A Letter from the Chair & ED of Outward Bound International
David Kong, OBI Chair & Iain Peter, OBI Executive Director
Welcome to our 2021 Year in Review, OBI’s new year end publication. The intent of this publication is to share information and bring attention to new developments and trends within the global Outward Bound network. Outward Bound International (OBI) oversees the network of licensed member Outward Bound Schools that make up the worldwide Outward Bound community. This Year in Review is a celebration of their work.
2021 marked the 80th anniversary of Outward Bound; an educational innovation founded in 1941 in direct response to the challenges that the world was facing at that time. Since then, Outward Bound has spread to 35 countries on 6 continents and impacted the lives of millions of people around the world. Outward Bound stands today, not just as a successful organisation, but as a symbol of what can be accomplished when people work together to overcome adversity and achieve the impossible.
The global Covid 19 pandemic has been a real test for the Outward Bound network. It has been challenging to deliver programs, to balance budgets and to keep staff and participants safe.
However, 80 years of collective Outward Bound experience has made us tough, resilient, optimistic and pragmatic.
For 80 years we have shared our knowledge, our experience and our inspirations and most importantly, for 80 years we have been changing the lives of young people. As we look forward we can be sure that the need and demand for Outward Bound is stronger than ever.
David Kong, Chair of Outward Bound International
Iain Peter, Executive Director Outward Bound International