Our Team

“a passion for creating brighter futures”

Sarah co-founded Action Through Enterprise in 2012, after a frustrating year as a development volunteer – today, she oversees a team of more than 30 staff and is driving an ambitious growth plan. She’s recently published her memoir – To Lawra with Love – telling the compelling and very honest story of a challenging and inspiring decade.

“The work we do couldn’t be more important. As a former primary school teacher. my great passion is enabling young people to access education and creating opportunities for brighter futures. I am beyond proud of my team and the impact we have, enabling the people of Lawra to fulfil their potential.”

Sarah lives in Wiltshire with her husband, daughter and cat, and in her spare time, she is a governor at Hungerford Nursery School Youth and a reluctant runner.

 “the baton is now in my hands”

Assuming the Lawra Manager role after five successful years running our SNAP disability Programme, Kaamil has quickly become a vital asset. His humility and interpersonal skills have already brought progress as he guides the team towards making Lawra our Centre of Excellence.

“My favourite part is us enabling underprivileged children to access education and healthcare – and you see them smile. Many times I sit at home and think about it, and say ‘wow, this is amazing’.”

Kaamil, from a renowned Muslim family in Zongo community, previously ran the IT Unit at Lawra District Assembly. His experience working with different agencies, senior officials and  traditional authorities will be a strength as ATE grows. “I believe all the things we do here is what is going to bring the funding. To be able to expand further than where we are today, that is how I am looking at it.”

Read more about Kaamil here: https://ateghana.org/an-interview-with-kaamil-issahaku/

“telling the world about ATE”

Michele is a TV executive producer and co-author of To Lawra With Love, Sarah Gardner’s memoir. She has been using her storytelling experience to tell the world about ATE, spreading the news about the transformational work through communications and new relationships.

“People are always blown away by what we do. The work on the ground, the team, the passion, the experience and insight driving it all. We have an amazing story to tell and I feel privileged to be telling it.”

“leading and encouraging girls”

“I am Charity Kyekpo, and I began my life transition with ATE in 2021. My initial job was a Hub Assistant, from which I learned so much and today am confident to say I am now a Hub Manager working with great positive wishes.

“Leading and encouraging school girls as the Girls Project Lead has been a great pleasure. The mentorship, experiences and the positive impact are what makes me better. As I embrace ATE with much love and gratefulness, so are the many people I work with in Lawra. In all, ATE is a life-changing organisation.

“a deep-rooted love for the work`’

Kanyir has been a dedicated member of ATE for several years – starting as an intern and currently serving his national service with us. He’s always shown enthusiasm, dedication and a strong willingness to learn, and has become an integral part of ATE, contributing his unique skills to various projects.

He has a deep-rooted love for the work, and this passion is at the core of his commitment. “What I find most fulfilling is the tangible impact I can make on the lives of those in need, knowing that every effort directly contributes to improving the living conditions of rural communities. The most fulfilling moments are witnessing positive changes in the lives of the people ATE serves.”

Read more about Kanyir here: https://ateghana.org/kanyiri-kuube-issan-rising-star-of-ate/

“a passionate advocate for community development” 

I’m Umar Abdul-Gafar, a passionate advocate for community development and equality in education, with a special focus on the Lawra area. As a firm believer in the power of education, I joined ATE to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Lawra. I’m dedicated to eradicating poverty and promoting equal opportunities for all. Together with the incredible team at ATE, I will help various programmes and initiatives that empower the community through education, healthcare, and livelihood support. I’m excited to contribute my skills and knowledge to this meaningful cause and work towards a brighter future for Lawra. I’m happy to join hands and make a difference together!

“I love seeing smiles on their faces”

Ernestina started her ATE journey in 2019, as a SNAP Coordinator.

“I left for school in 2021 and came back to ATE in 2023, since ATE’s doors are open for everyone. I love supporting vulnerable children get access to special schools, seeing smiles on the faces of such children in their various homes, with great support from ATE. I feel happy to see how SNAP children now socialise with friends and families around them.”

