Noble Conversations:

No 21 Rethinking Education with Professor Mick Waters and Neil Hawkes

In this podcast you will hear inspirational Mick Waters talk about what really matters in Education. Mick is in great demand as a speaker at conferences. He spends a lot of his time directly helping school think about their curriculum. A former head teacher, Mick Waters works closely with teachers and leaders in schools, MATs and local authorities in the UK, to support the development of teaching approaches and curriculum to ensure the best learning outcomes for children. For some years he was Director of Curriculum for England, based at the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA), and before that held the post of Chief Education Officer for the City of Manchester. He is also invited to work at a policy level with government in different parts of the world. He has worked with the Welsh Government on their curriculum reforms. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: YHOMMUPGRGPWYVJK For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

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No 20 How to create a meaningful life with Thomas Nielsen and Neil Hawkes

Thomas Nielsen, is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra, Australia. Born in Denmark Thomas brings to this podcast his deep humanity and scholarly understanding about how to create a meaningful life. He has served in several of the Australian Government's values and wellbeing education projects across Australia. His publications have been peer reviewed and published by high impact journals and esteemed book publishers (www.thomaswnielsen.net), and he is the recipient of national teaching awards, including the 2008 Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (http://www.olt.gov.au/list-awards?text=thomas+university+of+canberra). Dr Nielsen advocates a ‘Curriculum of Giving’, his research showing that giving and service to others increase wellbeing and resilience in students—something much needed in the world with high youth depression and suicide rates. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: G119DWAZ9NT7C02P For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

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No 19 Guided by Integrity. Fabienne Vailes with Neil Hawkes

In this revealing Noble Conversation, Fabienne Vailes talks openly about her personal journey and the development of her views about life and education. Fabienne is a parent, educator, and someone who could no longer ignore what wasn’t working in education. First and foremost, she's a mother of two teenage boys. Like many parents, her journey hasn’t been straightforward. It has involved questioning, unlearning, and rethinking what education really means. At one point, she home educated one of her sons, while the other followed a more traditional school path. Living these different realities side by side changed how she sees education: not as one system, but as something much more complex and human. After nearly 30 years working across education from early years to higher education, she began to notice a pattern. More and more young people were struggling. And more and more adults were trying to hold it all together. It didn’t sit right with Fabienne to see children as “the problem”. So, she started asking different questions: What if behaviour is communication? What if well-being is not an add-on, but the foundation? What if we need to unlearn as much as we learn? Flourishing Education grew from these questions. Fabienne's work sits between the “ME” and the “WE”. Fabienne supports parents, teachers, and school staff who are holding a lot, not by offering quick fixes or strategies, but by creating space to pause, reflect, and see more clearly. Fabienne is: an NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner a Coach a Clinical Hypnotherapist, with a focus on anxiety and stress a Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher (LinkedIn) These are not techniques she “applies” to people. Fabienne Vailles is author of 'The Flourishing Student' (in its second edition) aimed at teachers and tutors, co-author of 'How to Grow a Grown Up' written for parents with Dr Dominique Thompson and soon to be co-author a third book co-authored with Dr Natalie Rothwell-Warn which will come out in summer 2026. She is also a podcaster and Founder of Flourishing Education. Neil enjoyed being a guest on her podcast. As part of her PhD at the University of Bristol she is currently exploring How we Co-Create Enabling Environments in Secondary Schools to BE and Flourish Together. Fabienne's passion is to explore how we co-create and transform our education systems so that ALL can flourish. She has a deep interest in how together we decolonise our thinking, doing and most importantly our BE-ing through both inner soulful justice and external social justice work, one imperfectly perfect conversation at a time. At the heart of it all, Fabienne cares deeply about holding and co-creating spaces where people can be, become, and belong. Fabienne will touch your heart and challenge your thinking by her authenticity. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: Q218Y1ZDOLIAIYOO For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

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No 18 Inspire, Inform and Entertain! Sir John Jones with Neil Hawkes

