The Booker Prize winning author stopped by Eltham Hill Secondary School on October 21 to speak with students and donate each of them a copy of her new work: Manifesto: On Never Giving Up, and acclaimed novel Girl, Women, Other. 

Bernardine toured her old classrooms and spoke with students and teachers before delivering an assembly with Cllrs Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and Cllr Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, there to listen in the audience.  

She also took part in an informative Q&A session with, Vee Kativhu, a YouTuber and Oxford graduate with her own incredible story of hard work and dedication.   

Erika Podmore, Headteacher at Eltham Hill School, said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome Bernardine Evaristo back to Eltham Hill School. She is an amazing woman, a fantastic writer and a real inspiration to our students.”  

Bernardine Evaristo a real friend of Royal Greenwich, having recently been awarded the Freedom of the Borough.   

Speaking after Thursday’s event, Cllr Adel Khaireh said: “What an absolute privilege it has been to hear Bernardine and Vee speak so passionately. I know I have been inspired today, and I am sure students at Eltham Hill will have been as well.  

“I’m incredibly grateful to Bernardine for taking the time to connect with young people in Royal Greenwich and share her story. Maybe the next generation’s bestselling author has been inspired today!”