“transformational and life-changing”

“My name is Helen, I joined ATE as a Special Needs Awareness coordinator, main aim was to make them feel accepted in society without a single discrimination. Suddenly, through ATE  monthly SNAP meetings across six hubs, I became a motivational speaker (inspiring parents to have patience, though not easy) and a great comedian (making parents laugh even in the midst of their problems).

My wish is to see SNAP families look good in their various homes and in public so that great acceptance from everyone will be a key. To say the least I have become a transformational and a life changing person through ATE.

“Working hard for less privileged children”

Rosemond is breaking new ground in Nandom, as Action Through Enterprise’s first ever SNAP Co-ordinator in this new district.  She brings a range of skills, including a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy and the experience of being a mum of two kids.

“The work at ATE is wonderful and the SNAP families are so happy for our support. I love ATE because they help in reducing poverty and for that reason I will work hard to continue to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged children in the communities.”

“…education has given me the passion to give back to my community…”

Rosemary had to fight to pursue her own education, so she really understands how important it is to give everyone a chance.

“My family valued education, but could not financially support my schooling. I struggled with my academics, self-confidence and sense of belonging. I considered giving up. The journey hasn’t always been easy but I came to realise that with education there would be hope. With education, I could dream again and envision the world I wanted to live in.”

Now, with a Diploma in Social Work, a degree in Social Behaviour and Conflict Management and four years’ experience in the Department of Social Welfare in Wa, Rosemary is putting that education to great use.

“My time as  a case worker has given me knowledge in assessing the needs of special needs children, and I am so pleased to be working with these lovely children. I will be able to educate parents on personal hygiene, how to involve their child in domestic activities, mingling with friends in school and be accepted in the society. I love to see the children happy and playing.”

Rosemary is from Jirapa in the Upper West, and is married with two beautiful kids.

“… my zeal to work with ATE has almost been like an obsession …”

King Noah has been one of ATE’s most passionate supporters, even before he worked with us. Driven by his own challenging upbringing, he’s now bringing his energy and commitment to an exciting new role in Nandom.

“I am an orphan, so I really understand what it’s like to face difficulties and be less privileged – hence my desire to join a team that is doing what I could not do on my own.”

Despite his tough start in life, King Noah managed to complete his education, first in Lawra, then Accra and finally at Cape Coast University, where he studied Education. He’s also studied journalism and ICT, and has worked in teaching and the media.

“I have always been an asset wherever I find myself, adaptable to new environments and ready to learn to meet new standards. With my remit as Learning and Technology Coordinator, I wish to support anyone who has the zeal to learn and improve their skills especially those in the rural areas. I am glad to be here now and will give all my best to add value to ATE.”

“…passionate about helping learners and children to read..’

Blandina has a Bachelor of Education in Vocational Studies (University of Cape Coast) and, for the past ten years, has worked as a support teacher for Savannah Education Trust.

“Throughout my career as a teacher, I’ve focused on developing my teaching skills and how to deal with children in all manners. I want to expand my experience across a different work of place. I am excited to be taking on this role as a Library Assistant in ATE because I’m someone who is passionate about my work and flexible in my duties to help learners and children to read, do their homework, and help them locate books easily in the Library.

Blandina’s hobbies are reading and watching Telenovela movies.

“.. committed to encouraging a love for reading … I believe literacy is a crucial tool for lifelong learning…”

Joyce is a trained teacher specialising in early childhood education, with a passion for teaching and a dedication to creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment for young children.

“I understand the importance of laying a strong educational foundation, fostering curiosity and building confidence in every child. I believe that every child has the potential to thrive when given the right guidance and support.”

“I am incredibly excited to be joining this great team and organisation, fulfilling my passion for guiding children as they learn and grow. I am grateful to ATE for believing in my abilities and providing me with the platform to contribute to meaningful education.”

“I look forward to working alongside my colleagues, sharing knowledge, and making a lasting impact on the lives of the children we serve.”

“the opportunity to learn”

Kakpe has been working with ATE as a volunteer since the very early days of the organisation. As a volunteer, he provided great support to the team through his consistent hard work and dedication, and he continues to work with ATE during his university breaks.

