The Briefing

It took some weeks to get to here - application, interviews and a group session at which we were all a little unsure what was going on - and whether we were in competition to get selected. And then suddenly it was real and happening and "Oh, my goodness, what have I let myself in for?"

We were asked to bring with us an 'artefact' which depicts how we intend to connect to this program. An artefact? (What is an artefact??!!) Then I thought of the one artefact that accompanies me nearly everywhere - a camera. A bit sad, actually, it was not my trusty Leica M3 that has accompanied me through most of my life but that is now a bit too old (and precious) for this kind of adventure - but the Lumix LX3 (aka Leica D-LUX4 clone) is a worthy and amazing successor.

The others mostly brought artefacts more worthy of an African assignment - but I was not the only one with a camera: there was a book, a flag, 'Lucy' (a carving), a picture frame, an African game, a belt, a worry Buddha, a tiger, another camera - and my LX3. And each came with its own story to connect it to the program.

And, for some unknown reason, because I do not normally do things like this, I suggested we had a group photo - and the blog was conceived.

The Beginning

Would you like to:

• Share your leadership skills and knowledge with the developing world?

• Experience a unique opportunity to work and live in a new and challenging environment?

• Promote international understanding and appreciation of cultural and ethnic diversity?

• Make a contribution to the Welsh response to the Millennium Development Goals?

Yes? Then consider an International Learning Opportunity…

So said the brochure for the International Learning Opportunity (scheme) and I did like and so I applied and was interviewed and assessed and finally offered a place.

Next was a one day briefing where I met the rest of the group.