Mulemba is a teacher who has taught children between the ages of 7 and 16 for the past 19 years. She has worked with children from different social backgrounds and currently lives in Lusaka, Zambia. She is very passionate about empowering vulnerable children through education as education and the development of vocational skills is the key to poverty eradication. Mulemba believes laughter has no color, tribe or language. Laughter unites people of all ages, culture and religious backgrounds.

Mulemba works for Mukwashi Trust School, a non-profit making school whose main objective is to provide good quality education to the underprivileged children in the community who are mostly the farm laborer’s children. She has been an active member of Bridges of Peace and Hope for a couple of years now. She believes through shared experiences we appreciate that we have more in common than we tend to believe.

Her inspiration is a quote by Feodor Dostoyevsky: ‘If you wish to glimpse the inside of a human soul and to get to know the man, don’t bother analyzing his ways of being silent, of talking of weeping, or seeing how much he is moved by noble ideas; you’ll get better results by watching him laugh. If he laughs well, he is a good man… All I claim to know is that laughter is the most reliable gauge of human nature.’

Mulemba is a single mother of three girls and one boy. When not working she loves to explore the beauty her country holds, a good swim and most of all silence. She also loves good music and tasty food.

Mack Lunn is a passionate Internet entrepreneur with an extensive background in computer programming and design who strives to utilize technology to inspire and connect a better world.

Meg has a degree in Business and French and is a Child Associate and Interventionist
at The Western CT Academy for International Studies Magnet School in Danbury, CT.
She has been an active member of Bridges of Peace and Hope for many years and
has helped the team coordinate various events. In early 2017 she started the first
Bridges of Peace and Hope club in the USA with the hopes of giving kids the
opportunity to be more aware of and appreciative of cultural diversities through shared
projects.  Meg has also coached and managed the Odyssey of the Mind program in her
community for over a decade. She is involved in Jane Goodall’s “Roots and Shoots”
program and the “Heifer International” project. Meg has a passion for learning
languages. Besides living in the USA, she has also lived in Iceland and France. A
favorite job was working at the United Nations.  Along with her husband and four
children, she has housed several exchange students from other countries. Meg
admires Maya Angelou and believes one should “try to be a rainbow in someone’s
cloud”. Besides traveling, she also loves gardening, kayaking, camping, photography,
hiking and cooking!

Natalie Belli is a fifth-grade humanities teacher at the Village School in Marblehead, Massachusetts where she integrates Project Zero practices and initiatives. She is a passionate devotee of literature, lifelong learning, and joyful teaching. Natalie embraces the unexpected and often laughs at her own mistakes. Her practice is featured in Ron Ritchhart’s book, Creating Cultures of Thinking and Angela Salmon’s new book (spring 2018), Authentic Teaching and Learning Pre-K – Fifth Grade. Natalie is currently using Culture of Thinking principles to guide her students’ learning in digital citizenship and online learning with Out of Eden Learn (HGSE Project Zero and Nat’l Geographic). Her students’ engagement prompted her to establish diverse book clubs for students 10-18 years and the Vagabonding Club, a multiage club that meets twice a week where students can slow down and look closely at global literature, view international films, and make connections to bigger stories.

Natalie admires the devotion and collaboration which Laura Manni and John Farrell provide to teachers, students, and friends. Natalie’s last visit to Mukwashi was with her daughter, Libby–an art teacher in Boston, MA. Students at Mukwashi created powerful art narratives depicting stories of heroism. She looks forward to returning to Mukwashi next year! Natalie presents learning at Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom Summer Institute, The International Conference on Thinking, and at schools in the USA, Europe, South America, and Africa.

Ann Marie has been teaching young children for 25 years. A strong believer in human rights and
equal opportunity for all people, Ann Marie’s students learn the need to accept differences and
appreciate diversity. They also learn the importance of always treating others respectfully. Her
classes have participated in many BoPH initiatives including international pen pal exchanges,
collaborative video projects, and Skype teleconferences. Global Awareness and Social Justice
are cornerstones in Ann Marie’s educational philosophy and she practices what she teaches.
She has visited many countries around the world, done volunteer work in Ecuador, and is an
active community member at home. Ann Marie was a founding member of Bridges of Peace
and Hope and helped coordinate several US Tours by the South African Zulu ensemble Thula
Sizwe. She loves reading, singing, gardening, dancing, traveling and above all her family and
friends. Ann Marie is a mother of five adult children and is soon to become a grandmother.

Marty Winsor is a former elementary school teacher and retired attorney who lives with his wife Martha in Edmeston, New York. He is a long-time member of his Rotary Club and has served both his club and his Rotary district in a variety of capacities. He is a volunteer with the arts in education program of the Edmeston Central School District and serves as an advisor for the school’s high school robotics team. He is also the founder of the Edmeston Education Foundation, which raises and distributes funds to support innovation, creativity, and fun in the school’s classrooms.

