Meet the Team

Judith Smith
Founder

Judith Smith
Founder
Our fearless leader, inspiration and motivation. Forever in our hearts.

Mama Regina
Founder

Mama Regina
Founder
The protector and guardian of many of Buturi's children; Judith's eyes and ears on the ground. Forever in our hearts.

Alicia Smith
Joint CEO/Trustee

Alicia Smith
Joint CEO/Trustee
I am Judith's eldest daughter. I was born in Malawi but grew up in England, which left me very aware of social disparities and inequalities for people living in different countries but also within the same country. Mum raised me to champion equality and social justice but also to advocate the importance of equity of access to high quality education and healthcare.
For mum, being an active member of her community of choice in Devon was important to her but also contributing to her Tanzanian community of origin. I very much respect her generosity and determination to hold a sense of ‘community spirit’ across continents. Mum taught me that the world can be a loving place regardless of where we are from.
Mum and Bibi (Swahili for grandmother) were determined to improve the lives of future generations of Buturi. Mum had such passion for the charity, she felt absolute joy being in service to others. She had a beautiful vision for Buturi School, which I hope we will see come to fruition in the near future. Being part of this charity humbles and inspires me. I appreciate having this opportunity to keep connected to my Tanzanian roots, to mum and to Bibi.

Claire Bedwell-Thomas
Joint CEO/Trustee

Claire Bedwell-Thomas
Joint CEO/Trustee
I first met Judith in 2017 when I bumped into a mutual friend she was having dinner with. The timing could not have been more perfect. I had just made the decision to do a masters degree as part of my bigger plan to change careers into the not-for-profit sector to fulfil my ultimate goal of contributing to making the world a better place and ensuring that everyone is given an opportunity to success at life no matter where they were born.
Judith's passion, motivation and determination had me hooked from day 1 and I began to get involved with her beloved Buturi charity. I will cherish the two years we spent strategising together when our busy lives allowed it.
She was the most entrepreneurial and inspiring lady I have ever met and it is my absolute honour and pleasure to continue Buturi as a legacy to her commitment and drive to improve the opportunities for her beloved Buturi community.

Karoline
Head Teacher/Teacher

Karoline
Head Teacher/Teacher
Karoline Nyatega has run our school in Buturi since 2017.
Karoline was born in Busanga village, approximately two hours by car to Buturi. She completed her teacher training at Alberto Teacher training college before coming to work in Buturi. She provides classes in: Kiswahili, Maths, Science and sports. Karoline also teaches the children English, which is not typically available at Tanzanian primary schools.
Karoline provides committed care and learning to the youngest members of the Buturi community. Karoline has extensive teaching experience but would like to complete further teaching qualifications recognised by the Tanzanian Ministry of Education.
Karoline is a single mother to two beautiful children: a daughter, Regina (named in honour of Judith’s mother) and son, Colins.
Karoline was born with clubfoot in both her feet. This limb difference causes some health problems like pain, which can limit how far she is able to walk.
Karoline is an amazing woman, mother and teacher. We are so very proud to work with her and grateful for her contribution to the village.

Frank
Buturi Field Officer

Frank
Buturi Field Officer
Frank Oluoch is Field Officer for the charity since 2019.
Frank was born in Buturi. He works as a Porter in a hospital in Mwansa but regularly returns to Buturi; especially to see his family in the village.
Frank is married and has one son, Vance.
Frank provides enthusiastic support to implement the charity’s work in Buturi. We are grateful for his contribution to benefit the village.

William Smith
Trustee

William Smith
Trustee
I am originally from the South West but moved to Surrey in 2014 to study Finance and Accounting at the University of Surrey. Since then, I have retrained as a chef and have worked in numerous venues across London and the South of England.
My Mother Judith instilled a strong work ethic and a sense of moral obligation within me. This has encouraged me to be involved in several charities including Volunteering with Crisis, Good Samaritans, the Buturi Project and most recently with St John’s Ambulance within the vaccination program during the pandemic.
Buturi holds a special place in my heart, being my ancestral heritage.
The opportunity to enrich the lives of people less fortunate than myself is a privilege I treasure.

David Kendall
Trustee

David Kendall
Trustee

Halim Davey
Technical Adviser (Water Development)

Halim Davey
Technical Adviser (Water Development)
I am a consulting civil engineer specialising in water and infrastructure design, and I previously worked in the renewables sector. I have been involved in the Buturi Project since 2011 as I have an interest in expanding access to water and sanitation for communities within the global south, both as a way to utilise my skills and experience to improve the lives of marginalised people, and to gain new skills and insights.
I have particular interest in methods for providing clean water and sanitation in a sustainable manner, both in terms of the material and financial resources required, as well as the ability of the community to operate and maintain these systems long term.


