Director’s Foreword

Desmond Tutu once said ‘hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness’.

As we move through the spring and journey to Holy Week, we can sometimes only see the dark. We have lived through an unprecedented pandemic and there are immense changes and upheavals within politics and the country. Schools have told us about the stress and anxiety of students and staff and there is a real sense of unrest in the country with all the strikes.

However, through it all our schools shine like beacons; nurturing young people who are using their voice to change things not just for themselves but also for those whose voices don’t get heard.

In this Presence you will see and read the wonderful things happening in our Network. Our schools and our Network is bringing hope into the world and making a real difference. The hope that our schools are bringing and developing in their young people is breeding change at all levels and across the world.

I stand in awe of the work undertaken by our Network facilitator Ann. The work she is doing in our schools and with schools across the world is truly inspirational.

Michelle Obama has said ‘Don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.’

May the Risen Christ bring you hope and courage this Easter so that together we can build a world where presence, compassion and liberation are at the heart of all we do.