Its heart beats pure passion.
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The Team
The African Village Dream team is a dedicated collective of individuals, each bringing unique passions to our mission in Kerr Layen.
Our founder, Lee, was joined by trustees Emma and Claire, whose specialist skills have been instrumental in turning this vision into a reality.
The digital heart of our charity is maintained by Connor, who not only redesigned our website but also utilised his talents as an avid filmographer to capture the spirit of our 2026 trip.
On the ground in The Gambia, the dream is brought to life by our local leaders: Mr Samba, the headteacher and tireless driving force behind our operations, and Mr Ceesay, the school's incredible deputy head.
From our resident tailor Nuru to the many local farmers and supporters, there are so many people working behind the scenes to make this dream a reality for the children of Kerr Layen.
Founder & Trustee Lee
Lee is the heart and voice of African Village Dream, and the true catalyst behind our mission. A gifted public speaker, he travels throughout Leicestershire to share our story with schools, women's guilds, and corporate partners, inspiring others to join our journey toward a brighter future in The Gambia.
In a moving tribute to his years of dedication, the community of Kerr Layen officially named Lee an Honorary Alkalo (Village Head) in 2026 - the highest mark of respect and their way of saying thank you for the life-changing impact he has made.
trustee Emma
Emma joined the African Village Dream as a Trustee in 2025, bringing an invaluable perspective shaped by her firsthand experience of living in The Gambia.
Her deep understanding of the local culture and community needs allows her to bridge the gap between our UK supporters and our projects on the ground.
As our primary Finance Lead and Treasurer, Emma applies her professional expertise to oversee every penny donated.
She ensures that all contributions are handled with the utmost transparency and efficiency, meticulously managing our resources to ensure funds are allocated exactly where they will make the most significant impact for the people of Kerr Layen.
Trustee Claire
Claire joined the African Village Dream as a Trustee in 2025, quickly becoming an indispensable part of our mission.
Her dedication to the cause was truly solidified in January 2026, when she journeyed to The Gambia as part of the "Famous 11" to experience the impact of our work in Kerr Layen firsthand.
In her role as our lead admin volunteer, Claire works tirelessly alongside Mr Samba and Mr Ceesay to manage the Hold A Hand sponsorship project.
Furthermore, she expertly manages our African Village Dream merchandise through her own business, Spot & Pickle, ensuring that every purchase helps spread awareness and raise crucial funds for the village.
Connor
Connor joined the African Village Dream team following a chance meeting with Lee in a local coffee shop, where a shared passion for the project quickly turned into a vital friendship.
Wanting to put his professional skills to good use, Connor generously volunteered his time to completely redesign and build our current website, and he continues to keep our digital home updated and running smoothly.
In January 2026, Connor travelled to Kerr Layen as one of the "Famous 11," where he used his talents as a filmmaker to document every moment of the journey.
His incredible footage captures the heart of the village and the impact of our work - you can experience the entire trip for yourself by watching his film right here on this site!
Our ambassadors
We are also delighted to have our very own Ambassadors, who play a vital role in spreading the word about the incredible work of African Village Dream.
These dedicated supporters are our voices in the community, sharing our story and helping us reach new heights as we work together for the future of Kerr Layen.
Thank You
- HSBC
- The Epicurean
- St Peter's Catholic School
- OCALS Legal Services
- The Clarence
- List Transport
- Earl Shilton Women's Institute
- Spot & Pickle
- Daniel Yates Films
- NEXT
- The Beer and Gas Man Ltd
- Peacock Hypnotherapy
