Ian is a youth specialist. Working for the British Council since 1967, he has supported young VSO volunteers in Uganda, run a post-graduate scholarship scheme in Nigeria, held specialist roles in finance and staff training and managed English Language Teaching institutes in Venezuela. From 1988 Ian was Head of Connect Youth gaining extensive experience of youth provision in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. As well as managing mobility programmes for young people, Ian has been involved in the development of youth policy in the United Kingdom, the European Union and in Commonwealth countries with the World Bank.

Shaka is a singer and songwriter forging her entry into the music industry. Since leaving school she has held a variety of jobs in retail, catering and tourism. In 1999 Shaka won a place on a European-funded course on the music industry, getting to grips with business planning and legal issues. Shaka has since trained in song writing, producing and performing at the Midi Music Centre, where she now works as a volunteer. Currently Shaka is playing about two gigs a week at a variety of venues across London. In 2003 she won a Kiss FM Performance Award.