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Hope student invited to reception with the Queen

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Student Vanessa Boateng was invited to a special reception with the Queen, in recognition of her work with the British, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) community in Liverpool.

Vanessa, who is studying Childhood & Youth and Social Policy at Liverpool Hope, met Her Majesty and members of the Royal family at a Commonwealth Diaspora Reception at Buckingham Palace.

The Lord Lieutenant of Liverpool and Chair of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association – where she works as an Executive Secretary - put her forward for the event.

Vanessa said: “The reception was to formally recognise the invitees’ contribution to the development of the Commonwealth community in the UK. It felt amazing to be invited and was very exciting, as I never expected to receive such a recognition by the Royal household.”

As a Secretary for the Commonwealth Association, Vanessa organises meetings and records the proceedings. She works with the BAME community to ensure the protection and welfare of children.

Talking about why she decided to study at Hope, Vanessa said: “I decided to undertake my BA because of the work I do with parents within my community. My work is to help migrant parents understand the integration of their children in the UK, and also educate them on the child protection laws and welfare of children in the UK.

“I also help them to develop modern skills in parenting. My course will help me to develop policies of inclusiveness for migrant families, as there are no structural policies in place for diversity in the UK.”

The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duchess of Gloucester attended the reception alongside the Queen. They met with people from across the Commonwealth who have been successful in areas such as business, politics, the arts, sport, diplomacy, religion, charities, youth and community groups.


Published on 16/05/2018