New Teams in Conakry and UK
This April CRS welcomed Morris Zayzay back to Conakry after his time working in Haiti for the IOM (International Office for Migration). He has taken up his former role as CRS Director and appointed Head of Science Musa Kesselly as Principal, Mr Bayoh, (Head of Administration), Mr Koroma, (Head of Instruction), Madam Faith, (Headmistress and leader of the infant section), Madam Foryoh, (Bursar) and Mr Gabor (school councillor and Librarian). As long term members of CRS the new team are excited to be able to lead the school into the future, keeping its refugee roots central but looking out to the wider community and a brighter future for all Guineans through education.
FCRS Director Jackie, travelled to Conakry in May to meet with staff and discuss plans for the coming academic year. Since her first term of office, Jackie has seen Ebola, two coups, and Covid disrupt life at the school. Economic turmoil around the world always impacts the weakest the most. Guinea has seen a 2% rise in those living in poverty since the pandemic. On a brighter note, West Africa is young, and growth is forecast to be strong over the next decade.
Guinean youth could be the beneficiaries of this growth if they have the right tools to take advantage of it – and the CRS management team and FCRS Trustees are working hard to ensure they do.
Some goodbyes
17 years after being set up FCRS has said a few farewells this year.
In October Rolf and Pauline Levesley signed off as Chair and Treasurer. They have been at the centre of FCRS since 2008 and have steered the charity through its set up and subsequent growth from a £5000 a year charity to almost £100,000 today! They will be greatly missed but you will still see them at many FCRS events and you may recognise Rolf as our quiz master at our last fundraiser which raised near to £1000.
Sadly the autumn also saw the passing of Trustee Mark Walmsley, much loved husband of founder Ruth, father of Tanya whose trip in 2005 sparked the setting up of the charity, and inspirational contributor to the FCRS Trustees.
Veteran of several trips to Conakry and Director from 2018-2022, Angie Saganowska, also stepped down from the Trustees after 10 years of service. Jana Kaminski will also be missed for her expertise in safeguarding. Both Angie and Jana will still be active at CRS events and Jana has promised to lend her expertise when needed.
FCRS welcomes a new Chair in the form of Dan Watkins, husband of Jackie the FCRS Director, and Nigel Hankin has taken over Pauline’s role asTrustee with responsibility for finance. Dan Walmsley and Carol Jowitt also joined The Trustee committee last year.
