Meet Our People
A small, dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure we can help as many children as possible.
Geoff
Cordell
INTERIM CEO
I began my professional life as a social worker but after some years moved into the voluntary sector to work with unaccompanied refugee children in the UK. I then moved overseas with international development agencies, first to Israel and Palestine, then to Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and, finally, to Uganda and South Sudan. The main focus of my work in this time has been organisational change, fundraising, and project and programme management but the common factor underpinning my professional life has been the promotion and protection of child rights.
I first met Bob Parsons in Sri Lanka, and through him, got to know about the work of Hope for Children. On my eventual return to the UK, I served as a trustee for Hope (2020 to 2022), heading up its Programmes and Safeguarding sub-committee, and in September 2023 was delighted to be offered – and to accept - the role of interim CEO. As the current Hope team plans the future of the organisation, we are lucky to be able to build upon the strong foundations laid by Bob and by the teams and trustees that have served in earlier years, and in so doing, I look forward to playing my part in continuing our vital work of serving the interests of overlooked, vulnerable and exploited children in the UK and overseas.
Clara Standing-Troutman
Fundraising Executive
In July 2023 I joined the fundraising team at Hope, working to support the amazing student fundraisers. Having completed a placement with Hope during my final year studying Global Development at SOAS University in 2022-2023, I was aware of the great work Hope does and was keen to delve into the charity sector, applying and building on what I had learnt over the course of my degree.
I enjoy spending time exploring rural areas such as the Yorkshire Dales, Scotland and beyond!
David Swift
Finance Officer
I handle the day to day financial operations of the charity, including the prompt payment of invoices and the recording of all income and grants received. I work closely alongside the CEO and the rest of the Hope Team in the UK. I give significant levels of project support to Hope's in-country partners, such as regular analysis of quarterly/annual reports and ensuring all agreed budgeted remittances are made available in good time. Furthermore, I provide detailed financial reports to the board of Trustees as requested. My main interests are acting, theatre, watching rugby league and cricket, photography, travelling and meals out with family and friends.
Sandra Smith
Executive Assistant
I joined the Hope team in July 22 as an Administrator to support the team with tasks. I recently retired from Santander where I’d been for 41 years doing various roles that included risk management, project support, debt recovery to name a few. I’m an active member of my local church and I’ve been out to Uganda a couple of times where we got involved helping in the community and working in the schools. It’s amazing to go and see how the charities help so many of the children. I’ve also been involved in a number of fund-raising events over the years, including hiking the 3 Yorkshire Peaks, Abseiling down John Moors University . In my spare time I love to be outside, whether that is walking, cycling, paddleboarding or sitting in the sun reading.
Immaculate Kiiza
Uganda Country Director
My role contributes to the overall strategy, mission, vision and objectives, what I do directly impacts on the overall performance of the organization. My main tasks are; office operational management, program management, child safeguarding, policy development, publicity, fundraising and finance. I love reading, I think I will read anything provided it catches my attention, I love children and so I have a lot of activities I do out of work that primarily involves children, and I do love dancing. I have been told I danced in my Mama’s womb as well and I believe the story… I am very open minded, sometimes I surprise even myself. I can’t say I dislike something so strongly that it takes my peace, but integrity is very key to me.
Joyce Nakanwagi
Uganda Progamme Coordinator
My role is to coordinate Walk to School activities including; education, food/nutrition support, health, psychotherapy, basic care and family re-integration. I also address child related abuse cases, birth registration, supporting and strengthening family systems. Working with parents involves income generating activities/economic support, organizing training and supplying information on community-based health care, child protection and rights and HIV/AIDS. I built-up experience working in the field of children and adolescents from different organizations with multifaceted programs. I like travelling, listening to music, reading life inspiration literature and jogging.
Violet Namusisi
Uganda Community Facilitator
My role and aim is to use my experience to achieve the vision for the organisation. Formally I was active in identification and linkage of children in the community in need of Hope for Children services. Currently I do home and school visits to follow up on absentees and take sick children to the health facilities depending on their condition. I also help with the family reunification program. Formally I was a community health worker, secretary for environment in Namuwongo community. I love watching TV, praying, going to the beach, listening to music and engaging in debates.
Aisha
Senior Project and Programme Coordinator
My role is to assist the Senior Project & Program coordinators and /or superintendents in coordinating all phases and aspects of the projects to ensure cost, schedule, document control and quality standards are met. I’m responsible for providing support for all the field staff, volunteers and interns and expected to take any/all tasks in the quest to learn all I can about Child’s Rights-based work. I also support the senior project coordinator; coordinate all issues and all areas of the HOPE’s work, from Child safeguarding implementation and sustainability through welfare services and to all the network organizations. I love to work with people naturally, and I find it easy in most cases when they are flexible. I’m social; I love creation and to be happy, and to learn from people around me. Exploration, singing and traveling to great new places are my Hobbies.
Nathan
Uganda Office Caretaker
My major role is to make sure the office and property are secure and safe both during the day and night, my other role during the day is to insure that the offices are clean and conducive for the other staff to work in. I also enjoy keeping the compound grass and concrete neat and tidy. Other than that I also serve as an office messenger within and outside the office. Growing up I always wanted to keep animals and I had fun herding cows because when I was out there in the bushes and open fields there was a particular hill that served as our amusement park. I also love the gymnasium and keeping fit that’s why am still fit today. My hobbies currently are music and football, I am even learning how to play guitar!
Susan Kajubi
Uganda Accountant
I am a highly motivated accountant with over ten years working experience in a non-profit making sector.
I assist in preparing the financial reports and accounts. I also recommend policies and procedures and maintain financial security by following internal controls and any other responsibilities.
I have worked for Hope since 2017 and I have really enjoyed working and also gained experience in child protection.
I love music, learning new ideas, and always welcome advice from people around me, working with groups and traveling to new places.
Ready to write the next Story of Hope?
Do something amazing and give a child the childhood they deserve.
- 9461 reads