Hackney teachers reminisced about their youth as the presenter of BBC’s 70s flagship children’s TV show Playschool, Floella Benjamin, introduced herself to youngsters at Woodberry Down School by singing “If you’re happy and you know it”.
Baroness Benjamin made an impression on the children as she told them about her “3Cs” motto, to be considerate, content and confident during the visit on November 25.
The Trinidadian-born actress, author, television presenter, singer, businesswoman and politician also gave an inspirational talk to the older children about her childhood and the racism she suffered when she first moved to England aged 11.
She recounted how she would initially fight back at racist people with her fists but then realised the power of words and education, and stressed to the children how important it is to stay focused in school.
She is able to invite one school every year to Parliament and has asked year 5 children to visit her there soon.
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