Helena Bonham Carter was amongst the guests at a special event held by The Urswick School this month. The actress has been the patron of the charity since 2018. The event was a chance for the Urswick students to feedback on their experiences and the impact it has had on them, as well as looking forward to the return visit of 12 South African students in February 2024. Their audience consisted of parents, staff, governors, directors and friends of the charity and other stakeholders. Richard Brown, Executive Headteacher, said ‘we believe this exchange adds real value to the life of the School and has an impact far beyond the students directly involved’.
The students’ presentations were outstanding. Drawing on their experiences, they explained the tremendous impact the project has had on them so far. One of the students concluded her presentation with these words: ‘I made friends in South Africa, friends that I’ll truly never forget and all of which I hope to see in the near future. They showed me the reality of their lives, filled with the love and respect they have for everyone, and how similar, and yet different our lives really are across our horizons’. These words beautifully illustrate the founding belief of Broaden Out Their Horizons that, as one of the Directors, Linda Quinn puts it ‘young people learn best from each other, and can and should, make a difference to each other’s lives and to the future.’ Helena Bonham Carter added ‘It was a privilege to be able to hear first hand from these amazing young people, the life changing impact the experience has had on them. I am so excited that after Covid the charity is once again able to offer this opportunity to students here and in South Africa’.
Alongside our special guest, were alumni from our 2014 exchange, these wonderful women came by to show their support for the charity and appreciation for the experience they had.
