Archbishop Desmond Tutu praises EGA teacher
“An appreciation of the world’s many peoples, their struggles and their
achievements, is essential for building a just, peaceful and equitable global
community. I thank you for your contribution and commitment to these goals.”
These were Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s words of praise for local teacher Linda
Quinn. The Archbishop wrote to Ms Quinn, of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
Language College in Islington, to thank her for her participation in the
Global Teachers Programme, through which she has made a significant
contribution to children’s education in both South Africa and the UK.
Linda Quinn was presented with her letter from Desmond Tutu on 14th December
at a special event hosted by HSBC bank, the primary supporters of the unique
Global Teachers Programme. Along with 37 other teachers from across the UK,
Linda Quinn received an exclusive HSBC Fellows certificate from HSBC Group
Chairman Sir John Bond. This was in recognition of her commitment to
education and entry to the international network of HSBC Scholars and Fellows.
The Global Teachers had all given up their summer holidays to work in schools
in Africa. Placed in rural schools, often with no electricity or running
water, they shared their skills with peers for five weeks, and learnt a lot in
the process. Since then the Global Teachers have been using their experiences
to raise awareness of international development issues and build partnerships
between schools in the UK and schools in Africa. The programme is run by Link
Community Development and made possible by support from the HSBC Education
Trust.
Speaking at the event, Sir John Bond said: “Desmond Tutu’s beliefs on
education strike a real chord with HSBC ... Investment in an education system
is vital on all levels, for the development of the community and for the
country … But the Global Teachers Programme is so special because it directly
affects the most important link in the development chain - the child.”
Dame Mary Richardson, Chief Executive of the HSBC Education Trust, also
praised the Global Teachers’ achievements, and commented: “Global Teachers is
an initiative which, once one has heard of it, one knows, is meant to be,
meant to take place. Everyone gains … It is a life enhancing experience for
all concerned … When I hear you wonderful teachers, my heart lifts ...
My heart lifts because you are the epitome, the very essence of what teaching
has always been about: service. Your calling, your vocation, is to others.
In that you find fulfilment … We are proud that you will become HSBC Fellows.”
Local Global Teacher Linda Quinn was thrilled to receive the HSBC Fellows
certificate and to receive such high praise from both Archbishop Desmond Tutu
and such senior HSBC representatives. She said: ”I feel very honoured and
privileged to be part of this very important global partnership. I felt
particularly touched by the sentiments expressed by Archbishop Tutu. I would
like to express my gratitude to HSBC for providing the means for me to
participate in this life changing opportunity, and for the fellowship awarded.”
Ms Quinn had spent five weeks working at Magoba Junior Secondary School in
South Africa sharing skills in school management and teaching methodologies.
She said about her experiences: “It was a fantastic experience. Living and
working with a community even for a relatively short period of time offers
real insight to a people that is impossible to develop otherwise. I was amazed
by the strength, warmth and hospitality of the Xhosa people. The experience
has added a greater dimension not only to my career, but has formed the basis
from which I will forge deep, long lasting friendships. I look forward to
developing our relationships and partnerships further over the coming years,
as our two schools become linked! “
Link Community Development’s Chief Executive, Steve Blunden, said: “What
these very special Global Teachers all have in common is a real commitment to
making a difference, not only to educational opportunities for children in
Africa, but also to their own pupils’ understanding of the diversity,
brilliance and challenges of this amazing continent.”
In a video message, specially recorded for the HSBC Fellows Awards event on
14th December, Archbishop Desmond Tutu praised the work of Link Community
Development in his home country, South Africa, and elsewhere in Africa. He
thanked the Global Teachers and the HSBC Education Trust for their
contribution to this vital work, saying:
“[Link Community Development’s] initiatives are giving hope to many of our
rural communities, who are deeply grateful for the support of the HSBC
Education Trust which recruits and places UK teachers in rural schools in
South Africa and Uganda. I thank you for your generosity and continued
support. Yours is an investment in Africa's future. We must help Africa to
succeed. The alternative is too ghastly to contemplate.”
For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department: