familiar face to the people of Eswatini. During her most recent visit in September 2019, Melissa spent several weeks with the local leadership team and those whose lives have been touched by HopeAlive268. She saw firsthand the positive impact HopeAlive268 has had and continues to have, especially as they “dedicate their time to the entire person; personally, physically and spiritually”.
JIM
O’CONNOR
Board Member
Jim has been an Associate Pastor for over 23 years and has worked with children for more than 30 years. Working with children for three decades has modeled for him the value of Christ's statement, “to have the heart and faith of a child”. His experience also gives him valuable insight and compassion for deep individual struggles and fears people share during times of difficulty. He and his wife Ronda traveled to Eswatini in 2018 to experience firsthand the work of HopeAlive268. They were deeply impacted by the genuine joy, friendliness, generosity and humility of the Emaswati people, both young and the old. Jim and Ronda have 4 children and 1 grandchild.