Charity Leadership
Our Trustees
Meet the Team
Project 3580: The Waterloo Schools Charity is guided by a dedicated team of trustees in both the UK and Sierra Leone. Each brings unique experience – from education, international development and banking, to community leadership, counselling, and project delivery. Together, they ensure the charity stays true to its founding values while continuing to support the children and communities of Waterloo and Kissitown.
Sue Read
— Champion of Education
Sue’s first visit to Sierra Leone was in 2005, just three years after the civil war ended. She describes experiencing malaise d’Afrique – the feeling that Africa stays with you long after you return home. Although apprehensive, she felt safe with her husband, Dr Laurie Read.
On their first night at the Kimbima Hotel, a waiter recognised Laurie: “Dr Read, you came back!” It was Jimmy, a former Peninsula Secondary School student from 30 years earlier. The following evening, more former students arrived, grateful to see Laurie and Sue and eager to share their personal stories of surviving the “blood diamonds” war, in which 50,000 people died.
A trip to Waterloo was arranged, and with it began the journey that led to the creation of Waterloo Schools Charity – now Project 3580: The Waterloo Schools Charity – of which Sue is a trustee.
Morlai Kamara
— Sierra Leone Expert
As Assistant Director in the Banking Supervision Department of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Morlai leads the off-site division, overseeing anti-money laundering, risk management, cybersecurity, and commercial bank monitoring.
Rodger Robertson
— Treasurer
Rodger has more than 20 years’ experience in international banking and trade finance, having worked in London, Germany, Hong Kong, and Singapore. After his financial career, he ran his own car hire business for 15 years before establishing a property investment company.
In 2004, Rodger met his neighbour, Dr Laurie Read, who invited him to join a five-week assignment in Waterloo in 2005 – an experience that left a lasting impression. Rodger became a trustee in 2011 and later took on the role of treasurer, which he continues to hold.
— Margaret Mandrell
— Education & Outreach
Margaret has over 40 years’ experience as an Adult Education lecturer, teaching learners from postgraduate level to those with special educational needs. She has developed a wide range of vocational Health and Social Care programmes (Levels 2-4) and is a qualified counsellor and staff trainer.
She also completed a three-year course to become a Licensed Lay Reader and is active in church and funeral ministry. After visiting Waterloo in 2011, Margaret became a trustee and now raises funds and delivers talks to groups supporting the charity’s work. She also volunteers at Worcester Cathedral as a guide and welcomer.
Neil Morland
- Founder of Project 3580
Neil first travelled to Sierra Leone in 2008 with Dr Laurie Read. The visit inspired him not only to support the Waterloo Schools Charity but also to found his own project – Project 3580 – after learning that 3,580 children died from malaria in a single refugee camp in 2010.
With three primary schools completed and a fourth about to begin, Neil’s work reflects Laurie’s enduring influence as a mentor. A geography teacher for 30 years, he is passionate about education’s power to change lives and to connect communities across cultures.
Neil later became a trustee of the Waterloo Schools Charity and is enthusiastic about shaping its future.
Kenneth Kromanty
— Local School Leader
Kenneth served as a teacher for 35 years, working at the Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School, Peninsula Secondary School in Waterloo, and the Government Municipal Secondary School in Freetown. From 2000 to 2003, he was Village Director at SOS Children’s Village in Freetown.
He became principal of Peninsula Secondary School in 2007 and served as secretary to both the school’s Board of Governors and the Waterloo Schools Charity. During this period, he worked closely with Dr Read to plan and implement school development projects.
Since Dr Read’s passing, Kenneth has continued to play a key role in delivering the charity’s projects and aspirations on behalf of the trustees.
Harry Read
— Family Ambassador
Harry is the grandson of Dr Laurie Read, who founded Waterloo Schools Charity shortly after the civil war. Inspired by his grandfather’s work, Harry joined the Board of Trustees and travelled to Sierra Leone in April 2025.
He has written about the charity’s history and impact in the Redburn Atlantic Review.
Harry grew up in Swindon, now lives in London, and remains committed to continuing his grandfather’s legacy through his work with Project 3580: The Waterloo Schools Charity.