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Hello everyone. My name is Rebecca Brett and I have been working at COCO as their UK MEAL Officer since the 13th of December 2021.
Before joining COCO, I studied Natural Hazard Management with International Development Studies (BSc) at the University of Chester, and Intercultural Communication and Education (MA) at Durham University. Having grown up in a house of academics, I have always understood the importance of education. Yet, I didn’t really understand the privilege associated with attending accessible, quality education until I volunteered in India and Ghana during my gap year and began to gain a greater understanding of education, not as a right, but as a finite resource which remains the key to escaping poverty for so many around the globe. With my studies only deepening my understanding of the complexities of educational provision when viewed through global, national and local lenses, it became clear to me that I needed to pursue a career in the field of International Development; specifically, contributing to the global mission of ensuring that children everywhere have access to the quality education necessary for a bright and prosperous future.
Although I have only worked for COCO for a few weeks, I already feel like I am one of the team. Every day is different, but I know that when I turn on my computer on a Monday morning, I will get to discuss innovative ways to make a difference with an incredible group of likeminded individuals (albeit over Microsoft Teams – for now!!). For many of us, 2020 and 2021 have been years we would rather forget, but the team at COCO have managed to keep supporting those who need it most. Who wouldn’t find that inspiring?
Whilst I am only just starting my time at COCO, I am looking forward to developing strong working relationships with our UK and overseas partners, helping to ensure that all of COCO’s projects are operating as efficiently as possible to provide sustainable sources of quality education to children living in poor and marginalized communities. And, of course, I am looking forward to getting stuck into some of COCO’s Challenge events including this year’s Walk the Wall on the 14th of May 2022.
COCO believe that all children, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or economic circumstance should have the opportunity to receive an education. If you would like to support this mission and get involved in all that COCO has in store for 2022, please take a look at how you can get involved here.