Who we are – Founder, Trustees, Volunteers
Yaarah schools is run entirely by volunteers. There are currently six Trustees including founder, Maire Tejani MBE, and her team of volunteers who help to raise awareness of the charity and by fundraising for the school buildings.
Our core team of Trustees is made up of committed volunteers with a range of skills including governance, marketing and PR and extensive experience of the charity sector.
Maire Tejani MBE
Our founder, Maire Tejani MBE, is Ghanaian and her spirit, determination and knowledge of the Ghanaian environment enabled the successful development of the school in Adaklu Aziedukope. The experience of building this first school prepared Maire and the Trustees for further building projects. In 2013, Maire was awarded an MBE for her services to education and charity through her work with Yaarah Schools.
With the support of friends and family and through a number of fundraising events in the UK, Maire has been able to spearhead and advocate for the change in mindset needed to ensure that children all over the world can get access to basic education. Always one to lead by example, Maire recently completed a BSc in Community Development and Public Policy while working full time at the Department for Education and running Yaarah Schools.
Maire receiving award from Prince Charles
Jennifer Calvino
Jennifer has been a Reporting Accountant in an American Insurance Company for more than three years. She has passed two Masters in Paris, France – one in Marketing and the other in Reporting and Internal Audit.
She moved to London more than three years ago in March 2011. Jennifer loves sport and graduated blue and green gloves in Savate, French boxing. She also plays squash, has run a half Marathon and is improving her yoga. She loves travelling all over the world to discover new cultures, meet new people and see amazing landscapes. But what makes her most happiest is helping people, especially children. Jennifer has helped to raise money for Yaarah Schools by running for events and from baking and selling cakes. She was extremely proud to become the Treasurer after her involvement with the charity. Jennifer can be contacted via Yaarah Schools website or LinkedIn.
TRUSTEE REPORTS – ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ambassadors
Neil Crase is the Managing Director of Ace Export Services Ltd. He has been a believer and a great source of strength to Yaarah School from the start: “I am so glad to support Yaarah Schools. These schools change people’s lives and give children opportunities that would otherwise be lost. I visited the first project and saw the joy and appreciation from the children, parents and teachers. This in itself was enough motivation for me. Maire and her team really deliver and define the word CHARITY. I would encourage everyone to become involved by helping with time, money or materials.”