About Us
Our Vision is an Africa where every child has equal access to quality education.
Our Mission is to transform schools in Africa into effective and thriving teaching and learning environments — schools in which skilled and motivated teachers are supported by the parents and community in providing quality education to pre-primary and primary school children.
Our Values are the backbone of our organisational principles. Every member of African Revival, whether staff member or volunteer, shares these same core values.
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Rigorous and results-focused: We rigorously monitor and evaluate all our programmes to ensure positive, replicable impact. -
Transparent and accountable : We are accountable to our supporters and the children we serve, and we share our results openly. -
Responsive and sustainable: We build long-term partnerships and adapt to local needs to ensure lasting change.
Our Vision is an Africa where every child has equal access to quality education.
Our Mission is to transform schools in Africa into effective and thriving teaching and learning environments — schools in which skilled and motivated teachers are supported by the parents and community in providing quality education to pre-primary and primary school children.
Our Values are the backbone of our organisational principles. Every member of African Revival, whether staff member or volunteer, shares these same core values.
-
Rigorous and results-focused: We rigorously monitor and evaluate all our programmes to ensure positive, replicable impact. -
Transparent and accountable : We are accountable to our supporters and the children we serve, and we share our results openly. -
Responsive and sustainable: We build long-term partnerships and adapt to local needs to ensure lasting change.
about us
Our History
Our Founder, Tony Allen, began supporting projects in Africa in Malawi, working in health, education and clean water. He supported existing charities and expanded into Eastern Uganda, providing primary education and healthcare.
With his experience in running a business, he believed that he could create a more direct model of help – effectively working alongside local communities with all funds going directly to building contractors and community groups – with monitoring and evaluation carried out by our teams in country. It was through this that he began the embryo African Revival in 2000 which became a registered charity in 2005.
Read a message from Tony
My father served in East Africa in the Kings African Rifles during the Second World War and befriended Ken Smith, a fellow Soldier who became my Godfather and together, with my Dad, a major influence in my life. Ken became a senior game warden working with the Adamson’s and was with them when they were charged by Elsa the Lionesses mother which effectively started the whole Born Free Story. I was lucky enough, at a young age, to attend the premier with the cast and when older repeatedly visited my Godfather. It was during this time of adventure in Africa that seeing not only the talents but also the unimaginable poverty in some of the rural communities we visited, that I vowed later in life to attempt to make a real difference especially to the lives of the children.
My work in Africa started in Malawi working in health, education and clean water. I worked supporting existing charities and expanded into Eastern Uganda where we started providing primary education and healthcare. With my experience in running a business for many years, I believed that I could create a more direct model of help where effectively we work alongside the local communities with all funds going directly to building contractors and community groups where we oversee how the money is spent. It was through this that we began the embryo African Revival in 2000 which became a charity in its own right in 2005.
I have been encouraged and supported by not only my business colleagues but also family and friends, who share the key vision that by giving every child equal access to a quality, basic education they will have a better chance of positively impacting the people around them, breaking free from a cycle of subsistence farming/labouring. Our work in the schools often commences by creating an adequate infrastructure. This is, however, only a beginning to providing a holistic approach to the whole teaching environment that includes pre-school, teacher training, sanitation/clean water, scholastic resource and sport/music provision.
As an organisation we recognise the importance that all donors wish their gifts will have the maximum impact possible. In achieving this it is critical to marry up the needs of the community, and our abilities to deliver in country, with our donors and trustee expectation. At African Revival we keep administrative cost to a minimum as all our office costs are sponsored – and our small team can only function thanks to the support from an excellent team of volunteers. Our teams, in country, carry out stringent due diligence and monitoring; our commitment to you is that we’ll ensure we make the biggest change where it is needed most.
We would love you to get involved.
Tony
My father served in East Africa in the Kings African Rifles during the Second World War and befriended Ken Smith, a fellow Soldier who became my Godfather and together, with my Dad, a major influence in my life. Ken became a senior game warden working with the Adamson’s and was with them when they were charged by Elsa the Lionesses mother which effectively started the whole Born Free Story. I was lucky enough, at a young age, to attend the premier with the cast and when older repeatedly visited my Godfather. It was during this time of adventure in Africa that seeing not only the talents but also the unimaginable poverty in some of the rural communities we visited, that I vowed later in life to attempt to make a real difference especially to the lives of the children.
My work in Africa started in Malawi working in health, education and clean water. I worked supporting existing charities and expanded into Eastern Uganda where we started providing primary education and healthcare. With my experience in running a business for many years, I believed that I could create a more direct model of help where effectively we work alongside the local communities with all funds going directly to building contractors and community groups where we oversee how the money is spent. It was through this that we began the embryo African Revival in 2000 which became a charity in its own right in 2005.
