Resonate

December 28, 2014

December 26 – the feast of Stephen resonates with meaning for me. Naturally because of my Christian name this day has a special appeal – it’s the feast day of my patron saint, St. Stephen. But this year December 26 ‘rings’ to a different tune. Major...

Voluntary vs Mandatory

November 29, 2014

“It is the sin of the soul to force young people into opinions – indoctrination is of the devil – but is culpable neglect not to impel young people into experiences.” Kurt Hahn I’m sure that you’ll always find students who will...

where are the girls?

October 31, 2014

Is this a daring and shocking simulation or a brilliant method of raising awareness? Earlier this year the GC (Global Concerns) club at Daraja Academy organized the ‘disappearance’ of all Grade 7 and 8 girls after their mentoring group meeting @ 8.15 am. In a...

Hong Kong student activism – is it CAS?

September 30, 2014

Last Saturday evening, after facilitating Day 2 of a DP-CAS workshop in Victoria Shanghai Academy, I was in a hotel courtesy bus on the way to dine with an ex-student who now resides in Hong Kong. He’s a pilot for Cathay Pacific and we had arranged to meet at...

World Humanitarian Day

August 27, 2014

The United Nations celebrates and recognises August 19 as World Humanitarian Day  –  “a time to recognize those who face danger and adversity in order to help others. The day was designated by the General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the...

The Ice-Bucket Challenge

August 24, 2014

“Glance through your now ice-water-doused Facebook feed, and it may occur to you that the ice-bucket challenge — in which people dump ice water on their heads and film it to raise awareness about ALS — is among the most successful charity campaigns in recent history....