Trustees
David Kirk, (Treasurer)
I am a semi-retired school teacher who first became involved with Awake Trust during annual visits to Tamil Nadu with students. Impressed by the caring environment created by Krishnamoorthi and Elizi, I wanted to support their activities to give then stability and a secure future. I communicate with Awake regularly to ensure their needs are known to the other trustees and can be met as far as is possible.
Louise Chantler ( Secretary)
I am a year 6 teacher and Senior Manager at Sandgate Primary School in Folkestone, Kent. I have been teaching for 5 years and thoroughly enjoy my job.
I first visited southern India in 2003 with Canterbury Christ Church University and immediately fell in love with the people, culture and customs. I returned twice; in 2004 and 2007 and each time received a warm welcome from the Awake Mercy Home. I want to support the excellent provision that the Awake Mercy Home give to disadvantaged children.
Glenn Sharp (Chairman)
I am a full-time Primary School teacher at Sandgate Primary School and a Lead Teacher for Primary Languages in Kent.
On my friend Dr. Stephen Scoffham’s recommendation, I took a few days to visit the Awake Trust, whilst on holiday in South India in March 2005.
During these memorable days, I was humbled by the specialness of the home created by Krishna and Elizi which was for around 24 children at that time. It was exactly that: A Home ! Not an institution; but a place where the children were treated as members of one family; with love, care, warmth, respect and able to flourish. It was a place filled with laughter and beautiful smiling faces; where the children who have had such an unlucky start to such young lives have been given a second chance to grow and live as valued human beings… and this is why I have supported them ever since and decided to become a trustee of HAPsI to help in some small way that I’m able to from here, in addition to my annual visits to the home with my wife.
Kate Johnston
I first became involved in Awake Mercy on a visit to Tamil Nadu with David Kirk, my husband’s life-long friend. The atmosphere in the house was just that – homely. The children are well cared-for, well-nourished and most importantly, well-loved. Krishna and Elsie are inspirational and their 30+ children are happy, contented, polite, delightful young people.
In view of the excellent work Krishna and Elsie do on a daily basis, I felt that the least I could do was to help in any way possible. Becoming a Trustee and helping to raise funds for the continuation and development of Awake Mercy is my contribution.
Dr. Stephen Scoffham
Dr. Stephen Scoffham is a Principal Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University. He has been taking group of student teachers to South India for the past ten years. The students are now passing on their experiences in the schools where they work, thereby promoting good will and understanding.