I have been encouraged and supported by not only my business colleagues but also family and friends, who share the key vision that by giving every child equal access to a quality, basic education they will have a better chance of positively impacting the people around them, breaking free from a cycle of subsistence farming/labouring. Our work in the schools often commences by creating an adequate infrastructure. This is, however, only a beginning to providing a holistic approach to the whole teaching environment that includes pre-school, teacher training, sanitation/clean water, scholastic resource and sport/music provision.
As an organisation we recognise the importance that all donors wish their gifts will have the maximum impact possible. In achieving this it is critical to marry up the needs of the community, and our abilities to deliver in country, with our donors and trustee expectation. At African Revival we keep administrative cost to a minimum as all our office costs are sponsored – and our small team can only function thanks to the support from an excellent team of volunteers. Our teams, in country, carry out stringent due diligence and monitoring; our commitment to you is that we’ll ensure we make the biggest change where it is needed most.
We would love you to get involved.
Tony
Our People
African Revival has head offices in Surrey (UK) and Gulu (Uganda). We believe in providing work opportunities for local people which is why our field office in Uganda is entirely locally-run. In South Sudan, we deliver projects from Uganda, providing oversight through our team and working in partnership with contractors and other NGOs. Our UK office focuses on fundraising, communications, and programme support – all to enable the work of our dedicated staff in the field.
Abi Dar
Executive Director
Abi joined African Revival in January 2022, originally as the Programme Fund Manager, after a successful career in the safari holiday industry, living and working remotely in Botswana and Kenya, before returning to the UK to manage business operations. During the pandemic, Abi also worked as a primary school teaching assistant and has grown to appreciate education from a new angle. She enjoys all-things-food and exploring new places with her family.
Jing Yin
Finance Manager (part-time)
Jing holds a BSc in Accounting, a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance Management and a Diploma in IT Support. She has 15 years’ experience working as a Finance Manager in various industries, from shipping, to pet care and Formula 2 racing! Jing enjoys a challenge and is passionate about life; enjoying reading, food, sports and loves to exploring the World with her children.
Vincent Komakech
Uganda Country Manager
Vincent is part of the Senior Management Team. He is a qualified engineer and has a wealth of experience in both construction and programme management. Vincent’s role involves staff management, education programme design and implementation, as well as overseeing infrastructure projects – responsible for tendering, supervising, quality assessment, and liaising with stakeholders and the District Government. Before joining African Revival in 2012 he worked as a Project Officer at the Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision and Action Against Hunger.
Amos Ojok
Mega Phonics Project Officer
Amos has as a Grade III teacher certificate, a Diploma in Primary Education and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He has over ten years’ work experience in schools and with NGOs (including our Phonics partners, Read for Life). Amos is an expert in teaching Phonics and supporting teachers and students. He is passionate about education and seeing children learn well.
Monica Aguti Pinkett
Finance and Administration Manager
Monica joined African Revival in March 2018 as part of the Senior Management Team. She brings a wealth of experience in Finance, HR and Administration, having previously worked for Lira NGO Forum and Invisible Children. Outside of office hours Monica continues to devote time to learning new skills, with an interest in different cultures.
Tonny Oyat
Driver
Tonny joined us in 2008 and is the longest serving member of staff, having previously worked for a member of parliament in Gulu Municipality. In 2010, Tonny entered African Revival folklore whilst driving our founder and some trustees from Murchison Falls National Park to Pakuba Air Strip in record time to catch a flight they were running late for using his local knowledge.
Justin Ogen
Hygiene and Sanitation Coordinator
Justin comes with lots of experience in both community work and girls’ training. Justin is based in the Amuru District and is responsible for training teachers, and pupils in 23 schools in both Amuru and Nwoya under our Girls & Sanitation programme.
Kenneth Onekalit
Read Together Project Officer
Kenneth holds a Diploma in Primary Education and a Grade III Certificate in Education and has over 10 years teaching experience in primary schools. Kenneth is passionate about teaching and reading, he says “Teaching is not just imparting knowledge but it is inspiring change. Everyone can change through good education.” Kenneth is overseeing our Read Together project, based in multiple schools across Northern Uganda.
Godwin Kamangala
Zambia Country Manager
Godwin joined African Revival in July 2019. He has a Master’s degree in Educational Research from the University of Manchester, a Bachelor’s degree in Education Management from Technikon Pretoria, and a Secondary Teacher’s Diploma – as well as completing a partial Doctorate Degree in Education Didactics at the University of South Africa. Godwin has 17 years teaching experience, and 15 years in development work as a Programme Manager with World Vision. Married to Justina, they have three boys: Mike, Ivan and Andrew.
