Restoring Mojo and Changing Lives: My Journey with the Tea Leaf Trust
SONIA ALLEN
- Organisation:
- Various - All Hands and Hearts UK Trust / Tea Leaf Trust/ S Factor
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional/ Education/ Women/ Charity/ Rotary/ Life Skills
- Fee:
- Unknown: Travel expenses and a donation to the charity would be welcomed.
- Category:
- Charity
- Updated:
- 11th August 2025
- Tagged:
- Teaching English | Sri Lanka | Teaching Teachers | Tea Plantations
After battling cancer through surgery and chemotherapy, Sonia Allen found a new beginning in the lush central hill country of Sri Lanka, working with the Tea Leaf Trust — a charity dedicated to giving young people aged 18 to 25 a second chance at education through learning English.
In this moving presentation, Sonia shares how spending two months teaching and supporting local youth in the tea plantation communities reignited her self-esteem and purpose. Through education centres scattered across the region, the Tea Leaf Trust empowers young people to develop English language and business skills that open doors beyond the traditional tea-picking labor.
Thanks to this life-changing work, thousands have been able to break the cycle of poverty and move from mere survival to thriving futures. Now celebrating 15 years of impact, the Tea Leaf Trust continues to transform lives — and Sonia’s story shows how helping others can also heal and inspire ourselves.
Views: 7 | Enquiries: 0About SONIA ALLEN
Bright mind, bold heart, I am the kind of woman who rolls up her sleeves and makes things better, wherever I go. From global volunteering adventures to local impact, I would like to say I bring energy, empathy, and no-nonsense smartness to every project I work on.
Professionally, I am a skilled education consultant, recognised for sharp thinking, calm leadership, and ability to accomplish tasks with grace and grit. At other times, I am off making magic happen through international volunteering, community mentoring, and advocacy work.
I am a cancer survivor, a foster carer, personal trainer and an ambassador for International disaster relief organisation 'All Hands and Hearts UK Trust.'
Public speaking is something I have done throughout my working careers', yes careers and never one to be 'lost for words'. I can tailor my speeches to meet the audiences needs:
"A magnetic role model with a wicked sense of humour, Sonia leads with purpose, gives generously, and leaves people (and places) better than she found them."
Smart. Sassy. Seriously inspiring.
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