The Foundation
St[MG1] Nicholas Charity Foundation, an NGO registered in the UK and Ghana, with reg number UK Charity Commission and reg number XXX Ghana Registrar. It is the cornerstone of the school’s success, supporting every aspect of its operation - from funding and logistics to healthcare and community engagement. While the Foundation’s primary focus is the school, its work extends beyond the classroom, supporting broader charitable efforts that create lasting, positive impact for vulnerable children and families across Ghana.
[MG1]Needs also reg numbers
Join us for exciting events that support our mission!


The School
The Foundation finances the daily operation of St. Nicholas School through fundraising and the support of donors and sponsors. This includes food, healthcare, utilities, transportation, learning materials, staff welfare, and infrastructure development.

Beyond Elementary School (JHS)
The Foundation remains committed to supporting pupils beyond elementary school, providing partial assistance for secondary education where families are unable to meet full costs. Graduates are closely monitored to ensure continuity of education, with additional support and scholarship opportunities pursued for academically excellent pupils at the tertiary level.

Community Support
In addition to supporting the school, the Foundation extends assistance to families within the local community, including donations of clothing and footwear generously provided by international donors and sponsors.

Healthcare & Special Cases
Beyond regular healthcare provision for students, the Foundation supports six children with serious medical conditions whose families are unable to meet the high cost of treatment. Two of these children attend the school, while four are based in the Volta Region of Ghana.
Healthcare Support Beyond the School
Frank is a student of St. Nicholas who was diagnosed with sickle cell anaemia. With continued support from the Foundation, Frank receives essential treatments and healthcare.
Ali Osman is a pre-school pupil of St. Nicholas, diagnosed with leukaemia (blood cancer). With the intervention of the Foundation, he successfully underwent multiple phases of chemotherapy and other treatments and has now been declared cancer-free.
Agnes, a 13-year-old child, born with Down Syndrome, was discovered in the local community, at a very tender age. She was enrolled at St. Nicholas for her foundational education. As her needs became more apparent, she was transitioned to the Three Kings Special School in Battor, where she is thriving with specialized care. Agnes is fully supported by the Foundation.
Korku is an 18-year-old boy in the Volta region, born with a rare skin condition. He was discovered by the Foundation a couple of years ago, and has since been consistently supported with monthly food and water supplies, clothing, footwear, and shea butter for his skin. Through our intervention, he has been enrolled in school and is now enjoying a more peaceful life.
Olivia is a 20-year-old lady from Avegame in the Volta region. At age 16, she was brought to our attention in 2021, by the Assemblyman of her community, Mr. Jupiter. Olivia was born a healthy child but was struck by a mysterious illness that left her bedridden, with stiffened nerves and frequent seizures. Through interventions by the Foundation, she has had regular hospital visits, medications, and physiotherapy sessions which have significantly improved her condition. She also receives monthly food supplies to aid her recovery through proper nutrition. Most importantly, the Foundation has constructed a one-room house and a toilet facility for Olivia and her mother.
Freda is a 13-year-old girl in Mafi Gidikpoe, Volta region, born with twisted legs. Due to her condition, she was unable to walk, and had to either be carried or crawl on the ground. The Foundation provided her with a wheelchair, greatly improving her mobility. Through the generosity of a team of European plastic surgeons, Freda underwent surgery on her legs and can now walk. The Foundation continues to support her and meet her ongoing needs.
MEET OUR TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees at St. Nicholas School is composed of accomplished professionals with experience across education, international development, diplomacy, business leadership, shipping, finance, media, and philanthropy. United by a shared commitment to education and social equity, they play a central role in guiding the Foundation’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Deborah Eleazar
Founder & Trustee
Deborah Eleazar is the visionary founder of St. Nicholas School and a lifelong advocate for educational access and equity. With over 30 years of leadership as Director and CEO of Tsakos Shipping (London) Ltd., she transitioned into philanthropy to address the urgent educational needs in Tema New Town, Ghana.
Since co-founding the school in 2012, Deborah has guided its transformation from a single pre-school classroom into a comprehensive institution offering national curriculum, Greek and French language instruction, music education, and a Navy cadet program. She continues to lead the school’s international outreach and strategic partnerships, championing its mission to break the cycle of poverty through education.

Elizabeth Dutton
Vice Chair
Elizabeth Dutton is an international development expert with extensive experience working across Sub-Saharan Africa. Her career includes research and consultancy roles with UNESCO and the evaluation of EU-funded regeneration programs in the UK, many of which used education as a tool to combat poverty.
As a qualified teacher and Vice Chair of the Foundation, Elizabeth brings rigorous policy insight and community development expertise. She plays a key role in grant writing, strategic communications, and program design to ensure the school’s long-term impact and sustainability.

