Sarah is honoured in the New Year’s Honours List ‘for services to International Development in Ghana’.
At a time when international development is under pressure, this is an incredible achievement – and we are beyond delighted to see ATE’s life-changing work celebrated at the highest of levels.
An overjoyed Sarah said:
“I’m deeply honoured to receive an MBE, this is the most wonderful recognition of what Action Through Enterprise has achieved. I’m grateful to accept it on behalf our extraordinary team who change lives every day, our kind and committed community of supporters who have stood with us in good times and bad, and the courageous families we support. Lasting change is possible when people work together.”
Sarah set up ATE in 2012, with the support of family and friends in Ramsbury, where she lived. At the time, she was a teacher, but gave up her career to support local people she’d met whilst on a volunteering year in Ghana. Today, she has helped bring transformational change to the Upper West – the country’s most remote region – and built a remarkable bond between communities in Wiltshire, Berkshire and beyond and those 3000 miles away.
“All those years ago, sitting in my parents’ kitchen in Ramsbury and hoping we could maybe do something small to change a few lives, this moment would have been unimaginable. From the spark of an idea, a lot of enthusiasm, and a HUGE amount of community support – we’ve built something truly amazing and really helped change the fortunes of whole communities. I’m profoundly grateful to all who have walked this journey with me.”
Long-term supporter Sir John Sawers, formerly head of the British Security Service and Britain’s Ambassador to the UN, welcomed the news:
“I have never come across a more focused and dedicated leader as Sarah, nor a small NGO that has made such a substantial impact on an entire community, with so few resources. Her passion and determination have been a catalyst for a wonderful and unique relationship between people many miles apart. At a difficult time for international development, Sarah is a fine ambassador, inspiring and connecting and, most importantly, bringing transformational change.”
