Dr. Firoz Patel

I am passionate about social change and the power of leading beyond authority. In the words of Margaret Mead - "Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." As a co-founder and CEO of Childreach International, a UK Registered Charity, I have witnessed first hand the difference committed citizens can make. Over the last 10 years we have enabled thousands of young people from over 60 Universities in the UK to make a positive impact on the lives of children in developing countries. Through their support we have been able to reach out to over 1 million children, their families and communities to transform their lives. We work with and through our affiliate offices in India, Nepal, Tanzania and through local partner organisations in Brazil, Bangladesh, and Morrocco. My current focus is Human Slavery, Child Trafficking, Girls Empowerment and Girls Education. Our Anti-Child Trafficking campaign called 'Taught Not Trafficked' aims to keep children in schools. www.childreach.org.uk/TaughtNotTrafficked/ I am constantly looking for new perspectives and lenses to view and assess the way I approach my role and the work that Childreach International delivers in Africa and Asia, as well as the UK. I have been fortunate enough to have had a varied career in the private, public and the third sectors, which has taken me to India, Tanzania, Ghana, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Cambodia, Pakistan, Nepal and the United States. When not working, I like to read, play cricket and golf but primarily spend time with my wife and two daughters at home in London.