David Moono Sangweni
Construction Supervisor
Dave joined African Revival in 2006 when we first started working in Zambia. He initially joined as a carpenter and driver until 2010 when he was promoted to Construction Supervisor. He is the longest serving staff member. Dave has exceptional community mobilisation skills. In his spare time, he does some carpentry and is also a committed member of his church where he is an Assistant Pastor.
Abi Dar
Executive Director
Abi joined African Revival in January 2022, originally as the Programme Fund Manager, after a successful career in the safari holiday industry, living and working remotely in Botswana and Kenya, before returning to the UK to manage business operations. During the pandemic, Abi also worked as a primary school teaching assistant and has grown to appreciate education from a new angle. She enjoys all-things-food and exploring new places with her family.
Jing Yin
Finance Manager (part-time)
Jing holds a BSc in Accounting, a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance Management and a Diploma in IT Support. She has 15 years’ experience working as a Finance Manager in various industries, from shipping, to pet care and Formula 2 racing! Jing enjoys a challenge and is passionate about life; enjoying reading, food, sports and loves to exploring the World with her children.
Vincent Komakech
Uganda Country Manager
Vincent is part of the Senior Management Team. He is a qualified engineer and has a wealth of experience in both construction and programme management. Vincent’s role involves staff management, education programme design and implementation, as well as overseeing infrastructure projects – responsible for tendering, supervising, quality assessment, and liaising with stakeholders and the District Government. Before joining African Revival in 2012 he worked as a Project Officer at the Norwegian Refugee Council, World Vision and Action Against Hunger.
Amos Ojok
Mega Phonics Project Officer
Amos has as a Grade III teacher certificate, a Diploma in Primary Education and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He has over ten years’ work experience in schools and with NGOs (including our Phonics partners, Read for Life). Amos is an expert in teaching Phonics and supporting teachers and students. He is passionate about education and seeing children learn well.
Monica Aguti Pinkett
Finance and Administration Manager
Monica joined African Revival in March 2018 as part of the Senior Management Team. She brings a wealth of experience in Finance, HR and Administration, having previously worked for Lira NGO Forum and Invisible Children. Outside of office hours Monica continues to devote time to learning new skills, with an interest in different cultures.
Tonny Oyat
Driver
Tonny joined us in 2008 and is the longest serving member of staff, having previously worked for a member of parliament in Gulu Municipality. In 2010, Tonny entered African Revival folklore whilst driving our founder and some trustees from Murchison Falls National Park to Pakuba Air Strip in record time to catch a flight they were running late for using his local knowledge.
Justin Ogen
Hygiene and Sanitation Coordinator
Justin comes with lots of experience in both community work and girls’ training. Justin is based in the Amuru District and is responsible for training teachers, and pupils in 23 schools in both Amuru and Nwoya under our Girls & Sanitation programme.
Kenneth Onekalit
Read Together Project Officer
Kenneth holds a Diploma in Primary Education and a Grade III Certificate in Education and has over 10 years teaching experience in primary schools. Kenneth is passionate about teaching and reading, he says “Teaching is not just imparting knowledge but it is inspiring change. Everyone can change through good education.” Kenneth is overseeing our Read Together project, based in multiple schools across Northern Uganda.
Godwin Kamangala
Zambia Country Manager
Godwin joined African Revival in July 2019. He has a Master’s degree in Educational Research from the University of Manchester, a Bachelor’s degree in Education Management from Technikon Pretoria, and a Secondary Teacher’s Diploma – as well as completing a partial Doctorate Degree in Education Didactics at the University of South Africa. Godwin has 17 years teaching experience, and 15 years in development work as a Programme Manager with World Vision. Married to Justina, they have three boys: Mike, Ivan and Andrew.
David Moono Sangweni
Construction Supervisor
Dave joined African Revival in 2006 when we first started working in Zambia. He initially joined as a carpenter and driver until 2010 when he was promoted to Construction Supervisor. He is the longest serving staff member. Dave has exceptional community mobilisation skills. In his spare time, he does some carpentry and is also a committed member of his church where he is an Assistant Pastor.
Our Trustees
We are lucky enough to be governed by an experienced and passionate board of trustees.
Tony Allen
Founder & Chair
Tony is a businessman and Founder of African Revival. He believes that by giving every child equal access to a quality, basic education they will have a better chance of positively impacting the people around them, breaking free from a cycle of subsistence farming and labouring.
