Ms Linda Manlises
Chairwoman

Linda is Sikat’s founder. A native of Calingag, she missed out on school for two years until her elder brother earned enough money to pay for her education.

 After gaining a degree, a BSc in Business Administration, in the Philippines, Linda moved to England to earn enough money to help her younger sister become a doctor. This experience helped form her strong belief in the power of education to help people and communities.

 Upon her retirement, after working 21 years for the London School of Economics, Linda decided to use the experiences of her childhood as the principle on which to establish SIKAT and help young adults from her childhood home. She passionately believes that by helping children you are also helping a family and a community. 

Mrs Evangeline Carpanan
Honorary Secretary

Evangeline is from the Philippines she has been a Sikat Trustee for the past three years.  Well aware of the charity’s work Evangeline felt inspired to join after discovering that she shared many of the founder’s goals together with a passion for education.

“SIKAT was introduced to me by Linda Manlises whom I have known since 1974. Her goals are so inspiring that I had no hesitation when she offered me to become a trustee in 2009.”

Mr Les Pruszynski
Trustee

Les comes from Poland. He has studied at Cracow University, Rome and at Trinity College, Dublin. Besides acting as a trustee Les also assists with website design and maintenance.

 “I support Sikat because the Filipino government does not give secondary education enough priority. Without Sikat, these children would not have such an opportunity to learn.”

Mr Paul Harrison
Trustee

Paul is an enthusiastic supporter, devoting much of his energy into creating imaginative fundraising events, as well as taking up challenges himself. With a long-standing interest in helping children from deprived settings he has funded educational initiatives in both Brazil and Niger.

“ It is up to people here to help the various people over the world who lack that opportunity.”

Mr Ignatius D'Cruz
Trustee

With a background in finance, Ignatius seized the opportunity to support Sikat because he has seen at first hand the effects of poverty in the Philippines whilst travelling in the area.

“ Acting as a Trustee for Sikat is helping fulfil my desire to help people who can’t take education for granted."

Mr Keith Hunt

Honorary Secretary

Keith is a retired solicitor who was one of the first trustees of Sikat. He started volunteering when the charity was introduced to him in 2008.  His knowledge as a solicitor was invaluable and was a dream come true for chairwoman Linda, who was in desperate need of the kind of advice and help that he offered.

 'I find Sikat a very good cause and very nurturing. I've been involved in other charities and would like to use my previous knowledge and experience to help and support Sikat.'

Mr Martin Penny
Honorary Treasurer

As a bookstore manager for Oxfam, Martin has been a valuable contact and a crucial help and to ensure Sikat commitment to assist students and library users with text and leisure books would be a success.

 Martin’s support had been a great source of support for SIKAT. His generosity has allowed SIKAT to reach out and touch the lives of many children and young adult with warm and kindness.

 “ Working for Oxfam I became very mindful of the plights faced by charities everywhere.  I witnessed Linda’s perseverance in making Sikat happening. Furthermore her cause is definitely worthwhile as the benefits are all for the children’s sake”.