Director’s Note

 

Growing up in the UK and Ireland, I was fortunate to have experiences that shaped my understanding of the world, even if I didn’t recognize their significance at the time. Born into a working-class family, I spent my early years on a council estate, where I witnessed what I perceived as suffering. Families, like my own, lived paycheck to paycheck, and leaving our tight-knit community seemed like an unattainable dream. It wasn’t until the early 1990s, with changes in European transportation, that low-income families like ours gained access to affordable travel. This shift opened up new horizons, allowing brave individuals from my neighborhood to venture into the world for work, vacations, and new lives.

 

During this period, campaigns like Band Aid and organizations such as UNICEF became my only window into other cultures, revealing the stark realities that many children faced daily. I began to grasp the depth of suffering and the urgent need for solutions. However, despite my passion, I struggled to find my place in this mission early on. Financial constraints kept me from volunteering in those countries I longed to help, so I pursued my studies and careers, all while feeling an unfulfilled yearning to make a difference.

 

In my twenties, I faced my own rollercoaster of challenges, which distracted me from my original cause. It wasn’t until I re-engaged with volunteer work through Ocean Youth Trust Ireland, a charity in Northern Ireland focused on bridging cultural divides, that I found my path again. Helping young people navigate community relations between Catholic and Protestant communities reignited my passion for service. This experience led me to work in various informal educational settings, enriching my understanding of youth and community dynamics.

 

After graduating from the University of Chester, I transitioned to a role at the Magnet Youth and Community Centre, promoting arts participation among young people. However, I soon felt the pull to formalize my education further and deepen my cultural understanding. This led me to Asia, where I taught and experienced one of the most profound culture shocks of my life, contrasting extreme poverty with immense wealth.

 

My journey through teaching across multiple countries introduced me to remarkable individuals and opportunities beyond my wildest dreams. Yet, it was my time back in the UK with the Liverpool School of English that truly clarified my path. While the road was not without its bumps, those challenges became my greatest teacher, pushing me to confront my barriers and fears.

 

I discovered that deep personal reflection is essential, but it’s a journey best taken with support from family, friends, and the incredible individuals I’ve met along the way. That’s why I share my professional history and the agencies that shaped me; they are the very foundations of the ICE Programme. Without them, this initiative would not exist.

 

I share this with you to convey that every experience in your life has purpose, whether you recognize it now or not. As I embarked on the creation of the ICE Programme, I began to see how all the threads of my past connected. Remember, every person you encounter has a role in your story, whether to uplift you or challenge you. You are the architect of your journey, determining what influences you will shape you.

 

I hope my story inspires you to take that leap of faith, to explore your own path, and to seek your true destiny. You will never know what awaits you until you step outside your comfort zone and delve into self-discovery. So, ask yourself: “What now?”