Maureen Tyra, BoPH Project Coordinator, East Ridge M.S. Ridgefield, Connecticut
Maureen is living her childhood dream of being a teacher. Since 2008 she has taught 8th grade in Ridgefield, CT. She has been involved with numerous organizations involved in promoting peace and compassion through action. Maureen’s students correspond with students around the world to develop relationships, and to foster global awareness and understanding. The 8th grade service project curriculum that Maureen designed requires students to individually investigate problems in the world and then do service to help remedy the situations. As Student Council adviser, she has helped students coordinate drives and fundraisers to support many worthy causes including funding for the construction of new classrooms and teacher housing at the Mukwashi Trust School in Zambia. Maureen and her husband Gary have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. The Tyra family has had the good fortune to be a foster family. Their lives have been enriched by the children who have been in their care. The Tyras live in Bethel, CT.

Maxwell Kofi Donkor is a Master drummer and Asante Prince who was born and raised in Ghana. Kofi was chosen to carry on the ancestral drumming tradition, and spent much of his childhood learning drumming from his grandfather. He has honored and pursued this commitment with a passion throughout his life. Kofi now lives and works in New York State where he is the leader of the Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble. The group promotes teamwork and community building through their performances and workshops at events, schools and festivals. Kofi has been an active member of Bridges of Peace and Hope for many years and he believes that the arts (visual and performing arts) are a sure way to bringing people of all races, culture, and gender together in peace and love. When Kofi’s not working he often volunteers to help with the soup kitchen, and homeless shelter, and also spends time visiting patients at the hospital.
He loves spending time with his children biking, hiking, sculpting, and playing basketball or soccer. His favorite foods are fufu (asante dumpling and soup), veggie pizza, and avocado, and he loves to cook.

Kayawe is a performing artist who lives and works in Lusaka, Zambia. He does theatre, music, and dance, and also loves photography. Kaya is a member of the Nomakanjani Arts Team. Nomakanjani means “No Matter What.” He plays Ngoma a traditional drum. Kaya’s beautiful photographs of Zambian students and teachers are helping us build bridges of peace and hope. He believes BoPH is a good organization because it helps young people express themselves and connect with their lives.

Mike is an artist, creative and producer currently living in Los Angeles, California. He has a passion for exploring new forms of creative expression and thrives working and playing at the intersections of art and technology. His pursuit of adventure and search for inspiration have taken him across the world from Alaska to Africa, always with a camera in hand and a smile on his face. Mike believes that true collaboration starts with an appreciation and respect for that which makes each of us unique and different. Cultivating a practice of dialogue, exchange and inclusion with the youth of today is a fundamental step towards building the peaceful communities of tomorrow.

Judah describes himself as a teacher, with a capital T. He is proud that he has been an educator for over 24 years and can’t imagine a life better spent. Judah has loved school since his first day as a student at Mulobezi Primary School in January, 1978.

In August 2006, together with his ‘Canadian sister’, Laura Manni, he launched the Mukwashi Trust School – the most important and treasured work of his life (so far)!

Judah says that when John Farrell visited Mukwashi in 2009 a bridge was built that changed the face of Mukwashi Trust School forever. It is thanks to the continued support of BoPH that the school has grown not only in buildings, students, and teachers, but also from a rural school into a global one. Mukwashi is happy to have relationships with schools in Europe and America, and looks forward to new relationships in Africa and beyond!

An interesting fact: In 2017 – at the age of 46 – Judah was able to take his very first flight to visit Vienna, Austria. Thanks to BoPH and its partners around the world, Judah and Mulemba got the chance to visit their partner school AIS Vienna, and then travel on to the CESSA conference in Sofia, Bulgaria where they shared the story of how Mukwashi, AIS Vienna, and BoPH have made connections that have educated and enriched the lives of everyone involved.

Judah is focused on cultivating relationships with his staff, students and their families. He knows that it is only through relationships that we can tear down walls and build bridges towards understanding and love. He also happens to be an amazing dancer, with a great sense of humor and an even greater heart.

Brooklyn is an education and business major turned techie who enjoys learning new things in an unconventional way. Through sports, leisure, and curiosity, Brooklyn was able to travel around North America which is where she found interest in exploring different cities and cultures. Her furthest travel to Nepal allowed her to discover her love for different languages and how people around the world interact with one another. Brooklyn is inspired by the fact that although different languages and cultures can cause a barrier, laughter and empathy are always translated the same.

In order to soak in the spirit of a new town she is visiting, Brooklyn loves to try new sushi rolls, check out local shops (tea > coffee) and people watch. She also believes that sunshine, laughter and Netflix are the best cures for a bad day. Her favorite animal is a killer whale.

