Influential author and broadcaster Jeffrey Boakye officially opened a new school library – and inspired Scunthorpe students to believe in themselves.
The Brixton-born former teacher was a guest at The St Lawrence Academy where he had had “an energising and inspiring day”.
“Meeting students and talking to them showed me how proud young people are to be here,” he said.
“This is a truly powerful culture to cultivate.
“Staff and students alike were wonderful and I felt honoured to have been asked to open the new library here. It was a special time and I’ll add it to my CV!”
Headteacher Phill Dalowsky thanked Jeffrey for visiting and his positive impact on the students.
“He’s been an absolute star and students have been inspired in his presence,” said Mr Dalowsky.
The library has involved months of planning and significant investment.
“It is now a fantastic resource in the heart of the Academy and is already proving popular with students,” said Mr Dalowsky.
“It makes a powerful statement about the importance of books and reading. We’re delighted to see the project through.
“It’s a significant investment that demonstrates our determination to invest in and improve the learning environment when we can.”
Jeffrey spoke in an assembly and engaged smaller groups in workshops.
He said: “When considering writing and how I started many years ago, I felt it important to insist upon telling students that when you start writing that you don’t do it for money and fame.
“I started writing because I had so much content in my head that I wanted to commit to writing. I get pleasure through writing.”
He proved a big hit with students.
One said: “He was so super engaging, helpful, informative and inspirational.
“Jeffrey really made us feel like opinions of all people are equally important, that it is okay to raise questions and that being passionate about life is what is important.
“He was funny, intelligent and also such an interesting person.”
Another student was felt inspired by Jeffrey.
“I had no idea that he grew up in Brixton, London.
“His story is so interesting because he is so proud of his successes but also because of how hard he has worked, that he never gave up and that his advice to all of us was to believe in ourselves and have goals.”
Jeffrey taught English to 11 to 18-year-olds for 15 years before becoming an author. His latest book, I Heard What You Said, is ground-breaking, recounting how it feels to be on the margins of the British education system as a black teacher.
He co-hosts BBC Radio 4’s double award-winning Add to Playlist and is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the Manchester Institute of Education.
Jeffrey was quizzed as to whether ability or interest made him successful.
“I have spent time over the years working through my own weakness. I have a stutter. When I talk with passion or when performing I forget about it.
“My advice would be to “read for something”. It’s not just being academic.”
Students should think about what they believe in and then decisions are made easy.
On writing a book and the motivation to continue, Jeffrey said: “A book is a journey you go on.
“Sometimes it’s hard to go forward. Trust your passion, what you like and that someone somewhere will want to read it.
“When you are fired up nothing can stop you.”
He was asked whether he thought his passion will make the world a better place.
“I believe we are good people, corrupted by the world around you. Make ripples about what you are passionate about,” he said.
He battled through difficulties when younger.
“Confidence has to be worked on. Most people struggle with confidence.
“Connecting to other people is key. Humans are all about making connections.”
He left students with two inspirational quotes:
- Whatever is holding you back can push you forward
- We’ve all got our own superpowers
From top picture:
The library’s officially opened by Jeffrey, accompanied by Mr Dalowsky and (left to right) Tanjina Akthar, Maria Calota, Phill, Jeffrey, John Veidere, and Jackson Cooke.
Jeffrey sitting down with one of his books with (left to right) Cameron Ball, Maria Calota, Jackson Cooke, John Veidere and Tanjina Akther.
Students (left to right) Cameron Ball, Dana East, John Veidere, Jackson Cooke, and Georgie Ward with Jeffrey.