“It has always been my passion to contribute to community development and help make a difference in the lives of people. This passion has greatly influenced my choice of study, and I am pursuing a degree in Development Planning.

“I hope to complete uni and make use of my new skills to augment the transformational works of ATE in Upper West Ghana. Working with ATE has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from great personalities en route.”

“our strength is our people”

Co-Founder of the organisation, and Chair of Trustees for 10 years, Charles now focuses on providing vital support to ATE’s small business development programme. Charles is instrumental in the planning, execution and monitoring of the BizATE, where his extensive business background contributes significantly. Regular trips to Ghana are an important part of his role, where Charles facilitates training workshops for ATE’s Small Business Owners and Consultants.

Charles’s business background included senior roles in Kantar Retail, Glendinning Management Consultants, St.Ivel, Tesco and Sara Lee.

​

“passionate about making a difference”

Nathalie is a marketing and communications executive specialising in building brands globally and helping business grow.

She provides strategic marketing and communications advice to ATE and is mentoring some of our local team members. She is a keen runner and recently ran the half marathon in Accra and a trip to Lawra to fundraise for ATE and meet the local team and the communities.

 

Peter is involved in the day-to-day running of ATE. In his working life, he was involved in the operations of businesses so he attends the monthly Operational Management Meetings and gives support in the finance and project areas as well. Peter is a key fundraiser and advocate for ATE.

“huge pride in delivering great outcomes”

Following a long career in Human Resources, Susan has spent the last 20 years in voluntary work. She became a Trustee of ATE over 10 years ago. She provides support on a wide range  of activities, particularly on Human Resources management and is a strong supporter and advocate for ATE, particularly in the local Wiltshire community.

Priyanka is a development practitioner specialising in education and gender programming. During her career, including her work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, she has designed and managed large-scale implementation programmes supporting communities across a variety of humanitarian and conflict-affected contexts. She provides strategic advice to ATE’s programmes, including how to mainstream gender and inclusion into projects and initiatives.

“hope and ambition, enabled by good financial control”

Andrew has been ATE’s Treasurer since the charity was founded in 2012. After a career in financial management, holding senior positions in multinational companies, both large and small, he uses his broad accountancy expertise to advise on all areas of finance.  He completes regular management accounts for the trustees and the annual statutory accounts that are published with the Annual Report.  As ATE’s size and scope has grown, he has worked with the UK and Ghana teams to strengthen their financial procedures and controls.

“My ambition is for ATE to be able to build on its strong financial foundations, using its proven strategy and, with the continuing support of its many generous supporters, bring more opportunities to a wider area and to ever more people.”

“together turning hope into reality”

Jacob is an experienced international development practitioner who has been key in the continuous improvement of accountability and the introduction of systematic quality management at Dutch development agency Cordaid. More recently he managed the development and worldwide rollout of unified management standards, with compliance checks, in the international Caritas network.

He contributes to the Board’s strategic planning, is involved in some HR activities and will be working with ATE management to explore fundraising opportunities in the Netherlands.

 “excited to make a difference”

Nigel grew up in Ghana and retains personal and business links with the country.

A chartered architect with project management and development consultancy experience, he has supported Action Through Enterprise for several years, raising funds and awareness of the charity and its work in Ghana through the Rotary organisation on local, national and international platforms.

 “I love that it feels very local even though it’s based in West Africa”

Ros is a former teacher who previously had her own nursery school and worked with preschool children with special needs. She also used to run the London branch of a charity that provided holidays in the UK for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. She’s become involved in the work of ATE through its strong connection with Ramsbury, where she brought up her four children before moving away.

“I love the fact that it feels very local even though it is based in West Africa. There is so much support for the charity in Ramsbury and since moving back here I wanted to be a bigger part of it. Also, I have had some experience of charities in Africa as my daughter is heavily involved and is very passionate about the African people. The work she does is along very similar lines to what ATE is doing but on a larger scale, and I am very keen to be a part of this charity and to see it grow in the future.”