SIKAT

Trustees

The dedicated trustees who govern and guide SIKAT.

Linda Manlises

Founder

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 in Business Administration, Linda moved to England to help her younger sister become a doctor. Upon her retirement after 21 years at the London School of Economics, she founded SIKAT to help young adults from her childhood home. She passionately believes that helping children also helps a family and a community.

Les Pruszynski

Co-founder

Les is SIKAT’s co-founder. He studied at Cracow University, Trinity College Dublin and the University of North London. Besides acting as a trustee, Les is responsible for website design and maintenance.

“I decided to support SIKAT as a trustee because it is a great way to make a difference to a child's education in the Philippines.”

Rebecca McCormac

Rebecca joined SIKAT to be involved in a good cause she is passionate about. She is very proud to be a trustee and part of a great team.

“I joined SIKAT in 2010 because I thought it would be a great way to be involved in a good cause that I am passionate about. Hearing about the work SIKAT does to help children's lives touched me.”

Colin Liddiard

Colin has long been a supporter of the Filipino community. Concerned about the damage caused by typhoons, he notes that rural areas often miss out on support despite being badly affected. SIKAT helps a small rural community by developing its educational infrastructure.

Former Trustees

Paul Harrison

Paul is an enthusiastic supporter who devotes his energy to creating imaginative fundraising events, and 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.”

Keith Hunt

Honorary Secretary

Keith is a retired solicitor who was one of the first trustees of Sikat, joining when the charity was introduced to him in 2008. His knowledge as a solicitor was invaluable to the charity.

“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.”

Martin Penny

Honorary Secretary

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

“Working for Oxfam I became very mindful of the plights faced by charities everywhere. I witnessed Linda's perseverance in making Sikat happening.”

Evangeline Carpanan

Honorary Secretary

Evangeline (1950–2011) was born in the Philippines and had been a Sikat Trustee for three years. Well aware of the charity's work, she felt inspired to join after discovering she shared many of the founder's goals and 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.”

Ignatius D'Cruz

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.”