This experience was thought-provoking, inspiring and left a lasting impact.

Despite varying contexts and social issues between NI and South Africa, I was struck by our shared passion for social justice and the wealth of knowledge to be gained from one another. I was impressed by the innovative initiatives supporting vulnerable populations, including children, youth, the elderly, and those at risk. These projects epitomised compassion, resilience, and collaboration and were also incredibly sensitive to the needs of the communities. What also struck me, was the intentional and effective partnerships between Queen’s Innovation Zones, NGOs, government agencies and committed members of civil society and how they demonstrated the power of collective action.

The power of sharing our stories, the need for more intergenerational conversations, and the importance of passing on the knowledge and experience of community work and social activism to the next generation resonated deeply with me.

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet and engage with such remarkable people. This visit has broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to social change. I learned so much from the people I met and I'm excited to build on the connections we've formed. I look forward to continuing our collaborative journey, learning from each other and working towards a more just and peaceful world.