We’re pleased to welcome four outstanding individuals to our Board of Trustees. Each brings unique expertise, deep commitment to our mission and invaluable experience that will help guide AfriKids into our next chapter of growth and impact.
SALLY VIVYAN JOINS AS CHAIR
We’re delighted to introduce Sally Vivyan as our new Chair, a role that brings her full circle with AfriKids.
Sally was one of our very first team members when she joined our UK staff in 2005, where she led our fundraising efforts and played a pivotal role in transforming AfriKids from a small charity into the multi-million-pound organisation we are today. Her exceptional work earned her recognition as National Fundraiser of the Year.
Since leaving our team in 2016, Sally has continued to make her mark in the philanthropic sector, most recently serving as Co-Director of Gower Street, funding vital education and environmental work in Ghana. She holds a PhD from the Open University’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership and is recognised as an authority on education, community engagement, and locally-led change in Ghana. Her return to AfriKids in 2025 represents both a homecoming and a new beginning as she helps steer our strategic direction.
WELCOMING THREE NEW TRUSTEES
Richard Pickard brings a wealth of operational expertise as Group Director of Operations at The Telegraph Media Group. His track record of leading major organisational change, driving revenue growth, and delivering innovation through digital transformation and international expansion makes him perfectly positioned to support AfriKids’ ambitious plans for scale. Richard’s passion for applying his skills in operational leadership, technology, and systems to our charitable mission adds crucial strategic capability to our board.
Avril Kudzi joins us as a Ghanaian development professional with nearly three decades of experience. Having held senior positions with USAID Ghana, VSO, Christian Aid Ghana, and most recently as Country Lead for the Jacobs Foundation, Avril has helped mobilise over $118 million for education in Ghana. Her expertise in political engagement, advocacy, and convening funders, combined with her commitment to locally-owned, community-led change, provides invaluable insight and connections from her base in Accra.
Leonora Dowley brings extensive experience in international philanthropy as Senior Lead, Philanthropic Coalitions at the International Education Funders Group, where she collaborates with leading global funders, including those focused on Ghana. Having lived and worked across West Africa—including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia—Leonora offers rich experience in education, philanthropy, and international collaboration. Her passion for advancing “localisation done well” and strengthening connections between funders and impactful locally-led organisations aligns perfectly with AfriKids’ approach.
These appointments represent more than just new faces around our board table. They signal our commitment to combining local wisdom with global expertise, operational excellence with heartfelt dedication to our cause. Each of our new board members brings not only professional accomplishments but also a passion for the communities we serve and the challenges we aim to address.
As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we’re confident that Sally’s leadership as Chair, combined with the diverse expertise of Richard, Avril, and Leonora, will help AfriKids continue to grow our impact while staying true to our core values of locally-led, community-driven change.
We look forward to working with our expanded board to create even greater opportunities for the children and communities we support across northern Ghana.
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