New Employee Bios, March 2015 - April 2015
Room to Read Bangladesh
Mr. Firoj Ahmad has joined in RtR Field Office in Dhaka as Literacy Coach on 15 March 2015. He
has long experience on development sector and worked in different organizations. Before
joining to Room to Read Bangladesh, he has worked in Village Education Resource Center
(VERC) under PROTEEVA project as Technical Officer. Prior to that he also had worked in Centre
for Disability in Development. He has completed his Bachelor and Masters in Arts (History) from
Jahangirnagar University.
Md. Ohidul Islam has joined in Room to Read Country Office as ICT Associate on 16 March
2015. Prior joining Room to Read Bangladesh, he was working in Standard Group as the IT Incharge. He also worked for Eagle State International Ltd, HK and Sky Online (ISP). Considering
his educational background, he completed his BSc in Computer Science & Engineering from
International Islamic University Chittagong. He also did some certificate courses on CCNA,
Ciscovalley Network Academy.
Ms Atoara Khatun has joined in RtR Field Office in Natore as Social Mobilizer, GEP on 18 March
2015. Before joining to Room to Read Bangladesh, she has been working as Group
Development Agent in RDRS Bangladesh. She obtained her Bachelor and Master’s Degree in
Arts under National University.
Ummay Kulsum has joined in RtR Field Office in Natore as Social Mobilizer, GEP on 18 March
2015. Before joining to Room to Read Bangladesh, she has worked for SUF as Office Assistant
and at World Vision Bangladesh as in different roles such as Customer Relation Service
Facilitator, WATSON Facilitator, Coaching Facilitator and so on. She obtained her BSc degree
under National University.
Mr. Asharful Alam Sarker has joined in RtR Field Office in Natore as Literacy Program Associate
(Technical) on 15 April 2015. He has around 7 years of professional experience in development
sector and worked in different organizations. Before joining to Room to Read Bangladesh, he
has worked in RDRS Bangladesh under READ project as Technical Officer. Prior to that he also
had worked in Save the Children as Field Officer. He has completed his B.A. and M.A. in
Philosophy under National University.
Md. Alamgir Kabir has joined in Room to Read Field Office in Natore as Library Management
Facilitator on 15 April 2015. Prior joining Room to Read Bangladesh, he was working in Socio
Health & Rehabilitation Program (SHARP) as the Reading Room Associate. Considering his
educational background, he has completed his Bachelor and Masters in Social Science under
National University.
Md. Golam Kibria has joined in Room to Read Field Office in Natore as Library Management
Facilitator on 15 April 2015. Prior joining Room to Read Bangladesh, he was working in Socio
Health & Rehabilitation Program (SHARP) as the Reading Room Associate. Considering his
educational background, he has obtained Bachelor and Masters in Arts under National
University.
Ms Sharmily Akter has joined in RtR Field Office in Natore as Library Management Facilitator
on 15 April 2015.Before joining to Room to Read Bangladesh, she has worked for Manab Mukti
Shangstha as a Field Trainer. She obtained her B.A. and M.A. from Rajshahi University.
Md. Saifur Rahman has joined in Room to Read Field Office in Dhaka as Library Management
Facilitator on 19 April 2015. Prior joining Room to Read Bangladesh, he was working in
Environmental Council Bangladesh as the Reading Room Associate. Before that, he also worked
for another national NGO named Eco Social Development Organization as the Community
Learning Resource Person. Considering his educational background, he has obtained Bachelor
degree from American Bangladesh University.
Mr. Rabiul Islam has joined in Room to Read Field Office in Dhaka as Library Management
Facilitator on 19 April 2015. Before joining Room to Read Bangladesh, he has worked in Dhaka
Ahsania Mission under DIPECHO-VII (DRR) project as the Ward Supervisor. Before that, he
worked in Unnayan Shahojogy Team (UST), Faridpur Development Agency etc. He has obtained
Bachelor and Masters in Arts under National University.
Room to Read Cambodia
Ms. Suon Socheanik joined with RtR-KH on April 01, 2015 as Provincial Office Associate based in
Field office – Prey Veng Province. She has over one year of experience within Finance Officer at
Clear Cambodia, over five years of experience as Financial Support at World Vision Cambodia,
over two years of experience as Receptionist and Cashier at Reproductive Health Association of
Cambodia RHAC). She has graduated Master of Finance and Banking and Bachelor of
Management.
