The Windrush Foundation visited Lewisham College to share the history of Windrush with young learners on the Youth Entry to Further Education programme at its campus on Lewisham Way.
The event was presented by Arthur Torrington, the co-founder of the Windrush Foundation, and coincided with young learners from Lewisham College working on a project to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush by writing poetry, creating posters, and discussing the contribution made by the people who came from the Caribbean to rebuild Britain after the second world war.
The mission of the Foundation is to promote the major contributions that African and Caribbean people who were a part of the Windrush generation have made to UK, along with promoting good community relations and encouraging equality for all. The presentation also discussed inclusivity and how African, Caribbean, and Asian people have influenced modern British culture and society.
Learners found out about key figures whose accomplishments who lead the way in the contributions of Windrush generation; Sam King MBE, whose distinguished military career led him to becoming the first black Mayor of London Borough of Southwark and must later he co-founder of the Windrush Foundation. The other story on Lord Woodbine, (born Harold Adolphus Phillips) from Trinidad; a renowned calypsonian/music promoter, who helped promote the Beatles in their early days and secured them a tour in Hamburg, Germany.
Lewisham College also hosted a Windrush themed lunch in its own Phoenix Restaurant, with food made by our learners on the Supported Learning Hospitality course, who served traditional Caribbean meals, notably jerk chicken, patties, curry goat, calloo, and other popular dishes.
Arthur Torrington, Director of the Windrush Foundation, said: “I was delighted to meet the young people at Lewisham College, as it is important to share with them the story of Windrush, as it helps to develop strength and identity.”
Jayne Morgan, Vice Principal of Lewisham College, said: “It was great to see so many people engaging with our Windrush activities and attending the sessions at our Lewisham Way Campus. This event really educated and raised awareness about how and why Britain became such a richly diverse nation. It is very important to teach young people about history and culture, as they need to know how and why they have the laws and privileges that they have now.
“As a College, with staff and learners whose grandparents and parents were a part of the Windrush, it is important that learners know the story about how the Windrush generation contributions helped shape the UK to what it is today.”
