Haire moved to Finland as part of his research for his Master thesis in Development Psychology, where he taught across Finnish and Swedish-speaking schools.
“That experience gave me a true reflection of one of the best education systems in the world, where the focus is to teach, learn and creativity, with outdoor education alongside nature more important than standardised tests.
“I absolutely loved Finland – the people and system structure of governance to education and looking after the elderly. It is a distinctly Nordic Scandinavian way of life.
“The experience has provided me with direct knowledge to forward my experience in helping inform both the education system and future society for our young generation in Northern Ireland and hopefully further afield.”
The champion motorcyclist has enjoyed sampling all aspects of being resident in Finland and Austria and believes his native country can learn lessons from their way of life.
“Travelling and living in different countries has allowed me to embrace different cultures, languages, foods, climate and daily life.
“At a basic level I have encountered that it is about food, shelter and family, not the focus on materialistic belongings which is evident when I return to the UK and Northern Ireland.
“We have instilled a competitive nature by nurture from a young age.”