Connie Jacqueline Amin
Treasurer
Jacqueline Amin is a senior executive in the global shipping industry, with over four decades of experience, including 38 years with the Tsakos Group. As Director of Tsakos (London), she oversees the group’s international fleet insurance.
Jacqueline has been a quiet force behind the school’s success, providing continuous support since its inception. She has mobilised volunteers, including her children and extended family, and sponsors multiple students through personal and family contributions. Her commitment also includes critical fundraising efforts, especially for urgent medical cases and student welfare.

Marianna Gavriel
Trustee
Marianna Gavriel brings diplomatic insight and strategic leadership to her role as trustee. She serves as Director for West Africa at Metlen Energy & Metals and holds the titles of Honorary Consul General of Greece and Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Ghana.
Marianna plays a critical role in the school’s international positioning, supporting operations, administration, and donor engagement. Her experience across government, business, and philanthropy strengthens the school’s visibility and capacity to scale its impact through global partnerships.

Ivan Quashigah
Trustee
Ivan Quashigah is one of West Africa’s most acclaimed filmmakers and a trailblazer in edutainment and youth-focused media. With over 30 years of experience, his productions, including Things We Do for Love and YOLO, have educated and empowered millions across the region.
As founder of Farmhouse Productions, Ivan brings creative expertise, storytelling, and media visibility to the school’s work. His network and influence in media and youth engagement are key to expanding St. Nicholas’ public reach and educational innovation.

Vivienne King
Volunteer Coordinator
Vivienne King is a seasoned entrepreneur and the foundation’s long-standing Volunteer Lead. With over 15 years of experience running her own recruitment business in London, Vivienne has expertly connected skilled volunteers with the school since its founding in 2012.She has played a pivotal role in building a strong international volunteer program that enriches student experiences and enhances classroom delivery. Her ongoing commitment and frequent visits to the school demonstrate her deep-rooted belief in grassroots development and intercultural collaboration.

Nicholas Stovold
Trustee
Nicholas (Nick) Stovold is the Commercial Director at Tsakos Shipping, where he leads commercial strategy for the group’s dry cargo and container operations. His deep connections within the international shipping sector have made him a valuable ambassador for the school’s mission.As a trustee, Nick is committed to expanding the foundation’s donor base and advocating for children from underserved communities. He brings both a corporate perspective and a personal passion for child welfare and education.

Aron Jayawardena
Trustee
Aron Jayawardena has spent the entirety of his professional career in the financial sector, covering Africa, advising governments and corporates on strategic initiatives and capital raising.
Aron is passionate about social mobility and breaking poverty cycles - a critical mechanism is ensuring equality in access to education. After volunteering at St Nicholas whilst on a career break, the students and teaching staff left a profound impression on Aron. He now hopes to continue his ongoing support for St Nicholas as a Trustee.

Haris Broumidis
Trustee
Haris Broumidis is a distinguished global business leader with over 35 years of experience in the telecommunications, FMCG, and technology sectors. He has served in executive roles at Vodafone, including CEO positions in Greece, Ghana, and Albania, and Commercial Director for Europe.
Haris has sat on the boards of Vodafone Germany, the Greek Industrialists’ Sustainability Council, and Vodafone Foundation (Greece and Ghana). His expertise in corporate social responsibility, business transformation, and stakeholder engagement is instrumental in driving strategic development and long-term growth at St. Nicholas.

OUR VALUED
PARTNERS





Key Partners
The Tsakos Group
(Maria Tsakos Foundation, Tsakos Shipping & Tsakos Family)
The Tsakos Group donated the initial land for the school, laying the foundation for its establishment. Annual grants are received from both Maria Tsakos Foundation and Tsakos shipping for the running cost of the school. The group also provide regular food donations through their shipping vessels, contributing to student nourishment
Metlen Energy & Metals
Funded the school canteen, multiple classrooms, school bus and essential equipment, significantly enhancing learning facilities.
Efthymiadis Group
(Lotus and Leon Shipping)
The group supports the school’s operational costs and provides individual student sponsorships.
Sea and Shore Ghana
Captain Alkiviadis Adam Kappas, and Sea and Shore Ghana, assisted with transportation, construction, and infrastructure development. Their contribution, along with individual supporters from the Island of Hydra, were crucial in establishing the school and church.
New Beginnings Charity
The charity consistently donates school uniforms, clothes, footwears, stationery and other essential items to the school
British Airways Cabin Crew
The group continuously makes donations of food items and other supplies to the school, ensuring students’ wellbeing.
Baltic Exchange Charitable Foundation
Baltic Exchange is supporting two children for a period of 10 years.
Miller Insurance Services LLP
Provides assistance for fundraising events
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece)
Funded the basketball Pitch
General Partners
Atlas Copco
Venma SA (Greece)
Farmhouse Productions Ghana
KATE Construction
Vodaphone (Telecel) Ghana
AirtelTigo (AT)
Paddies Professional Group
Consulate of Philippines Hopeful Endings Foundation Rotary Club Speak Masters SOS Children’s VillagesTema International School
Martin De Porres School
