EPNE celebrates diversity as part of Black History Month

As a college group, Education Partnership North East (EPNE) are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and welcomed.

The college group were the first in the region to become a College of Sanctuary (CoS) – which is a recognition of work to welcome refugees and help them settle and thrive within local communities.

Events such as Black History Month play an important role in bringing the Sanctuary Pledge to life by encouraging understanding, celebrating diversity, and providing opportunities to learn from different cultures, experiences and perspectives.

Last week as part of the month-long celebrations EPNE celebrated diversity, with a special opening ceremony event at Hartlepool Sixth Form College with community partner Transformers HPL.

The event provided opportunities for staff and students to learn from different cultures, experiences and perspectives all while enjoying a variety of activities including keynote speakers, African drumming and dancing, a variety of African cultural food and snacks, as well as different workshops exploring Black history, culture and heritage.

Staff and students were encouraged to support, attend and get involved, as it was not just a celebration, but an opportunity for the college community to come together, reflect on the contributions, history and achievements of Black communities, and foster a culture of belonging for all.

Vikkie Morton, Hartlepool Sixth Form College Campus Principal and Strategic Lead for Students said: “Black History Month is really important for students so that there is an understanding of a wider society and allows there to be a celebration of the different cultures we have within both the sixth form college and the local area too.

“Transformers HPL brought such a vibrance to the campus for this event, opening conversations and understanding for young people around cultures and it’s great to see our students get involved.

“It’s been great to bring out young people together with different communities and have important discussions.”

Georgina Mainoo from Transformers HPL added: “Transformers came into the community to help and transform people’s mindsets, bridge the gap and bring community cohesion within local areas.

“Every year we do Black History Month opening ceremony, so today we brought everybody from everywhere together for various workshops, celebrating the local people. It’s important for young people to get to know heritage, and why we do the things that we do, bringing people together along the way.”

These events are a fantastic way to start the academic year by celebrating diversity, promoting cultural awareness, and strengthening connections with local community organisations.

It demonstrates a collective commitment to making sure every member of the college community feels seen, heard and respected.