Sir, – In 1982, I took the train from Belfast to Dublin for an interview with Concern Worldwide. As a 26-year-old with a law degree and good intentions, I was fortunate to be hired and become part of an incredibly committed, diverse Concern team that worked in the refugee camps of the Thai-Cambodian border.
As I witnessed the professional and caring way our staff worked, I saw no reason to leave, and my two-year assignment became a lifetime commitment.
In my time with Concern, I have been privileged to be part of and to lead teams in response to many emergencies.
Rwanda, Kosovo, Haiti, Darfur, it was in places like these, amid the most difficult and inhumane situations, where I saw most clearly the extraordinary resilience and humanity of people, even when pushed to their very limit.
In times of crisis, I saw the courage and professionalism of Concern’s thousands of national staff, even when they themselves, their families and loved ones were often also caught up in these incredibly difficult circumstances.
No two crises are the same, but Concern’s focus has always been on working with the communities most affected, and engaging with them every step of the way in their own recovery.
This often takes place in remote, insecure areas, but it is carried by a tidal wave of compassion and generosity from the people of Ireland, even when times are tough at home.
We never take this support for granted and before I step down as CEO, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the Irish public for continuing to support Concern.
It has been a privilege to lead the organisation for the past 10 years and, as I step down from the role, I am delighted to welcome David Regan as the new CEO for Concern Worldwide. Concern could not be in more assured hands in the coming years. – Yours, etc,
DOMINIC MacSORLEY,
Outgoing CEO,
Concern Worldwide,
Dublin 2.