There is a small and select band of educational professionals in the UK who have not only had their achievements recognised in the New Year’s Honours List, but who are also able to inspire others with their outstanding knowledge, passion and enthusiasm – Sir John Jones is one. Knighted in 2003 for his services to education, Sir John worked most of his professional life in challenging schools across the North West of England, his last post being the head-teacher of a large secondary school in Merseyside. His achievements and reputation for straight talking, leadership and creativity led him to be invited onto various organizations, panels and think tanks including the National College for School Leadership, the DfES’ Leadership Development Unit, the Teacher Development Agency’s National Remodelling Unit and visiting posts with both Manchester and Liverpool Universities. Sir John Jones is inspirational. He should be compulsory listening! Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: WIFVD8AZFMXQJD0U For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

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No 17 Plant and Care for Peace! With Mika Vanhanen and Neil Hawkes

Mika Vanhanen – Ambassador of Knowledge, Peace builder and Founder of Peace Circle® inspires Neil Hawkes during this heartfelt conversation. Mika Vanhanen is a Finnish educator, peace builder and leader in human-centred transition work. For over 30 years, he's worked across schools, municipalities, civil society, business and global networks to understand how real change happens — and why it so often fails. In 2000,Mika founded ENO – Environment Online, which grew into a global school network of 10,000 schools in 157 countries and helped mobilise the planting of more than 30 million trees. Today, Mika continues his mission through Peace Circle®, a model that turns values into visible action by connecting nature, community and learning. This work has led to Peace Circle® parks, citywide partnerships and school-based practices in multiple countries, with a vision to reach 100 countries by 2030. The Peace Circle® model led Mika to a wider principle he calls Circular Humanity: when people move together in values, understanding and action, transitions become culture. The Podcast ends with a beautiful song, Peace grows in you, which Mika has just released and can be downloaded from Spotify. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: 8AAYKQJMQXBGCKMZ For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

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No 16 Relax Kids! With Marneta Viegas and Neil Hawkes

In this Noble Conversation Neil talks with Marneta Viegas (Netti) who calls herself the Queen of Creativity. She is the creative genius behind Relax Kids, which she founded a decade after running her clowning business in the 90s. Netti says: "I had no idea when I came up with the idea of relaxing children that it would be so mainstream and so vital. Creativity is the driving force in my life and all my work. Every time I swim or shower, ideas come to me. I love being able to support young people and their families through Relax Kids and feel so grateful to have the opportunity to do this precious work. I love coming up with new ways to support our families with activities such as our daily meditation group, monthly affirmation disco and interviews with experts in the field of mental health. I’m so grateful to the Relax Kids team, all those who helped along the way and all the incredible coaches for helping make Relax Kids the magical and special business that it is. I am particularly excited about my new project for women ‘Ignite Your Creative Spark Club’. If you are interested in finding out how to bring the magic of creativity into your life, please get in touch." You will love listening to someone who has helped thousands of children and their families, despite being turned down by the dragons in the TV programme Dragons Den! Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: 6Y7UFWMNQAWE091C For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 15 How to find your purpose with Floyd Woodrow and Neil Hawkes

Inspirational Floyd Woodrow has a CV that includes military leader, head of counter terrorism in the SAS, director, consultant, and negotiator, it’s fair to say that Floyd is a real leader who will hold you spell bound with his dynamic personality. Floyd began his career as a soldier in the Parachute Regiment, spending four years with the 1st Battalion before being one of the youngest ever individuals selected for the SAS at the age of 22. Floyd went on to win the second-highest gallantry award, a Distinguished Conduct Medal, for his work in Iraq and an MBE for his work in Afghanistan. During his time in the military, Floyd also studied law and psychology and wrote his first book “Learning to Learn”. Determined, supportive, and inspirational, Floyd is a renowned speaker on leadership. He is the Founder of Compass for Life which so powerfully transforms lives. In this transformational podcast Floyd will inspire you to set your own compass for life. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: ZOIG3RVZAFKZZJ1L For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 14 Cultivating the Global Sustainable Self with Craig Shealy and Neil Hawkes

