Young voices of a primary school rang through the 15th century walls of the iconic Guilhall on Tuesday in memory of Nelson Mandela.
Pupils from Parkgate House School, in Clapham Common North Side, delivered a choir performance at the historic building in Basinghall Street, Moorgate, to launch the Letter to Mandela competition.
A founding partner of the competition, in collaboration with international humanitarian Nic Careem, the school’s pupils stood at the heart of the event.
Inspired by the House of Commons Mandela Legacy Book which Mr Careem began in 1999, the initiative invites children to write personal letters to Nelson Mandela, sharing their hopes for a better world.
Catherine Shanley, Principal of Parkgate House School, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this historic moment.
“This project has allowed our pupils to connect with the values Nelson Mandela stood for – justice, compassion and unity – linking closely to our Parkgate House Virtues. It has been a privilege to support this initiative from the start.”
As a tribute to Nelson Mandela, and at the request of Mr Careem, Parkgate House School Choir performed The Messenger, originally written in 1999 by music icon Joan Armatrading.
Armatrading first performed the song for Mandela himself in 2000, but on Tuesday, it was the young voices of Parkgate House who breathed new life into the piece.
With a new arrangement by choir director Stephen Davies, the performance earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Mr Careem said: “Parkgate House School has been a shining example of what this competition is all about.
“The children’s performance was exceptional, and Catherine Shanley’s support has been instrumental in bringing the launch to life. I’m so grateful for the School’s belief in this vision.”
Tuesday’s event at Guildhall formed part of the inaugural Fatima Campaign UK Summit.
The summit, hosted by Olympic legend Fatima Whitbread MBE, brought together more than 100 organisations to champion her mission of giving every child a better future.
Fatima Whitbread MBE said: “Parkgate House School captured the heart and soul of the Mandela legacy initiative through their beautiful performance.
“The pupils brought joy, meaning and magic to the Guildhall stage. They’ve inspired everyone in the room and will surely inspire many others.”
The performance was followed by a panel discussion chaired by former Dragon’s Den investor Richard Farleigh, featuring young members of Westminster Youth Council.
Mr Farleigh said: “Listening to these bright young voices was humbling and uplifting.
“Their clarity, courage and belief in a fairer world reminded us that Mandela’s message still burns brightly in the next generation.”
The Letter to Mandela Competition is now set to engage students across the UK and the world, in a bid to carry forward the legacy of the historic leader.
Pictured top: Parkgate House School pupils with Fatima Whitbread MBE hold the House of Commons Mandela Legacy Book (Picture: Parkgate House School)
