For over ten years, Andrew Malcolm (PGCE 11-18 (Art and Design) 1994) has dedicated his time to the well-being and education of military children around the world, and for this reason he was shortlisted in our Alumni Awards 2024 in the category of Community Hero.

Andrew is a civilian SME with the Ministry of Defence, with an equivalent rank of Lieutenant Colonel, who has taken the ethics of his teacher training into the wider world – literally –  supporting schools that educate UK Armed Forces children in Saudi Arabia, Brunei, the USA, even the Falkland Islands. 

In 2022, Andrew established Month of the Military Child for UK Armed Forces worldwide. This annual celebration recognises the role that children of service families play, the daily sacrifices they make and challenges they face:

‘The Month of the Military Child is about recognising, understanding, and celebrating the unique lived experiences of children from military families. Being a Service child can come with challenges, from parents being regularly away to having to move home and school regularly. Service children adapt to these challenges and their efforts should be recognised.’

Discussing the importance of the charity, the nomination praised Andrew for going above and beyond in his role to create the charity: ‘Military children have no choice in the lifestyle that they must lead. Their parents’ sacrifices become their sacrifices, and sadly, all too often, they are left bereaved or facing the trauma of injury and illness in their family. They also have to be ready to uproot and move – losing connections and foundations – and having to start again in a new home. That is why Andrew chose the dandelion as the emblem of Month of the Military Child.

‘Andrew has organised numerous events, competitions, and exhibitions with contributions from the global community of military children, their teachers, and families. He also works closely with military charities, such as Never Such Innocence. Children from military schools and bases around the world were invited to tell their stories in pictures and poetry, some of which was selected for an exhibition at the MoD Main Building in London.’ 

He recently received an official commendation from the United States government, given to members of British Defence Staff overseas for their work with military families.  Andrew was a very worthy shortlisted nominee in our annual Alumni Awards 2024.