Mr. Nao Sovannara joined with RtR- KH on April 20, 2015 as Warehouse Assistant based in
Country Office – Phnom Penh. He has almost three years of experience within Stock Controller
at Comin Khmer Co., Ltd, over three year of experience as Cashier and Assistant of Computer
Teacher at Lem Heng Group and International Cambodia NGO School. He has graduated
Bachelor of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation.
Room to Read India
Suraj Singh has joined Room to Read India as IT assistant based at Country Office, Delhi on 1st
April 2015. He brings in 9+ years of experience and has been associated with Room to Read
from 2009 in the capacity of a consultant. He has done Diploma in Computer Hardware &
Networking along with Diploma in Computer Application from U.C.C. InfoTech. Pvt. Ltd., New
Delhi.
Sucheta Sharma has joined Room to Read India as Senior Program Associate, GEP based at
Rajasthan Office on 1st April 2015. She brings in 10+ years of experience in education industry.
She has done Masters in Social work from IGNOU along with B.Sc. from University of Rajasthan.
Raja Sekhar has joined Room to Read as The Field Manager, Mumbai State Office. He brings in
13 years of valuable experience in education field. He has pursued B.com along with Masters in
Sociology. He has involved himself in number of surveys in varied social fields i.e. Education,
Women Empowerment, Youth Empowerment, Child Labour, Municipality Taxation, Water
Harvesting, Old age people conducted by different Government Agencies and Corporate bodies.
He has also attended various trainings and workshops in the field of education.
Krishna Tangutoori has joined Room to Read India as a Admin Associate Andhra Pradesh on
19th March 2015. He brings in 9 years of experience in administrative functions. He has
completed Master of Social Work from Acharya Nagarjuna University along with Master of Arts
from Osmania University.
Rakesh Kumar has joined Room to Read as Literacy Program Operations Associate at Rajasthan
State Office on 16th March 2015. He brings in 10 years of valuable experience in Social
Development – Education & Livelihood. He has done Bachelors in Social Work from Shobhit
University Meerut and is also pursuing Masters in Social work from Karnataka State University.
Madan Lal Sharma has joined Room to Read as Literacy Program Operations Associate at
Rajasthan State Office on 16th March 2015. He brings in 20 years of valuable experience in
Project Management including planning, monitoring and reporting. He has been actively
participating in various trainings and workshops like training on life skill education with children
and importance of child rights etc.
Praveen Reddy has joined Room to Read as Program Officer GEP, Andhra Pradesh on 12th
March 2015. He brings in 11 years of experience in implementation, monitoring and evaluation
of remedial education programme in primary, high school sections. He has done Master of
Commerce from Osmania University (Indian Institute of Management and Commerce) along
with Master of Social Work from Osmania University (R.M College of Social work). He is acting
as an active vice president in alliance of profession social workers forum.
Latha Vellore has joined Room to Read as Literacy Program Operations Associate at Andhra
Pradesh State Office on 26th March 2015. She brings in 10 years of experience in education
field. She has pursued Bachelor of Commerce from Sri Venkateshwara University along with
MBA (HR) from Alagappa University, Karaikudi and MSW (Family & Child Welfare) from Sri
Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam, Tirupathi.
Rodmal Yogi has joined Room to Read as Literacy Program Technical Associate at Rajasthan
State office on 11th March 2015. He brings in 8 years of experience in program designing,
reporting, monitoring, evaluation and training. He has done B.A. from MDS, University Ajmer
and is pursuing M.A in Rural Development from IGNOU. He has also obtained a Diploma in
Community Leadership for Education from IGNOU Community College. He has actively
participated in various capacity building and research programmes along with involvement in
communication and collaboration with Government system.
Badugu Chennaiah has joined Room to Read as Sr. Program Associate, GEP at Andhra Pradesh
State office on 2nd March 2015. He brings in 11 years of experience, his last project was with
CIF where he was responsible in assisting the process of initiating childline activity. He is a Gold
medallist in M.A. – Social Work from Andhra University and is also pursuing PhD from Andhra
University. He has also done Research and report writing and made some noticeable
contributions along with his responsibilities at work.
