Martin Lloyd, Trustee

Having retired recently as the Assistant Director of Education for the Diocese of Chichester and the Interim CEO of the Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust, I was delighted to be asked to become a trustee of Education West Africa. I had the privilege as a diocesan officer of visiting Sierra Leone twice and seeing for myself many of the Anglican primary and secondary schools in the Dioceses of Bo and Freetown. I was impressed by the way in which education is so highly valued by all communities in Sierra Leone and the incredible welcome that I received as a visitor wherever I went in both the urban and rural areas.

Although the schools face significant challenges, the work that Education West Africa has been doing in partnership with the two Anglican dioceses has made a real difference to the quality of education provided for many children and young people in Sierra Leone. Working in Diocesan Church House, Hove for nearly sixteen years, I was also fortunate to be able to meet bishops and other visitors from the dioceses across West Africa which are partnered with the Diocese of Chichester; I have always valued the opportunities we have when we can share with others what we have in common and celebrate the differences.