We are delighted to welcome a new member to our team. Dee Abbott has just taken up the role as Public Engagement Officer. Dee tells us a few things about herself in this blog.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Dee, I’m 23 years old and I’m the Public Engagement Programme Worker for Children in Crossfire. Born in Sligo and brought up in Derry, I have also spent 3 years studying at university in Leeds and a year of working in Valencia, Spain. I don’t have many hobbies, although I do love meeting new people and learning new things from them. I’m really interested in travelling and learning about different languages and cultures.
What did you do before working here?
I have spent the last 4 years studying my degree in International Development and Spanish at the University of Leeds. Through studying a language I was also given the amazing opportunity of living abroad for 1 year, which I chose to do in Valencia, Spain, where I spent the year working as an English Language teacher. Following the end of my degree, I was then given the chance to travel to Central America where I spent 2 months in Nicaragua and Costa Rica volunteering. This was an incredible experience and I would definitely recommend visiting both of these countries if you ever get the chance.
Why Children in Crossfire?
The first I heard about Children in Crossfire was when Richard came into our school to give us a talk and share his story. I remember being amazed of how he could speak so openly about what had happened, whilst at the same time always being so enthusiastic and positive.
After this I began to volunteer at a few different fundraising events with the organisation, however, my interest really started to grow when I took part in the Cultural Trip to Tanzania in 2011. Travelling around the country visiting a number of different projects gave me a great insight into the work done by Children in Crossfire and really increased my interest in the field of International Development. Following this trip I told everyone that I met that it would be my dream to work for an organisation such as Children in Crossfire- I can’t believe it’s actually come true!
Why Public Engagement?
Public Engagement is all about meeting new people and sharing knowledge. Having studied my degree in International Development and Spanish I have a real interest in the area of Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and would love to get the chance to share this with others. As I’ve said, I love meeting new people and I feel like this position will give me so many opportunities to do this.
I’m really looking forward to getting started in this new role and will hopefully get to meet some of you along the way. I’m always looking to hear from people who are interested in our work, especially in this Public Engagement Programme, so if you are ever keen to get involved don’t hesitate to drop me an email at dee.abbott@childrenincrossfire.org.
“Do something wonderful – people may imitate it” – Albert Schweitzer.
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Thank you! I hope this goals will be avhived.