A MAN from Carlisle who has led educational and cultural programmes for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.
Martin Daltry, who was born in Carlisle and lived in Burgh-by-Sands until 2003, was given the award for his services to UK cultural relations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Mr Daltry attended Caldew School in Dalston before studying philosophy at Durham University and the Middle East and Arabic at SOAS University, London.
In 1998, he joined the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
He has been posted to Egypt, Palestine, Turkey, Pakistan, and Algeria. Six years ago, he returned to the occupied Palestinian territories as director.
He has worked with the Palestinian Ministry of Education and UNRWA to strengthen English teaching and learning in schools and with Palestinian and UK universities and funding partners to enable more than 100 young Palestinian academics, including around 50 PhD students, to graduate from UK universities since 2018.
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He has also led work locally supported by the British Council DCMS Cultural Protection Fund programme to safeguard Palestinian heritage under threat in more than 20 projects.
The arts programme has also helped connect, develop and network dozens of talented young Palestinian artists and creatives, providing a platform for performance and exchange across Palestine, the UK, and the Arab region.
“I’ve been privileged to lead the British Council in the Occupied Palestinian Territories over six years, working with many dedicated Palestinian, British and international colleagues, educators, scholars and students, artists, creatives and heritage professionals in the West Bank and Gaza.
“Together we have worked to strengthen education, support Palestinian identity, culture and heritage under threat, create opportunities for young people and maintain hope in a brighter future.
“I accept this honour recognising this has been the work of many people,” he said.
His father, Tony Daltry, was the district general manager of East Cumbria Health Authority until his retirement 30 years ago.
At 93, he is now a widower living in Langwathby.