About
ABOUT US
“Empowering Communities Through Education, Literature, and Humanitarian Action”
The Vamba Sherif Foundation is a non-profit initiative deeply rooted in the legacy of scholarship and love for humanity. It was founded to honour Vamuyah Sherif and Vamadu Sherif for their dedication to education, development, and service to humanity.
Inspired by the journey of Vamba Sherif - author and Changemaker committed to resilience, creativity, and community upliftment - the foundation aims to empower individuals and communities
Our Mission
To inspire communities by contributing to development, education and literature across continents. We organize literary workshops, offer scholarships and literary prizes, and set up developmental, educational and humanitarian projects.
Our Vision
To empower individuals and communities through education, development and literature, and to make a difference through humanitarian initiatives.
Through strategic programs and partnerships, the Vamba Sherif Foundation is committed to creating meaningful opportunities, fostering learning, and building a better future for all.
Literature
Our goal is to conduct a series of workshops in Liberia and elsewhere in Africa to develop talents and guide these talents on their way to writing stories or novels that would lead to publication and to encourage these talents to participate in the literary prize that would be set up by the foundation. Literary Prizes: The foundation will establish an annual prize for short stories and novels, celebrating creativity and excellence in Liberian and African literature. This initiative will elevate the voices of local writers and promote their works on a global stage. Inspired by Sherif’s literary achievements, including his acclaimed novels such as Land of My Fathers and Bound to Secrecy, this initiative will nurture the next generation of storytellers.
Workshops and Mentorship Programs: Regular writing workshops will be conducted in Liberia and neighboring countries, bringing together established authors and aspiring writers. These sessions will provide training in narrative techniques, publishing processes, and storytelling. Sherif’s own experience writing for international publications like The New York Times and KulturAustausch will inform the mentorship model.
Publications and Advocacy: The foundation will compile and publish anthologies of winning literary works, ensuring their distribution in libraries, schools, and international literary circles, thereby amplifying Liberian narratives. Sherif’s career, marked by multilingual publications and recognition in Europe, will serve as an aspirational benchmark for participants.
Education
Scholarships: The foundation will identify talented and deserving students from Liberia and elsewhere in Africa, providing them with opportunities to pursue education at renowned institutions. These scholarships will cover tuition, books, and living expenses, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder potential.
Resource Provision: Partnering with publishers and educational suppliers, the foundation will equip schools and libraries with essential books, digital tools, and other learning materials to foster an environment of academic excellence.
Institutional Support: Beyond individual scholarships, the foundation will support the establishment and revitalization of schools in underserved areas, creating hubs of learning that benefit entire communities. We aim to work together with educational institutions throughout West Africa to implement goals set up.
Development
Community Infrastructure: The foundation aims to address critical gaps in infrastructure by supporting projects such as building classrooms, providing clean water, and improving healthcare facilities in rural areas. These projects will be developed in collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure relevance and sustainability.
Economic Empowerment Initiatives: By introducing vocational training programs and micro-finance opportunities, the foundation will empower individuals, particularly women and youth, to generate income and contribute to local economies.
Partnerships for Growth: Collaborating with governmental and international organizations, the foundation will implement large-scale projects in agriculture, healthcare, and technology, driving holistic community development.
Dialogue and Peace
Community Forums: The foundation will organize regular dialogues, bringing together diverse groups to discuss common challenges and solutions. These forums will foster understanding and collaboration across cultural and ethnic lines.
Cultural Exchange Initiatives: Through partnerships with international organizations, the foundation will facilitate exchange programs, enabling participants to share experiences and best practices in peace-building and cultural preservation. Inspired by Sherif’s own journey of cultural dialogue, these initiatives will build bridges across divides.
Our Team
Our team consists of exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds, countries and
disciplines, all committed to carrying on the legacy of scholarship, development and
literature that inspired the establishment of this foundation. Our goal is to make a difference
in the lives of people and to create opportunities across countries and continents.
Vamba Sherif
Our founder, Vamba Sherif, established this foundation to honour the good work of his brothers Vamuyah Sherif and Vamadu Sherif
Omar L. Sherif
Omar L. Sherif is a seasoned development economist and certified project design professional with over 15 years of experience driving innovative initiatives across West Africa
Martijn Lindeboom
Martijn Lindeboom is a Dutch writer, editor and writing coach, law professional and organizer of events
Asterios Touvlatzis
Asterios Touvlatzis was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. He’s a researcher, curator, and cultural practitioner with a background in art history and critical theory.
Linnie J. F. Chea
Linnia J. F. Chea has over seven years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and project management.
Nathaniel Sackor
Nathaniel Sackor lives in Buduburam Refugee Camp, Gomoa East, Central region, Ghana. He was born in Liberia and fled the country as a result of the civil war.
Malek V. Al Sherif
Hailing from the resilient land of Lofa County, Liberia, Malek V. Al Sherif is an HR professional with more than a decade and a half of expertise across the industrial and financial sectors, and a founding member of the Vamba Sherif Foundation
- F D Roosevelstraat 25
- 9728 RV Groningen
- The Netherlands