Our Socrates Programme continued this week with another lecture in the series, this time from Dee Jupp PhD, a Technical Advisor in International Development. She has worked in international development aid for more than 40 years, advocating for the need to listen to people living in poverty in order to respond appropriately to their priorities. Currently undertaking research for UNICEF and Save the Children, Dee’s work has taken her all over the world, having lived in Jamaica, Bangladesh and Indonesia, as just a few examples.

Her key message to our students was:  “Throughout your studies and your future work life, stay curious and always be open to new learning, different perspectives and opportunities to get out of your comfort zone. Experience as much for yourselves first-hand because ‘only the one standing on the anthill knows the ants are biting’ ( African proverb)”

Speaking about the lecture, Laura in Year 8 said,

The lecture was eye-opening! It showed that many facts we believe about less fortunate countries aren’t true and misconceptions can spread because their culture is so alien to ours.