PPD Sans Frontiers / 13th Apr 2010

Recently I had the the privilege of interviewing a young teacher who had taken part in an education visit to Milawi for a CPDShort. The experience had such a big impact on her that she was inspired to do something more to support the development of education there, so she made repeated visits in her own time and at her own expense.

I was inspired by how this CPD activity had not only impacted on her both professionally and personally but the cascading effect it has had, benefiting a whole range of people from the pupils and staff she worked with there, the family she lived with and the range of other professionals both at home and abroad whom she has shared her knowledge and experience. Now, that's what you call adding value, isn't it?

However, this young woman felt a little guilty about considering spending time this summer fulfilling one of her own dreams when she could do so much more with her time and money in Milawi. Now we are all prone to a little guilt and perhaps self sacrificing. The problem with that kind of feeling is there is no value in it - guilt serves no one and in many ways it reduces our power to help or to change things.

My perspective on this is that Milawi provided an experience which helped her to learn loads about herself and expand her boundaries. She is now more able to stand in her own power and make greater changes for herself and others. She has become a Change Agent. Personally speaking I think whilst she takes a break doing something to nurture herself another opportunity to make a difference will manifest.

This interview affected me in a number of ways:

• It got me thinking about the reciprocal nature of life - you give and you receive often so much more than you give and mainly in unexpected ways from unexpected sources.
• I was inspired by this young woman's desire 'to give something back' I'm aware of a stronger spiritual climate developing all around me as well as within me.
• For me her story also demonstrated leadership at it's best - PPD sans frontiers.

Here are some questions for your reflection:

What personal or professional activity have you participated in that has made a big impact on you or others?

When was the last time you felt inspired?

Dare to share? ;)

by Anne McGhee in the category of Personal and Professional Development

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CPD for Teachers, CPDShorts, International Education, Volunteering, Africa, impact

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