In this engaging podcast, Neil is delighted to be in conversation with Professor Craig Shealy. Craig's transformational research has so many practical outcomes, especially helping us to understand ourselves and how we form our identity.. Craig is Executive Director of the nonprofit and nonpartisan International Beliefs and Values Institute or IBAVI, a Nehru Chair Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, and developer of the Beliefs, Events, and Values Inventory or BEVI. Craig received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University’s APA-accredited doctoral program. As Professor of Graduate Psychology at James Madison University for over 20 years, Craig served in various doctoral and undergraduate research, teaching, and service roles. A licensed clinical psychologist, he is a Fulbright Specialist in Japan, Fellow of the American Psychological Association, Past President of APA’s Division of International Psychology, and a National Register Legacy of Excellence Psychologist. Craig is an esteemed Affiliate of the IVET Foundation and a co-founder of the Global Alliance of Values-based Education (GAVE). Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: 4NXH0AD3MP347IS9 For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 14 Personal Reflections with Gladson Chikwa and Neil Hawkes

Dr Gladson Chikwa is an experienced education professional who has worked in Higher Education for more than 15 years. In this personal reflection he gives us insights into his growing up in Zimbabwe and his academic journey to the UK. Gladson led institutional learning and teaching enhancement projects in different Higher Education Institutions in China, Oman and the UK. He proudly holds Fellow status of the Staff & Educational Development Association (FSEDA) and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). He has conducted research and published articles and book chapters covering different themes including learner autonomy, assessment and feedback, and technology-enhanced learning. He is the Founder and current co-chair of the International Teaching and Learning Special Interest Group (ITLSIG), a community of practice for sharing good practices in learning, teaching, and assessment as well as championing collaborative research in Higher Education. Prior to joining higher education, he worked as a Science/Biology Teacher in high school in Zimbabwe. Currently, he teaches on Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching and on the MA in Higher Education. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: MO3R3L8BVSTMTT78 For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 13 Research behind Values-based Education (VbE) with Terry Lovat and Neil Hawkes

In this enlightening podcast Neil is in conversation with Professor Terry Lovat who lives in Australia. Neil first got to know Terry when he was a Headteacher running the first explicitly Values-based state school in the UK. Terry was looking for examples of excellent practice in Values Education, which he was researching in Australia. In 2010 he published an incredible large-scale piece of research for the Federal Government, which evidenced conclusively the incredible impact personally, socially and academically of introducing positive human values into the education system in Australia. Terry's research backed up Neil's research at Oxford University, which had shown that Values-based Education nurtures quality education, which should underpin all schools. This podcast will be of great interest to teachers, policy makers and the general public. It's a must be listened to podcast. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: LGREV8WKHRYDTFC7 For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 12 SELF-Led Learning. Tim Amaral with Neil Hawkes

In this amazing podcast Tim Amaral will challenge you to think about how we should relate to young people in the education system. Shame is OUT and self-worth is IN! Tim is an award-winning adult educator and teacher trainer from Salinas, USA. He specialises in the teaching and application of trauma-informed practices, social-emotional skills and needs-based responsiveness, for use in the classroom, workplace, and home. He is the creator of the SELf-Led Learning model. Tim inspires educators to think about how they relate and connect with young people in the classroom. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: QCXDCTDJLYBNBVK5 For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No11 Giving Voice to Values - Mary Gentile with Neil Hawkes

I think you will gain so much about how you can give voice to your values by listening to MARY C. GENTILE, Ph.D having a Noble Conversation with me. Mary is the creator and director of Giving Voice to Values, and consults on management education and values-driven leadership for academic, business, government and non-governmental organisations. She served as Richard M. Waitzer Bicentennial Professor of Ethics at University of Virginia-Darden School of Business from 2016-2022. She was also faculty at Babson College from 2009-2015. In her ten-year tenure at Harvard Business School (1985-1995), she developed and taught the school’s first course on managing diversity, and helped design and teach its first required module on ethical decision-making. Mary’s books include Giving Voice to Values: How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What’s Right and several titles on ethics and diversity. She is editor of the Giving Voice to Values book series published by Routledge, and also edited eight books in the Business Ethics and Corporate Citizenship Collection from Business Expert Press. Now, how will you give voice to your values? Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: TP3IGPMINXEMAE9V For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 10 The Self-led Educator Joanna Curry-Sartori with Neil Hawkes

