I have to start this blog by saying a BIG THANK YOU to the staff in DIT, who are the people who really won the award today. I was delighted as well as embarrassed to be on stage as I though you all should have been here in front of the distinguished Audience receiving the award. I am honoured and humbled to have been a part of the ‘Community Links’ team. Love to Will Peters, Gerry, Christine and Maria.

Inspiration abounded today with each speaker sparking new ideas, questions on how one can help, get involved and even implement some of the ideas at home. I am always amazed by the dedication of the Academics who give freely of their time and the students who find time within their academic studies to work so hard and selflessly.

I would love to list all the speakers I heard today but I thought I would copy some of the notes I took which ‘struck a chord’ with me.

• COME DOWN FROM THE IVORY TOWER – BECOME WATCHERS, MAKE WATCHTOWERS

• WE MUST SHARE THE INTELLECT AND SOLIDARITY OF ALL HUMAN BEINGS.

• FREEDOM MEANS RESPONSIBILITY.

• EVOLVE – KEEP SOME THINGS – CHANGE OTHERS.

• GLOBAL VISION – YOUTH – COMPARE AND COMMIT.

• MORE WOMEN IN THE DECISION MAKING.

• PARTICIPATION – DARE TO KNOW AND KNOW HOW TO DARE.

Let the conversation begin…………………………….