Paula is, first, last and always, a teacher. She came to us – with 17 years of experience in the field of special needs – through a British organization called “Volunteers in Service Overseas” and her brief was clear: train the local staff to run a school for children with disabilities and go home two years later. VSO reckoned without a clear brief on Paula, however.

Twelve years later, she was still with us, and the debt we owe her will never be repaid. Mother of two daughters – Carol and Pat – and grandmother of two very special children – Matthew and Victoria – she has juggled her responsibilities to them, and to Kathleen, her amazing mother – successfully since 1995. In 2007, after much thought and soul-searching, she decided to retire to the UK to be able to spend more time with her family there. She remains in frequent touch, including a triumphant return visit in 2011, and will always be a vital member of the LRF family.