The Prince and Princess of Wales celebrate the work of diverse community groups in Cardiff

| May 16, 2024 | Celebrity | No Comments
Pin

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the arrival of a significant vessel to the UK and to kick off a month dedicated to Black history, members of the royal family have visited Cardiff to connect with individuals from the same generation as those aboard the ship and honor the contributions of various community organizations in the region.

The royal couple engaged with representatives from Windrush Cymru Elders, Black History Cymru 365, and the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum for Wales at the Grange Pavilion. They listened to stories highlighting the significant impact of the Windrush generation on the Welsh community and gained insights into the efforts of young minority ethnic individuals in driving positive change in Wales.

The Grange Pavilion, a collaborative effort involving the Grange Pavilion Project, Grangetown Community Action, Cardiff University, and Cardiff Council, transformed a previously unused bowls pavilion into a vibrant community hub. Featuring a community café and offering employment and training opportunities, it has become a central gathering spot for the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum, Windrush Cymru Elders, and Black History Cymru 365 in Wales.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire’s arrival in the UK, the royal couple connected with members of the Windrush Cymru Elders. Established in 2017 under the umbrella of Race Council Cymru, this group endeavors to advocate for the needs and issues of ethnic minority elders while also recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Windrush Generation and individuals of African descent in Wales. Their Royal Highnesses listened attentively to the elders’ personal narratives, gaining a profound understanding of the significant influence this generation has had in Wales.

Subsequently, Their Royal Highnesses met with young participants of the Ethnic Minority Youth Forum. This forum, operating as a youth advisory panel for Race Council Cymru, is comprised of individuals aged 11-25 dedicated to advocating for the interests of young people from minority ethnic backgrounds in Wales.

Later on, the royal couple engaged with local youths from the Somali community, a significant demographic in Grangetown. Their Royal Highnesses interacted with members of Wales Somaliland Youth Links and Cardiff Bay Warriors FC, learning about their involvement in various community initiatives ranging from football to addressing youth unemployment and fostering relationships between Cardiff’s youth and those in Somaliland.

The Prince and Princess then visited Fitzalan High School to hear from pupils about the work they have been doing around black history and learn about the vocational courses the school provides.

Fitzalan High School caters to a highly diverse and underprivileged community in Wales. In September 2023, the school unveiled a brand-new building equipped with cutting-edge facilities aimed at empowering students to reach their full academic potential. Among the student body are several descendants of the Windrush Cymru Elders, representing a multitude of cultural heritages. Notably, 70% of the students are bilingual, with English being their second language.

During their visit, Their Royal Highnesses engaged with sixth form students involved in various academic disciplines, encompassing both A Level and vocational studies. These included diverse courses in science, technology, and sports, alongside a vibrant English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program tailored for students new to English. The royal couple was escorted to the school’s newly established immersion room, where they received a concise history lesson exploring life in Tiger Bay, a significant locale where members of the Windrush Generation resided, emphasizing the significance of understanding and preserving cultural heritage.

Pin

Related Posts

About The Author

Sparksuccess