Mahima Sukheja joined Room to Read India as Program Officer, GEP based at Delhi on 1st May
2015. She brings in close to 6 years of experience in the education sector. She has done B.A. in
Sociology from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi University and M.A. in Social Work
from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She has actively been a part of field researches
and experiences.
Room to Read Laos
Mr. Santy Lattanabouavone is New Program Advisor, School Infrastructure to be based in
Savannakhet Province for LA CO. His start working date with us is on Mon 20 April 2015. Santy
has graduated his MSc. Eng, Civil Engineering and Infrastructure, Cergy-Pontoise University,
Paris France, 2013 and Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia,
Phnom Penh, 2011. For the past 6 years he has been employed and studied in a civil engineer
and infrastructure role where he is required to apply the knowledge that he has earned from
abroad and he also worked with ADB project on Urban Development Project in two towns of
Laos as a Project Coordinator under the Lao Consulting Group, and used to work with Nam
Ngiep 1 Hydropower project as Young Engineer and extensive previous experience in France as
construction supervisor and assistant Project Manager. This position will directly report to
Program Operations Director (POD), however he will also work closely with Field Manager for
community engagement and support.
Room to Read Nepal
Mr. Deergha Narayan Shrestha joined RtR Nepal from 16 March 2015 as Field Program
Manager, Banke. Mr. Shrestha brings more than 13 years of experience in development and
education sector. He holds Master’s degree in Philosophy (Majored in Education) from Danish
University of Education, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Masters Degree in Education (Majored in
Mathematics) from, Tribhuwan University, Nepal. Before joining Room to Read he was serving
UNESCO Office in Kathmandu, Nepal as a Project Coordinator (National Consultant) for
Education. There he worked as a focal point for the project ‘Planning Effective Delivery of
Education in a Future Federal State’ funded by UN Peace Fund Nepal. He was also involved with
Save the Children International (SCI) South Sudan Country Office as Education Technical Advisor
and in SCI Nepal Country Office as a Senior Program Coordinator – Education. Mr. Shrestha
holds a range of expertise under his belt in program designing, planning, implementing,
budgeting, M&E, advocacy, capacity building, and staff management for education program
which includes Early Childhood Care & Education, Basic Education, early-grade literacy, nonformal education, Technical Education & Vocational Training and Education in Emergency. He
has managed various partner NGOs, working at the national and district level for effective
program implementation. He has worked closely with the Ministry of Education in Nepal for
policy formulation, program implementation and coordination for Basic Education, especially
for early-grade literacy to ensure quality learning opportunities for all children. Besides these,
he has managed various projects funded by UNICEF, USAID, DFID, EC and other donors.
Ms. Aasha Budha Magar joined RtR Nepal from 16 March 2015 as GEP Program AssociateBardiya. Ms. Magar brings in more than 11 years of experience on women, child and education
sector along with teaching. She has worked as Teacher at Chhinchu Ehglish Medium School,
Surkhet; as Secondary level English Teacher at Secondary School Lekhparajil, Surkhet; as Social
mobilize at Feminist Dalit Organization (FeDO) Surkhet; as Program Officer and Researcher at
Social Awareness Center for various projects. Prior Joining to Room to Read she was working as
Program Officer at Community Development Centre (CDC) for Quality Primary Education
Project. She holds Masters Degree in Education from Tribhuwan University Nepal.
Ms. Tika Chaudhary joined RtR Nepal from 16 March 2015 as GEP Program Associate-Bardiya.
Ms. Chaudhary brings in more than 18 years of experience on development sector. She has
worked as Community Facilitator at Kailali Community Development Program; as Income
Generation Group Facilitator at Empowerment Project Resource Center (EPRC); as Partner
Animator Empowerment Project Center Kailali (EPCK); as Area Animator at Empowerment
Project South Kailali(EPSK); as Area Coordinator at CSSD/CODE program; Program Coordinator
at CBODC \, Kailali; as Program Coordinator at CSSD/RISE Program. Prior Joining to Room to
Read she was working as Project Coordinator at FKWDF/Kamlahari Practice Abolition Project II,
by Plan Nepal. She holds Bachelor Degree in Sociology, Anthropology & Political Science from
Tribhuwan University Nepal.
