A high-flying diplomat, who has worked to resolve issues in some of the world’s worst trouble spots, inspired students from her former school during its Annual Speech Night.

Rachel Edis (left) is pictured with MHSG Head Mistress Mrs Christine Lee-Jones (centre) and Chair of Governors Mrs Christine Walker (right).

Rachel Edis is currently Head of the Dafur Political Section at the joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development (Sudan Unit). She has a hands-on role in trying to bring stability to a region blighted by ethnic and tribal conflict.

Her previous roles have involved a stint in the British Embassy in Washington DC as Second Secretary (Political) with responsibility for Latin American Affairs, and a three month secondment to Afghanistan to assist with reconstruction projects in Helmand Province.

Originally from Prestwich, Ms Edis was one of just three UK Civil Servants sent to Helmand Province to accompany 7,000 troops sent to the region. Living in a converted shipping container, she helped peace-keeping forces to improve infrastructure and involve the local population in democratic processes following the defeat of the Taliban.

Ms Edis was the Guest Speaker at Manchester High School For Girls’ Speech Night, held recently in The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. Over 700 pupils from MHSG’s Senior School listened intently as Ms Edis detailed some of her fascinating experiences, and attributed the basis of her successful career to her education at the School.

Now working in London, she spoke of the terrible conditions in Dafur and of the efforts led by the UK Government to bring about a lasting peace to a region blighted by desertification, drought and overpopulation.

Ms Edis, who left MHSG in 1995 to study Politics at The University of Leeds, told her audience: “I was always encouraged to have an enquiring mind and to achieve my full potential and throughout, my time at Manchester High, I was taught that being a bright young woman can take you wherever you want to go in life.”

Ms Edis, who also attended Broughton Jewish Primary School in Salford, then made awards of the prizes.

Click here to see a list of awards recipients.