Hi everyone!
I thought it would be a good idea for Friends of Pakati to give a brief look at each of the five prospective trustees. We are also looking at adding potential reserve trustees should we need to change any of the original members or decide to add additional trustees to help us progress.
The current list of potential trustees is as follows:
Sharlom Chaitika, Cuan Forest, Bradley Mell, Bothwell Riside, & the author, Chris Walker. All will be familiar to regular readers & followers of Friends of Pakati. Here are their brief biographies & a photo:
- Sharlom Chaitika
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Sharlom Rumbidzai Chaitika is a Specialist Biomedical Scientist with expertise in Biochemistry, Haematology, and Transfusion. Alongside her professional career, she is deeply committed to improving the lives of young children, particularly those from underprivileged communities.
Sharlom brings her passion for education and healthcare to her role as a dedicated board member of Friends of Pakati, where she also contributes as a regular donor. Her efforts focus on supporting orphans and vulnerable children, championing access to quality education and healthcare as tools for long-term empowerment.
In addition to her work with Friends of Pakati, Sharlom serves as an ambassador for Challenge Ministries UK, where she supports fundraising efforts and initiatives benefiting communities in Eswatini. She is also the founder of the non-profit organisation Created4Purpose, which aims to develop and support schools and healthcare facilities in rural Zimbabwe.
Sharlom’s unwavering commitment to uplifting children through education and health continues to shape her work across all her roles, driven by a firm belief in creating lasting change in communities most in need
2. Cuan Forrest
Cuan Forrest is the Managing Director of Ellipse Energy, a Leicester-based company he founded driven by a passion to eradicate fuel poverty by helping communities reduce carbon emissions and develop sustainable energy sources throughout the UK.
What sets the company apart is its ethical approach, working with clients that include local authorities, social housing providers, and charities across the UK. The company is at the heart of creating more energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable environments for all its clients.
The company has received several national and regional awards in recognition of the work it has done in the communities it serves.
Cuan is a former winner of the Institute of Directors East Midlands Director of the Year award in the small business category.
Born in Salisbury, Harare, his connection to Zimbabwe led to his involvement with Friends of Pakati. It is an honor and privilege for him to serve as a Trustee of the charity, which has already completed important projects for the enhancement and benefit of Pakati schools.
He looks forward to continuing this work by helping increase awareness of Friends of Pakati and driving forward its fundraising objectives for future projects alongside his fellow trustees and other stakeholders.
3. Bradley Mell
Brad Mell is a writer, producer and theatre maker based in North Lincolnshire. He has worked with organisations such as the National Youth Theatre, the National Student Drama Festival, HOME Theatre Manchester and 2021 Visual Arts Centre Scunthorpe.
He was the original host and one of the co-creators of the successful Iron Bru Podcast. As of 2025 he produces and hosts the interview based podcast Artron Energy.
In 2022 Brad first started working with Friends of Pakati, owing to a shared passion with founder Chris for Scunthorpe United. This was initially offering digital assistance, but he has since gone on to produce the Friends of Pakati podcast and produce a number of live fundraising events.
On becoming a trustee Brad says: ‘I’m incredibly honoured to be entrusted with this role and, having seen the plans, am really looking forward to working with my fellow trustees on projects that I know will provide significant and long lasting benefits to the students at the Pakati schools.’
4. Bothwell Riside
Mr. Bothwell Riside
Principal – Primary Years, Southbridge International School Cambodia
Mr. Bothwell Riside is an accomplished school administrator, educator, and educational technology enthusiast currently serving as the Principal for the Primary Years at Southbridge International School Cambodia. With a solid foundation in Mathematics and Computer Science teaching, he brings a strong academic and technical background to his leadership role, promoting excellence in both pedagogy and digital integration.
A former student of the Pakati schools in Zimbabwe, Mr. Riside is a proud and passionate member of the Friends of Pakati initiative, actively supporting educational development in his home community. Before relocating to Southeast Asia, he taught at several of Zimbabwe’s most prestigious schools, earning a reputation for academic rigor and innovation.
Mr. Riside is known for his visionary approach to school leadership, with a particular focus on integrating technology meaningfully into learning and administration. He combines his expertise as a political analyst and educator to bring a global, critical perspective to the evolving landscape of international education. Driven by a belief in equity, empowerment, and lifelong learning, he continues to inspire both staff and students to reach their highest potential.
5. Chris Walker
Chris Walker was born & raised in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, and has been a supporter of its local football club since childhood, Scunthorpe United (The Iron).
Chris has been a Civil Servant for the last 20 years Bradford, West Yorkshire. Prior to that, his principal career was in teaching, having taught in Zimbabwe (via VSO), Botswana (via the British Council), and in the UK.
Having revisited Zimbabwe in 2018, Chris returned to Pakati Secondary school to see how things were. It was this trip that inspired the setting up of Friends of Pakati.
Chris has wanted to become registered as a Charity for some time, and is am delighted that there is now a team of Trustees in place to make it happen.
The future for Friends of Pakati looks bright, so that should bring further development to both Pakati schools &, by extension, the local community.
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