The Hands Up Project
1279. Nick Bilbrough
Nick Bilbrough, from Totnes, is the founder of ‘The Hands Up Project’, which uses virtual storytelling to teach English to children in Gaza, the West Bank and the Zaatari refugee camp.
The charity connects up to 500 children a week to volunteer teachers around the world, providing high quality English language education through simple video conferencing tools.
In a personal letter to Nick, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how you are using technology to bring your love of language and storytelling to children across the world, giving the gift of learning to those who need it so much.”
Nick said:
“I accept this award on behalf of the thousands of Palestinian children and young people who have been involved in the ‘Hands Up Project’. Due to the blockade of Gaza and the ongoing military occupation of Palestine, many of these children live in extremely challenging circumstances. It has been a huge privilege and an honour to have played a small part in enabling them to tell their engaging, creative and powerful stories to the world.”