BARBARA WALLACE

CLASS OF 2001

Impact Manager, BBC Children in Need

Looking back, it took me a long time to figure out what I enjoyed and what I was good at when I was at school. That said, I remember fondly the friendships, opportunities, and relationships with teachers who played a large part in helping me find my interests and shaping the values that have underpinned my career choices. Belfast High not only provided an educational foundation, it was also where I developed my social conscience. I learned lessons about myself and my capabilities that have defined my approach, attitude and desire to make a difference through my work.

Studying A-Level Government and Politics embedded in me a passion for politics, policy and social change. Importantly for my future career pathway, it helped me understand different perspectives and think critically and strategically about how to challenge the status quo. After I left Belfast High I studied Politics and History at Queen’s University, then completed a Masters in Irish Politics. It was then I knew I wanted to work in the Third Sector to tackle social disadvantage and inequalities for people who lived in local communities. Graduating at a pivotal time for Northern Ireland, I worked for many years on challenging, but interesting, Peacebuilding and Good Relations programmes. This included supporting communities and people impacted most by conflict and disadvantage by delivering social and physical regeneration projects, and facilitating dialogue around contentious issues.

My time at Belfast High helped to build my resilience which was often tested at times in this work. It also taught me the importance of encouragement and determination, and the power of positive relationships for young people at this transitional time in their lives. This in particular has resonated through the work I have done in more recent years, leading education and poverty-focused initiatives that champion the importance of early intervention, access to opportunities and support to improve outcomes for children and young people. Now I oversee the Northern Ireland portfolio of grants and local investment plan for BBC Children in Need, making decisions on where the Charity should focus its funding to make the most impact for young people who need it the most.

While I left school with no specific pathway in mind, my direction of travel has been shaped by the foundations Belfast High gave me. Belfast High also holds a special place in my memories as this is where I met my husband, and now our two children also attend the School. I hope their experience helps them to find their talents and that they embrace all the opportunities that their time at Belfast High will bring.