An African child’s wish for education led to a journey that enhanced the safeguarding of children in the UK

{mosimage} In a corner of a West African country, a bright and intelligent child – always smiling and forever caring – was deprived of an education simply because a school did not exist near where she lived; the nearest state school to her community was at least a half-day walk which meant that those families less well-off could not afford to educate their children.

The child we speak of is Victoria Climbié who lived in Ealing, having arrived in the UK in 1999.  Her death in 2000 and the subsequent inquiry in 2003 led to a radical reform of the Child Protection system in this country.  The findings of the public inquiry unfolded deficiencies of the system, lack of transparency, communication and information sharing within the system and most importantly identified a gap that exists between communities and those institutions entrusted and funded by the public purse to safeguard our children.  The conference aims to look at positive outcomes for black children and families through changes to the Child Protection system.

Hosted by VCF – The Victoria Climbié Foundation in partnership with Acton Community Forum.

Supported by Pitzhanger Manor House. Keynote Speaker: Dame Donna Kinnair

Conference will be held on Friday 24th October at Pitzhanger Manor-House in Ealing, West London from 10:00 – 1:00.

All welcome.

The Journey Conference is one of four events being coordinated by the Black History & Culture Group, West London. Click here for full programme of events.