In this transformational podcast, Joanna inspires us to embrace Self-leadership, based on the theory of Internal Family Systems (IFS), in schools and other settings. Joanna gives us lots of practical ideas and takes us through a PAUSE experience which will fascinate you. After working with leadership in schools and organizations for over 15 years, Joanna recognized that many programs and initiatives teaching emotional regulation and interpersonal skills weren’t addressing the root issues where people were getting stuck and what they needed to step out of fear-based self-protection and step into optimal functioning, Self-leadership. In 2011, Joanna learned about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and recognized a profound psychological model and a transformative paradigm to explain and guide productive, collaborative relationships. In 2017, Joanna founded Self-Leadership Collaborative, which Neil became a contributor as a global partner. with a vision to lead a global movement to adapt and apply the essential wisdom of IFS for everyday life for people of all ages, contexts and cultures. https://www.selfleadershipcollaborative.com/about Joanna has just publishes a book called, The Self-led Educator, an IFS-Inspired Guide to Create Calm, Compassionate, and Confident Learning Communities. Order Joann’s book here https://www.selfleadershipcollaborative.com/book Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: NUVD8QJIRWAK0IPK For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 9 Learning Power Scientist Ruth Crick with Neil Hawkes

In this incredible episode you will hear from Ruth Crick, one of the world's leading thinkers on learning power. In schools, businesses and indeed all settings we need to discover our learning power, which then drives our ability to develop the human intelligences needed in a possible future dominated by AI. This is truly revolutionary thinking which is helping to transform what and how young people learn. Ruth is the founder of WILD https://www.wildlearn.co/who-we-are. She is the research scientist behind WILD’s Learning Power profiles and learning journey design principles. As a former school leader, then University of Bristol academic she is currently visiting professor of Learning Analytics at UTS in Sydney. She is a Patron of the IVET Foundation https://www.ivetfoundation.com/home. Our theme music by Bernie Rosa https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: PZX7ZYWH6WHHBQEH For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 8 Trailblazing Global Teacher Gavin McCormack with Neil Hawkes

This is a podcast you will share with your friends and colleagues. This is because you will be uplifted and inspired by Gavin McCormack, co-founder of Upschool.co, a platform that inspires children to develop real-world skills and take action that creates genuine impact. With more than 25 years of experience in education – including a decade as a trained Montessori teacher – Gavin has taught in classrooms across the globe and championed innovative, purposeful learning. He is the Montessori Australia Ambassador, a TEDx speaker, and the author of numerous children’s books, including a biography of legendary Liverpool manager Sir Kenny Dalglish. Gavin has built schools, libraries, and teacher training centres in Nepal and was recently awarded the 2024 Outstanding Global Contribution to Education Award at the GESS Awards in Dubai. He was awarded the Compassion Award by Values-based Education (VbE). For the past five consecutive years, he has been recognised by The Educator magazine as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators. Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: VOZBSF7I7AYCFGVZ For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 7 Enlightened Enterprise Academy's Paul Barnett with Neil Hawkes

In this inspiring and life-enhancing episode you will hear about the visionary mission of Paul Barnett. He is strategy and systems thinker, passionately advocating for a far more enlightened approach to enterprise, in business and all other sectors, to confront the pressing global crises of our era. He has founded an international collective of scholars and seasoned professionals across a wide array of fields, all united in their desire to form cross-disciplinary teams that drive tangible change. As an advisor Paul empowers thought leaders to amplify their influence through the publication of multimedia content and the provision of educational offerings tailored for business leaders. His work as an author and interviewer brings forward dialogues with pioneers on subjects poised to spark the New Enlightenment he fervently believes is essential if we are to address our 21st century challenges. Paul is a curator of content and orchestrator of events, in addition to designing executive education programs centred on innovation, strategic management, governance, leadership, and systems thinking. Neil is sure that you will be inspired by Paul's creative thinking, which is having such an impact globally. Contact: paul@enlightenedenterprise.ac Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: UAUVRM06ATINB2GF For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 6 Harmony Project's Richard Dunne with Neil Hawkes

