SEED Madagascar

Mark, a qualified research ecologist, first went to Madagascar in 1998, leading a team of biologists to study the flora and fauna of the southeast.

On return to the UK, Mark started to work with SEED developing Project Lokaro. He then became Managing Director and has worked since with the board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of all aspects of the organisation. Overseeing the fundraising and marketing efforts, volunteer programmes and ongoing development of the organisation, Mark ensures effective communication and between trustees and SEED.

Arabella recently completed an MSc in Paediatric and Child Global Health at the University College of London. Her dissertation focussed on the potential function of app technology improving maternal health, through her analysis of symptoms reported by a cohort of pregnant Jamaican women. Prior to that, Arabella worked as a Healthcare Support Worker at Great Ormond Street Hospital and graduated from Durham University with a BA in Anthropology and Archaeology where she focussed on the intersection between culture and health. Alongside her studies, she has spent time volunteering for a range of development organisations which led Arabella to SEED. She is excited to work with an experienced and vibrant team to provide community driven development across Fort Dauphin.

Betty holds a Master of Environmental Studies (Climate Change and Sustainability) and a Bachelor of Science Degree (Water Engineering), both from Kenyatta University in Kenya. Her background includes research on greenhouse gas emissions, implementing cash transfer and WASH projects for vulnerable urban communities.

SEED’s unique approach in addressing people’s immediate needs attracted her to the organization. She hopes to learn, grow and contribute during her time at the institution.

Rebecca graduated in 2013 from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Environmental Science and MSc in Environmental Management before working for a sustainability consultancy. In 2017 Rebecca moved away from corporate sustainability and now works part-time with an online ethical fashion marketplace where she partners with global independent fair-trade brands.

Rebecca discovered SEED Madagascar after looking for an organisation where tangible impacts are made on communities and the environment and now hopes to build out the Stitch Sainte Luce project reach within the UK and abroad.

Breanna graduated in 2020 from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. She discovered a passion for international development as a United Nations Volunteer, and has experience working with NGOs based in Spain, Argentina and Panama. Breanna was drawn to SEED's community driven and holistic approach, and is excited to be here supporting and contributing to the team as a Web Editor.

Zac has over three years' experience coordinating and managing projects in Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania. He holds First Class Honours in Business Management and Level 5 Diplomas in Management & Leadership and Professional Consulting. His main interest is how this field can be applied to projects and organisations in the third sector.

SEED Madagascar's approach to community-led development inspired Zac to join the team in 2018, along with the opportunity to learn how a combination of multidisciplinary projects can come together to develop a single geographical location.

Lynn is finishing her undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Lund University. She is interested in the applications of maths to conservation and environmental work and has experience assisting with conservation field research in both Mexico and Dominica.

SEED's comprehensive approach and attention to the interrelated factors affecting both human and natural environments are what drew Lynn to the organisation. She looks forward to contributing to and learning about the research, conservation, and human well-being that SEED promotes.

Sally holds an MSc in International Development Management from the University of East Anglia and a BA in Global Development and Global Health from Mercer University. She has a diverse skill set from previous experiences in community and social development and is excited to learn more about sustainable development.

She has lived and worked in Thailand as a teacher and assistant for a medical NGO on the Thai- Burma border. In both positions, she worked on educational development projects and was thus particularly drawn to SEED’s Sekoly Maintso project. She also appreciates SEED’s multidisciplinary nature and emphasis on local capacity building.

Alex recently graduated from the University of London with a BSc in International Development. With previous experience as a Clinical Support Worker at Birmingham Children's Hospital, he is keen to learn more about SEED's work in community health and gain insight into the day-to-day running of the organisation.

After spending several years in India, Alex is excited about new opportunities to learn about life and culture in Anosy. He was drawn to SEED by its excellent organisational performance and impact.

Andi has a strong background in research, data analysis, and project management. Her experience as a Research Analyst and her current studies in the Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society have provided her with a solid foundation in managing complex tasks, working with diverse groups, and developing clear, actionable insights.

Through this internship, she is eager to gain practical experience in program development and volunteer coordination, while also learning how to create grant applications and conduct donor research. She believes this will help her contribute meaningfully to SEED’s mission while building key skills for a career in international development.

Samantha holds a master’s in International Relations from Universität Bremen, where her thesis focused on healthcare accessibility and the efficacy of humanitarian aid in Somalia. She has worked as part of a research team training an AI-model to assess the inclusivity and generosity of legislation across 167 countries, strengthening her analytical skills and insight into policy impact. Through her experience tutoring English to refugees and displaced persons, Samantha has fostered a passion for sustainable and culturally sensitive development.

She admires SEED Madagascar’s community-driven approach and is eager to expand her understanding of complex development challenges and gain insight into how various strategies can be thoughtfully adapted within the unique context of Madagascar. Samantha also hopes to deepen her skills in evaluating project outcomes and community engagement practices, contributing to holistic, sustainable solutions that create lasting impact through SEED’s capacity-building initiatives.

Jelena is an experienced Web Content Editor with over five years of expertise in managing and optimising digital content for non-profits and international organisations. With a strong background in WordPress and web design, she ensures impactful and accessible online experiences that align with organisational goals.

As a Volunteer Website Editor at SEED Madagascar, Jelena contributes her skills to enhance the organisation’s digital presence, supporting its mission of sustainable development, community growth, and education. She is passionate about combining creativity and technology to drive social impact and facilitate important causes.

Lili is currently doing her Master’s in International Relations in Barcelona and is writing her thesis on how climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa. She previously studied languages and culture in London and Montréal, strengthening her communication and interpersonal skills. Through her research experience in Buenos Aires, she has developed the ability to synthesize complex information effectively and manage projects with minimal supervision. Moreover, she enjoyed her international volunteer service in France, which allowed her to gain community-based work experience.

Lili is excited to deepen her expertise in international development and particularly values SEED Madagascar’s local and community-based approach to achieving sustainable and lasting impacts. She looks forward to contributing to the important work of SEED Madagascar while learning more about project management, grant applications, and foundation funding.

Cassie completed her MSc in Forest and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University and Research in 2024, following a BSc in Geography with study abroad from the University of Birmingham (2021). She has a well-established background in writing, research, and data analysis, with a focus on wildlife ecology and conservation. Her experience includes a research internship in Paraguay on primate behaviour and a desk-based master’s thesis on primate conservation and hunter behaviour and preferences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

She has a strong interest in community-based conservation initiatives, which drew her to SEED’s work, notably The Ala Programme and rural livelihood projects. She is eager to gain hands-on experience in the charity sector, particularly in grant applications and donor research, while developing her skills and contributing to meaningful, community-driven projects that create lasting positive impacts.