During my extensive travels I have experienced many different ways of life. My mantra has always been to have a completely open mind and embrace what I see and feel and not be swayed or influenced by the international media or other peoples perceptions and political biases. This mantra has stood me in good stead and brought me great joy.

I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was born in a country that allows me to travel virtually without limitation and to experience a way of life that millions of others will never have.

Travelling and meeting so many amazing people has been a real leveller and I have been humbled time and time again by peoples’ warmth and generosity, welcomed into their homes, their schools, their way of life.

I have met some truly inspiring people, one young man in particular in South Africa will always stay with me. We went with him to a township to see first hand the work he is doing, articulate and eloquent he told his story which was not for the feint hearted. From gangster to teacher he desperately wants to change the mindset of those children around him so they follow a very different path to him.

I promised myself while I was in the township that I would give back whatever and whenever I could and it is this commitment that I am bringing to my Company.

In Nepal, Ghana and South Africa we will be working with our chosen projects to help raise their profiles and deliver whatever we can in the way of support. We will provide regular updates and feeds on our website and social media so you can share our journey with us.

Pauline Gallagher

Founder and CEO of Halcyon & Partners