Richard Dunne is inspiring! He is someone who is making a huge contribution in the world of education. He founded The Harmony Project after developing the Harmony approach to learning in his previous role as Headteacher. This approach brings together subject-specific skills and knowledge around projects or enquiries of learning that take learning beyond the classroom and apply it to the real world. Each enquiry references a principle of Harmony in Nature – Interdependence, Cycles, Diversity, Adaptation, Health and Oneness. When learners understand these principles of Harmony, they learn what they need to do to live sustainably, too. It is our lack of understanding of these principles that has led us to a place where the future well-being of our planet and its people is now at stake. Richard now shares this approach across the education sector nationally and globally. He is doing amazing work in the Ukraine. He gives presentations, workshops and school support programmes. He has written a teachers’ guide to enable teachers and educators to implement Harmony principles and practices in their education settings. The guide is being promoted as a blueprint for Education for Sustainability with the English Department of Education. It has now been translated into nine languages. Richard's work is supported by King Charles, as it is a huge contribution to teaching about sustainability. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: OJMHMFQBUZYDDSUY For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 5 Ethicist Dr Ann Marie Mealy with Neil Hawkes

You will love listening to Dr Ann Marie Mealey who is a very engaging person with an infectious positivity. She is known as an eminent ethicist at Leeds Trinity University in the UK. Ann Marie has occupied multiple teaching and leadership roles at Leeds Trinity University for a total of 19 years in the UK. She is known for her leadership and scholarship in ethics and recognised nationally (through networks and in the press) for designing the first Catholic Mission Strategy for a University in the UK in 2024. Her podcast and lecture series 'Beyond the Dark Clouds' is known in multiple countries across the world and has received positive feedback from global advocates for ethical leadership and groups that promote values- driven education internationally. Neil Hawkes has been interviewed by her and thoroughly enjoyed it too! Ann Marie is a member of the V20 Values Group and she was invited to speak in Brazil at the Group's Summit. V20 advises G20 leaders and we hope they pay attention to the wisdom of this remarkable group of experts. Ann Marie is a great role model and the IVET Foundation is proud to have her as one of its esteemed Affiliates. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: FVCKZVHIEXDOITOS For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No 4 Cognitive Neuroscientist Prof Mark Williams with Neil Hawkes

Dr Mark Williams This is a life enhancing podcast with Mark who has worked with thousands of students, teachers, health professionals, and leaders keen to understand how their brain works, how to perform optimally and maintain a healthy brain. He says: “I regularly run programs on the neuroscience of learning, the neuroscience of emotions, how to hack your habits, how our brains create our reality, and the impact of modern technologies on our brains.” Mark has an extensive academic background in brain research and teaching. He is an honorary professor of cognitive neuroscience, with over 25 years experience conducting behavioural and brain imaging research focusing on our social skills. He has taught the fundamentals of neuroscience to a wide range of students, as well as publishing more than 70 scientific articles and worked at MIT in the USA and multiple universities in Australia. After listening to this podcast you will have an enhanced understanding of your brain. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter License code: H8WOAHYS7DF6QXWN For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!

No.3 IFS Founder Dr Richard Schwartz with Neil Hawkes

Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D. - The Founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) method of Psychotherapy This inspirational Noble Conversation could change your life, as it features Richard Schwartz the creator of IFS, which is used by psychotherapists worldwide. Dick developed Internal Family Systems (IFS) in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves. He focused on the relationships among these parts and noticed that there were systemic patterns to the way they were organized across clients. He also found that when the clients’ parts felt safe and were allowed to relax, the clients would experience spontaneously the qualities of confidence, openness, and compassion that Dick came to call the Self. He found that when in that state of Self, clients would know how to heal their parts. A featured speaker for international professional organisations, Dick has published many books and over fifty articles about IFS. Neil would like to give credit for the podcast music: https://uppbeat.io/t/bernie-rosa/dandelions-scatter https://share.uppbeat.io/yz3ivin7j3rw License code: Y4JTA4IWDTIN49XM For more information about the transformational work of the IVET Foundation and its global Affiliates visit http://www.ivetfoundation.com Thanks for listening!