Gen is a Canadian teacher living in Austria for the last 15 years and has been teaching at AIS-Vienna for 7 years. Last year, Gen got involved with the Bridges of Peace and Hope team and had the opportunity to visit the Mukwashi Trust School in Zambia. The connections she made during this visit will last a lifetime. This year, Gen spearheaded projects with the entire Elementary school with the hopes of bringing AIS-V and Mukwashi closer together. Some of the projects include: What Makes you Smile, We are all Creative, and a Bookmark Exchange. Next year, Gen hopes that more teachers will start connecting with the Mukwashi Trust School in classroom to classroom projects. Although our schools are miles apart, our friendship is just a bridge away. It is through the connections we make today that we can foster friendships that cross nations for a lifetime.

Nicole is an educator, mother and life-long learner. She has been living and working in Vienna, Austria for the past 16 years and is currently working as a fifth grade teacher at the American International School of Vienna.
She believes strongly in the power and promise of education to help make positive change in the world. She sees teaching as a way to actively to help her students realize their potential and find their paths to making the world a little better. She believes creating opportunities for children anywhere can make an amazing difference everywhere.

After a visit from John Farrell to AIS Vienna a couple of years ago, Nicole became involved with Bridges of Peace and Hope through her work coordinating the Student Council. Seeing the immense rewards and benefits of these connections, she has since then worked to continue to build bridges between AIS Vienna and fellow member schools, from organizing teacher exchanges with friends at the Mukwashi Trust School in Zambia to forming and serving as the Coordinator of the Bridges of Peace and Hope Student Club. Her passion to travel and learn leads to her places all around the world where she loves to experience both the differences and similarities of people and cultures. She finds that in the end, we share much more in common than apart. When she is not busy teaching, she enjoys coaching the High School Speech, Debate and Acting team, practicing yoga and meditation, and laughing and learning alongside her two children and family.

Kelly is a middle child and as such, a natural peacemaker. She fought her first battle against injustice in second grade, sneaking Boy’s Life magazines from the bookshelves when her gender made it impossible to check them out with the librarian. The same year, Kelly performed John Farrell’s “50 States in 50 Seconds” at the school talent show.

A lifelong Bridges of Peace and Hope supporter, Kelly enjoys spreading justice through the arts. As president of the Amnesty International Club at Bethel High School, Kelly directed a stop-motion student film about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that preceded the Dalai Lama’s Lecture at Western Connecticut State University. In college, she taught poetry classes to fourth and fifth graders on Arthur Avenue and traveled the world during a semester abroad. Living in London and New York, Kelly gained a renewed appreciation for the chaos and connection that is the human experience. She enjoys exploring those themes in her writing, reading, and as Communications Coordinator for Bridges of Peace and Hope!

Kelly believes students can reshape the world because she has seen it happen. She cherishes her work with Bridges of Peace and Hope because she knows instilling courage and confidence in the next generation of change-makers is the first step towards creating a better world!

John is a songwriter, author and storyteller who has been working with children and teachers around the world for over 25 years. He is the founder of Bridges of Peace and Hope, and has visited more than 1500 schools in 25 countries. The songs he writes and sings for and with students and teachers promote respect, understanding, and working together. John greatest love is his family. He also likes to travel, read, ride his bicycle and meet new people. A lover of nature and challenges, John climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2014 with other BoPH team members including his daughter Maggie, a 4th grade teacher. The team carried a banner to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The banner included photos of more than 1700 students from 55 countries. The students were holding up words that expressed their hopes and beliefs. John’s wife, Ann Marie is an elementary teacher and they have five adult children. John often expresses his beliefs in his song lyrics such as “There are common threads that bind us no matter who we are…” and “It’s the little things we do together that make this world a little better…”

Laura is an early childhood enthusiast who has spent over 16 years of her life working in the field of education, as a teacher, researcher, and consultant. She believes that there is no better job in the world than working with young children. The most important work of her life is the role she played starting Mukwashi Trust School in Zambia. ( The Mukwashi Trust School opened in 2006, with two teachers, including principal Judah Sikamikami, and 90 students and today has 14 members of staff and over 380 students.)

Laura describes herself as a reluctant nomad, despite having spent nearly two decades away from her home in Toronto, Canada. She has lived in England, Zambia, Norway, Luxembourg, and now the US and knows that these experiences have helped her reformulate the idea of home and what it means to belong. It has taught her so much about what it feels like to be the other – something she believes has made her more aware and empathetic. “If you want to be able to walk in another’s shoes, walk in your own in a place where you are the other.” She also recommends biking, eating chocolate, and being kind as often as possible.

Laura wants you to know that her brother Frankie – who is developmentally delayed – is her hero, because it might convince you to look for magic where you don’t think it exists. Laura is currently living in New York City where she is the Senior Manager of Community Engagement and Communications at CMMB, a non-profit global health organization focused on women and children.