Amanda Healey, Trustee

I was a headteacher in Brighton for 19 years, and after hearing other headteachers speak about their schools' links with Sierra Leone, I asked if my school could become involved. We set up a link with Nyandeyama, a new school on the outskirts of Kenema, and worked with EWA to raise the funds to help them move from temporary accommodation in a local house to a new school building.

I have visited Sierra Leone three times to see the work being done by EWA, including the work of local carpenters and tailors providing desks and uniforms for the schools. I was inspired by the commitment of the teachers to improve their country through educating the children, and the eagerness of the children to learn.

The EWA projects not only provide uniforms and desks for the children, but also employment for local people, and EWA's careful checks make sure that every bit of money raised is used effectively. EWA is a very practical organisation, and its work really makes a difference, so I feel honoured to be a trustee.