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History lover joins Foundation

Leondra Burchall is the sparkling new gem at The St. George’s Foundation. She joined them on October 3 as the education officer.

Sharon Jacobs, the executive director, is pleased and welcomes Mrs. Burchall and advises that it was made possible by XL Foundation.

“We are very grateful to XL who has generously sponsored the Education Officer position for a period of three years. With this grant, we are able to continue our work developing educational programmes and community activities for the Centre,” she said.

Asked about her duties Mrs. Burchall shares that she creates programmes, projects and opportunities to inform the public. It is her aim to share the goals of the Foundation to every sector of Bermuda.

“This job covers a vast array of territory for target groups: St. Georgians, teachers, students, Bermudians at large and tourists.”

A woman of considerable talents, Mrs. Burchall says the position is “a blank slate” and she loves being able to create and implement. Readily she shares that she is energetic, innovative, committed and a caring Christian.

“The Foundation Board and Sharon are very supportive and this is an enjoyable work place. I enjoy the quiet and it affords me the perfect place to conceptualise new ideas for the firm.”

She further adds that she is always thinking, reading, and planning work related goals. Brainstorming is where her ideas take on a great shape.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Mrs. Burchall was the director of historical research and oral history at the Bermuda Maritime Museum. In fact it was through her colleague, Dr. Clarence Maxwell, that she learned of the job availability.

Dr. Maxwell worked on an educational task force and once this position was posted he showed it to me saying I was perfect for the job.

With regard to future goals for the Foundation, high on her list is making the Foundation a household name in Bermuda by providing innovative educational materials and a signature educational event.

She explains: “It won’t look like anything any other organisation has done. We are going to use technology and utilise the creativity of myself, teachers, students, and business professionals.”

St. George’s, the actual town, has been personable and welcoming to her. She explained: “One day when my 13 year old son was out of school he accompanied me to my Foundation office. We walked around town as it was new to him and he exclaimed ‘This is like little England’.”

Here only a brief while until the townspeople noticed, two news articles were mentioned in the Sun and the Royal Gazette about her Foundation role. That opened up a comfortable level of communication for Mrs. Burchall as she was known around town.

“I am grateful that the people of St. George’s provide me with this awesome opportunity. I want to help promote and to be a part of the pride that comes with having World Heritage status. I thank the individuals who formed the St. George’s Foundation as they have given me an incredible vehicle,” concluded Mrs. Burchall.

Education is a focal point of Mrs. Burchall’s life on and off the job. She is in the process of completing her Doctoral Degree in History from Kent University in Kent, Ohio. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree from Howard University, Washington, D.C.