Reflecting on 10 Years of the Inspiring Explorers™ Programme
In 2025 we are celebrating 10 years of the Inspiring Explorers™ programme. Thanks to supporters like you, over 15,000 young people have directly participated in the programme with hundreds of thousands more engaged through media and outreach programmes. In honour of this milestone, we reached out to our alumni to see how the experience impacted their lives.
“There were times on the expedition which were challenging and ultra-hard, but there were so many amazing things too. It has changed me a lot as a person. Before I went to Antarctica, I was scared to speak in front of people, but on the ship, there was an auction where I had to talk in front of everyone. After doing that and being on the expedition I felt ultra-confident going back to school. Now I can confidently do speeches in front of heaps of people instead of stuttering.”
KITIONA ‘BILLY’ PELASIO
Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Ross Sea 2025
“The expedition reinforced my belief in the power of resilience and the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. It also deepened my commitment to inspiring youth to look after not just Antarctica — but our planet. The Antarctic Heritage Trust plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of early explorers, ensuring that their stories continue to inspire future generations. Their efforts in conservation and education foster a greater understanding and appreciation of our shared history and the importance of protecting our planet’s last great wilderness.”
WILLIAM PIKE
Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Mt Scott 2017
“This experience has instilled in me a lifelong passion for adventure and a belief in the resilience of the human spirit. I am incredibly grateful to AHT for providing me with this opportunity to step so far outside my comfort zone and for their dedication to fostering a love of polar exploration in future generations, not just for me, but for so many young students who have had the opportunity to be part of their life-changing Inspiring Explorers™ programme.”
HOLLIE WOODHOUSE
Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Greenland Ice Cap 2018
As a young creative, I am particularly grateful for and inspired by AHT embracing diverse interdisciplinary perspectives and avenues for exploration. It’s so inspiring to see the myriad of projects which have happened because of AHT’s collaboration with and support for young people and our passions. Looking at the projects that Inspiring Explorers™ have undertaken is pretty incredible: from visual art and photography, to music, to environmental policy, to community sport and outdoor adventure, to videography and virtual reality, to poetry, to classroom resources, and much more, the breadth of projects that have arisen through the Inspiring Explorers™ programme is amazing.”
IHLARA MCINDOE
Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ Antarctic Peninsula 2020
“My time at the Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit gave me a better understanding of Antarctica, Antarctic history and what the Trust does to preserve the historical sites there. The experience taught me more about Antarctica and made me determined to go there one day. I would definitely recommend giving the experience a go. Even if it isn’t something you are passionate about, the experience will make you look at Antarctica in a whole different way.”
JACK BARNES
Young Inspiring Explorers™ Summit 2023