Mr. Ganesh DC joined RtR Nepal from 17 March 2015 as Sub Engineer-Palpa. Mr. DC brings in
more than 4 years of experience on engineering sector. He has worked as Supervisor at District
Technical Office, Palpa and Sub Engineer/ Overseer at Dhading Development (FFDD).He holds
Diploma in Civil Engineering from CTEVT Nepal.
Mr. Nirmal Kumar joined RtR Nepal from 23 March 2015 as Sub Engineer-Banke. Mr. Nirmal
Kumar Tharu brings in more than 14 years of experience on Engineering sector. He has worked
as Social Mobilizer at Women Empowerment Program (WEP); Sub Overseer at Punctual Safety
and Alternative Building & Toilet Construction Project; Community Technician at MAYUS Nepal;
Sub Overseer at Road Access Support Project; Construction Shanghari at Education for Freedom
Project; Sub Engineer at Room to Read; CESEF Overseer at VSBK/CESEF project; Associate
Project Officer at Green School Project. Prior joining RtR he was working as SCP Technical
Officer at Sustainable Construction Practices Project Nepal. He Holds Civil-Sub-Overseer degree
from CTEVT Nepal and pursuing Diploma in Civil Engineer.
Room to Read South Africa
Dr. Philip Christensen joined Room to Read in April as our Country Director in South Africa. He
has lived and worked in Africa since 1980, focusing on the design of learning systems that
improve lives. While on this continent he has inaugurated a pioneering online education
company in South Africa, managed six multi-million-dollar, donor-funded educational
development projects covering 15 countries, and consulted on a variety of international
development initiatives. His most recent assignments include serving as Regional Project
Director for Farmer Voice Radio, a six-year adult-education initiative funded by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, followed by proposal development work for literacy and girls’
education in Northern Nigeria and Haiti. Phil holds both South African and U.S. citizenship. He
earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from Harvard University and a Doctorate in
Education from the University of Massachusetts.
Room to Read Sri Lanka
Kalimuthu Karkodan has joined with us on 2nd March 2015 as a Literacy Coach in Badulla
district. He has completed Bachelor of Art Degree in Sociology and Anthropology. Karkodan is a
fresher starting with Room to Read for Literacy Program.
Samith Gunasekara has joined with us on 16th March 2015 as an Administration & Accounts
Associate in Badulla. He has followed Diploma in Computerized Accounting. Samith has 20
years’ experience in Uva Community development Centre, GTZ. & private Sector.
Chamodhi Adhikari has joined with us on 20th April 2015 as a Field facilitator for Girls
Education Program in Anuradhapura. She has completed Higher National Diploma in Tower hall
Drama & Theatre School & following Bachelor of education in Drama and Theatre. Chamodhi is
a fresher starting with Room to Read for GEP Program.
Pradeepa Gurusinghe has joined with us on 20th April 2015 as a Field facilitator for Girls
Education Program in Anuradhapura. She has completed Diploma in Daham Sarasavi Buddhism.
Following Bachelor of Art Degree. Pradeepa is a fresher starting with Room to Read for the GEP
Program.
Sanjana Laksri has joined with us on 20th April 2015 as a Field facilitator for Girls Education
Program in Anuradhapura. She is following Bachelor of Art Degree. Sanjana is a fresher starting
with Room to Read for GEP Program.
Sujeewa Jayatissa has joined with us on 20th April 2015 as a Field facilitator for the Girls
Education Program in Anuradhapura. She is following Bachelor of Art Degree. Sujeewa is a
fresher starting with Room to Read for GEP Program.
Sanika Bandara has joined with us on 20th April 2015 as a Field facilitator for Reading Room
Program in Anuradhapura. She is following Bachelor of Art Degree. Sanika is a fresher starting
with Room to Read for the GEP Program.
Room to Read Global Office
Cindy Ip joined Room to Read as development manager for Hong Kong in March. Originally
from Toronto, Canada, she has previously worked for another nonprofit in Hong Kong managing
major donor relationships. Additionally, Cindy holds a MSc. in marketing and loves learning.
What she enjoys most about her job is meeting people. In her spare time, Cindy likes to practice
ballet, do yoga and read.