Staff members and Volunteers

The ABC For Life team consists of staff and volunteers that are all committed to making an impact in education – starting in the Hout Bay Valley. 

Gailyn Scarpa

Head Teacher and Board member

Gailyn has nearly 20 of experience teaching in the Foundation Phase and holds a diploma from UNISA. She has spearheaded the ABC for Life program since 2007. Her particular interests are investing her time and energy to transform the lives of learners around her.

Miette Boddenberg

Teacher & Educational Therapist

Miette is a qualified BEd. Foundation Phase Educator with a specialisation in Educational Therapy and Integrated Learning Therapy. Her 9 years of working experience with children in the field of Education has equipped her to work with children from various cultural backgrounds and abilities. Her teaching philosophy stems from a heart space and a commitment to supporting students in reaching their potential

Romy Saitowitz 

Teacher

Romy is passionate about education and children’s rights. With an MSc in Paediatrics and Child Health and a qualification in Foundation Phase education, Romy has the skills and knowledge to be able to make a positive impact with ABC.

Board members

Lola Kramer

Founder & Trustee

A pillar of the Hout Bay community, Lola has been involved in real estate in Hout Bay and Llandudno for over 30 years. She and Val established ABC for Life in 2007.

Val Toledo

Founder & Trustee

Val has nearly thirty years of experience in adult literacy. Starting her career in Remedial Education, she developed an English Bridging training program for immigrant refugees to South Africa. She is a Corporate Training specialist and an expert in coaching and empowering professionals.

Nicky Broxis

Board Member 

Nicky taught at ABC for Life for two years and remains a passionate believer in the value of the program. She worked with a Johannesburg-based NGO to train educators in township schools and empower school governing bodies in informal settlements.  Nicky holds a postgraduate degree in teaching and a BSc in Business Management.

Lucy Osborn

Board member

Lucy’s career has been in Environmental management and Community Development. She was the Chairperson of Fairtrade South Africa for many years. She is currently the chairperson of Fetola, a small business mentorship organization. She has a MPhil in Environmental Management and a PhD from the University of Cambridge in the UK.