Michael Elsmere

I had a career as an English Language, Literature & TEFL teacher working in Primary, Comprehensive and Grammar schools as well as in Further Education The University of Plymouth and the Prison Service in United Kingdom.

I founded and was Headteacher of a company Primary School in Shagamu Nigeria for eight years and later taught in the School Of English Dharan Saudi Arabia for seven years. It was here through conversing with Palestinian colleagues that my interest in the ongoing conflict in the area was aroused.

I retired to live in the Languedoc area of France in a small community but subsequently moved to Dalarna in central Sweden.

Outside of teaching I have practiced Yoga, sailed around the Channel Isles and the coast of France and crossed the Atlantic. For many years as a SCUBA diver I explored the oceans of the world. I am also a writer with one novel published and two more on the shelf awaiting editing when I get time from my close involvement with The Hands Up Project!

My wife Lucie and I now live on a small holding in South Devon where we, grow vegetables, teach yoga and enjoy the company of friends and colleagues.