Inspiring talk for students

We were delighted to welcome members of the Windrush generation to Worth last Friday to talk to Year 13 students about their lives and experiences since coming to the United Kingdom.

The talk, which took place in the Spencer Building theatre, was part of the School’s PSHE programme to celebrate Black History Month.

It is 75 years since the HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, Essex, carrying passengers from the Caribbean to the UK. Several hundred passengers were Jamaican, but others arrived from islands including Trinidad, St Lucia, Grenada and Barbados. These travellers – and those on other ships which came to the UK until 1971 – became known as the Windrush generation. Many had served in the British armed forces in World War Two.

Year 13 student Eden wrote this account of the talk:

“Last Friday we had a talk from members of the New Testament Church in Tooting about their experience of moving to the UK from the West Indies. They shared moving testimonies of what life was like for them and gave advice about school, friendships and faith which they hoped we would take away and learn from.

“In light of recent events in the UK, the talk was particularly powerful and it was lovely to meet some of them after the event. Their sense of optimism and outlook on life was truly inspiring.

“At the end of the talk they even sang a song for us to express the extent of their faith which they had worked hard to nurture over years of discrimination. It was a wonderful way to end the week.”

For more on an education at Worth click here.