RwandaChild was set up in 2008 as a project of the charity freespirit, The aim was to see children from Rwanda sponsored in and around Sheffield. Over the course of the next 9 years we have grown considerably in both size and reach. With the addition of a solid support base in Northern Ireland, Wales and all around England we have reached over 150 children from 3 communities in Rwanda that are sponsored and going to school. RwandaChild's main focus is child sponsorship, which is achieved through a partnership with Africa New Life Ministries. But we are always looking out for new ways to help.
Meet our team
Our Directors
Cat and Siy Ross
Currently living Sheffield. We love God and we love Rwanda. For 3 years we lived in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. We served as volunteers to our partner organisation in Rwanda, Africa New Life Ministries (ANLM).
We feel God has called us back to live in the UK for a time before our next adventure. Wherever we are we are always thinking and praying for Rwanda and its people.
Currently living Sheffield. We love God and we love Rwanda. For 3 years we lived in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. We served as volunteers to our partner organisation in Rwanda, Africa New Life Ministries (ANLM).
We feel God has called us back to live in the UK for a time before our next adventure. Wherever we are we are always thinking and praying for Rwanda and its people.
Our Trustees
Greg Sutcliffe
My name is Greg Sutcliffe, 36 and married to Liz since September 2009. I currently work at St Thomas Church in Sheffield as Estate Supervisor where I used to work with Siy. I visited Rwanda in 2009 and came to know about RwandaChild. I love hunting, shooting and fishing.
Angela Dowdeswell
I am a relatively new trustee for Rwanda Child. I was very pleased to be asked as I have watched the charity grow since its conception in 2008. As a family we have sponsored a child through the charity since 2008 and had the pleasure of meeting our sponsored child when he came to the UK with the children's choir. This was probably one of the most memorable and meaningful times of our lives. To have a child whom we got to know through letters and photographs come and have tea with us and play football in the garden was so special.
I have worked with children and families throughout my career as a Nurse and Health Visitor. Children's life experiences are so important both in their experiences growing up and in preparation for their future. I am glad to be able to play a role in a charity whose aim is to improve the lived experiences of children through their education, but also their health and family support.
Personally, I like to keep myself busy. I try to keep (get) fit- I enjoy running and Pilates. I knit and sew when I get the chance. My biggest pleasure is probably our campervan. We like to go touring in the UK and Europe and seem to particularly like being in the hills and mountains. Hopefully we will visit the hills and mountains of Rwanda before too long.
I am married to Mark (also a trustee) and have two grown up children Andrew and Sarah. I am a member at St Thomas’ Philadelphia Church in Sheffield.
I am a relatively new trustee for Rwanda Child. I was very pleased to be asked as I have watched the charity grow since its conception in 2008. As a family we have sponsored a child through the charity since 2008 and had the pleasure of meeting our sponsored child when he came to the UK with the children's choir. This was probably one of the most memorable and meaningful times of our lives. To have a child whom we got to know through letters and photographs come and have tea with us and play football in the garden was so special.
I have worked with children and families throughout my career as a Nurse and Health Visitor. Children's life experiences are so important both in their experiences growing up and in preparation for their future. I am glad to be able to play a role in a charity whose aim is to improve the lived experiences of children through their education, but also their health and family support.
Personally, I like to keep myself busy. I try to keep (get) fit- I enjoy running and Pilates. I knit and sew when I get the chance. My biggest pleasure is probably our campervan. We like to go touring in the UK and Europe and seem to particularly like being in the hills and mountains. Hopefully we will visit the hills and mountains of Rwanda before too long.
I am married to Mark (also a trustee) and have two grown up children Andrew and Sarah. I am a member at St Thomas’ Philadelphia Church in Sheffield.