Perry Roshan-Zamir has been a dedicated Schools for Salone supporter since 2019 and a Board Member July 2021. An attorney for 30 years, Perry has worked mostly as solo practitioner. He is also involved in environmental causes, serving as co-chair of Reef Check.

We recently sat down with Perry to hear more about his story and to find out what attracted him to Schools for Salone.

Why did you get involved with SFS? What was it about the organization that attracted you
I met (Schools for Salone Executive Director and Founder) Cindy in Sierra Leone in September 2019 when I travelled to Sierra Leone with the Mona Foundation. On this trip I saw the needs and opportunities for help through SfS. I could see the shortest distance between what could be done and what would actually help people.

What’s your favorite part of being a member of SFS?
The best part of being on the Board is the personal connection to Board members and to Cindy. There is a camaraderie and a sense of purpose when you are with like-minded people.

What role has education access had in your life?
I’ve had the privilege of access to very good education all of my life because of my parents dedication to education. We left Iran when I was 10 due to religious persecution. When we came to the US I was an ESOL student but skipped 6th grade because of the quality of education I had received from my parents. I graduated from HS at 15, college at 19 and law school at 22. I was a B student, but always loved to learn.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take action to help expand education in Sierra Leone?
Get involved – just do it. Travel to Sierra Leone so you can see it for yourself.