We love you Sara!

Post date: Sep 10, 2012 12:12:2 AM

It was with great regret that I learnt of the passing of our beloved friend and colleague in-service Ms Sara Coombes. I will always remember the valuable time Sara spent with our organization in Ghana to help us promote our programs through short video documentaries. On personal level, we felt an instant connection to discuss other issues other than videos.  She had managed her own business for seven years and I being the founder of an organization, we always had something in common to talk about in the world of entrepreneurship.  

Sara was at a point in her life, all she wanted to do was to give back and it was a privilege to be able to offer such an opportunity for that to be possible in Ghana. Over the three months period, Sara recorded many videos for us including three major ones which propel the organization to a different level. Our women empowerment video was selected finalist by UN Women and MasterCard grant program in Singapore during the period. She also produced a video for us to solicit for funding to purchase a Van for our Street Library program (a mobile library visiting communities to make books available to children in deprived villages). We were able to get funding and purchased this in less than six months after the production of the video.

Over the period, Sara also helped us to promote the construction of our Youth Development Centre. Her video generated interest in the construction process and renewal of support from donor partners. Four months ago, we opened the centre providing shelter, education and secured well being for nine vulnerable and orphan children in Ghana. In your memory, the training room at the centre will be named after you.

Sara, your contribution to humanity is immeasurable and may you have peace in your new resting place. On behalf of me, my family and the entire team of Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa, we wish you a peaceful rest.

Sara, below are tributes from colleague VPWA volunteers from around the world who had the opportunity to meet you while in Ghana.

-Hayford Siaw,

Founder/Executive Director: Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa

Simona Diaconescu from Romania:  We all love you, Sara Coombes! Such a wonderful person will always be missed!

Hannah Elizabeth Williams from United Kingdom:  oh such sad, sad news. Loved working with such a special, hard working lady. Who made great videos! Much love for the AMAZING lady Sara x

James Edmonds from United Kingdom:  So sad to hear of this. An incredible, fun loving lady with an awesome sense of humour. Super talented and tireless in her work. Honoured to have got to know her. Much love, Sara x

Stephanie Arneson from United States:  I'm so shocked to hear this news and so saddened. She was an amazing woman to know. She made such an impact on VPWA and she will be deeply missed!

Austin Ho from Canada: I am incredibly shocked and saddened to be reading this right now. I had the pleasure of working and travelling with her in Ghana last summer and she was an absolutely amazing person with a great personality. Could always put a smile on someone's face. RIP Sara

Hellin Brink from Sweden:  I am so saddened to hear this. Sara you were so lovely and full of life and adventure. You will be missed. RIP x

Taylor Read from United States:  Being across the world it was so great to have Sara take me in and to have her as my "mum" while I was away. She was such a sweet and incredible woman with the best personality. I'll always miss you and your gin packets  

V- Lin Lee from Singapore:  Sara was having such a wonderful time of her life and I feel so sad for this sudden lost. Will miss her beautiful soul and genuine big smile. May we all find comfort in the good memories that we have of her.

Freya Donaldson from United Kingdom:  I’m so sorry to hear this!! As you can tell from these messages, the amount of ppl Sara had a positive impact on in three months was huge let alone her life!!! I hope she has gone to an amazing place! She is an amazing woman xxxxx

Laura Cl from Belgium We are very upset hearing this news. I respected Sara for her adventurous and shiny personality; she could always make me smile. We will miss you a lot.

Tom Gill from United States:  Unbelievable - Sara was a special lady. I feel lucky to have known her. RIP Tonic.

Laurita G Agudelo from Spain:  It's a really surprising sad new. She was a truly amazing person, giving all from herself to help the others. RIP

Aaron Eubank from United States: Such a strong and inspiring woman. She will be (and clearly is being) missed greatly!

Chen Weiwen from Singapore: Am very sad to lose a great friend and roommate. Hope we can be inspired to live our lives the way Sara did: full of zest, love and laughter. Leave a legacy, as she has.

Ramona Kundt from Romania: I am extremely sad and at a loss of words. I feel so fortunate to have known Sara, she touched upon the lives of everyone she met. May her soul rest in peace.

Pearlyn Lee from Singapore:  She lived is much loved and left a legacy in her own right, sara a beautiful angel on earth and in heaven. Always remember our "late" nights chatting over gin sachets and pineapple cakes, sara parading her tailored Ghanaian dresses, super sense of humour, unfailing enthusiasm for her work, the work she has done for the less fortunate.