Roy DeBoise
Trustee
Roy is a retired headteacher, who first encountered African Revival when he linked his school in Croydon with a school in Gulu, Northern Uganda. With a shared interest in education Roy became a Trustee 2005 to 2007, returning to the Board in 2017. Roy has an interest in filming and has supported AR by producing films that can be used to promote our work. Roy has a particular interest in Early Years Education.
Catherine Inch
Trustee
Catherine has a masters in International Development, and is an ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) consultant who started her career at AR in 2017, were she became Programme Director. Catherine joined the board in 2021 after a career change, and is passionate about AR’s projects in Uganda, Zambia and South Sudan.
Glen James
Vice Chairman
Glen qualified as a solicitor with Slaughter and May in 1976, becoming a partner in the firm in 1983 – practising company and commercial law until retirement in 2012. He has been a trustee of since 2007. In addition to supervising the charity’s affairs, he and his wife, Mandy, have helped raise funds for the charity through the organisation and participation of numerous events. Whenever possible, he likes to visits our projects.
Ian Clark
Trustee
Ian is a Chartered Accountant who spent 25 years as a partner in Deloitte, latterly running their Financial Services M&A practise. Following his retirement in 2014 he established his own consultancy practise Mighty Quin Consulting Ltd through which he provides strategic advice in the insurance industry, whilst also sitting as a non-executive director on a number of listed and private company boards. He is married with three adult children.
Leonard Beighton
Trustee
One-time Deputy Chairman of the Board on Inland Revenue, since retirement Leonard has been a trustee of a wide variety of international, national and local charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Joyce Sarpong
Trustee
Joyce is the founder and MD of an organisation that curates narratives to engage and promote Africa and its diaspora. She has over 20 years of experience in consultancy and project management in the private and public sector. Joyce is also a trustee of a London school and a lecturer in entrepreneurship and marketing. She is passionate about education and believes that all children should enjoy good quality education that enables them to develop to their full potential in a safe, happy and nurturing environment.
Bernard Stevens
Trustee
Bernard joined the board in October 2015 as Treasurer. He is a qualified accountant and has worked for successful finance and accountancy firms over the years. Over the last decade, he has supported charity boards (including Transform and Africa Now). He is also a member of Staines Rotary Club and is involved with the match-funding side of their international projects.
Hilary Wilson
Trustee
Hilary qualified as a barrister and later moved into industry. Before retiring, she was a Director of the investment arm of a major international building and civil engineering contractor. As well as being in involved in contract negotiation and fulfilment, Hilary had responsibility for ethics, policies, and processes. She recognises the huge importance of education, particularly in allowing women to achieve their potential.
Our Partners
Our work is made possible through the support of a range of dedicated individual donors, corporate partners, trusts and foundations.
Haileybury Youth Trust (HYT)
Haileybury Youth Trust (HYT) have been partnering with African Revival in recent years on construction projects in Northern Uganda, using ISSB (interlocking stabilised soil block) technology. ISSB is environmentally friendly, requiring less cement and fewer trees to be felled, since bricks are cured rather than fired. HYT train local residents and refugees in ISSB construction, giving employment opportunities and ensuring the community can maintain their new structures.
Play It Forward
Play It Forward have been supporting our water and sanitation projects at schools in Zambia for many years. Staff often visit the schools, and recently they have extended their support to include building of classrooms and other infrastructure projects.
Just A Drop
Just A Drop have been supporting our water and sanitation projects, primarily in Zambia, since 2009. Adequate latrines, boreholes for drinking water and hand washing facilities make a huge difference to rural schools, boosting attendance and promoting child hygiene and wellbeing.
Education Opportunity Foundation (EOF)
Education Opportunity Foundation (EOF) (previously known as British Foreign Schools Society) has supported African Revival for a number of years, and are currently funding our Step Up project in Northern Uganda, to establish five low-cost ECD nurseries in the Amuru District.
Book Aid International
Book Aid International works to share the power of books and help create a more equal world. The charity provides over one million new books every year in the places where they will make the biggest difference and works with its partners to spark a love of reading. We have distributed books to our project schools in Uganda and Zambia, with a shipment for South Sudan planned very soon.
The Big Give
We have joined partners over the years to generate new funding support for projects through the annual Big Give Christmas Challenge.
Strategic Plan (2021-26)
Our plan is to create sustainable growth, and support Sustainable Development Goals. We will continue to develop the programmes where we are able to clearly demonstrate the impact of our work.
Interested in joining us?
We are always looking for individuals with a passion for Africa and education. Whether that be helping us through the various volunteering roles we have available, or joining our board or as a partner, we would love to hear from you!