Michelle Obama visits London school to promote ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative
Obama specifically selected Mulberry, which is a comprehensive all girls school in Tower Hamlets, one of the most deprived boroughs in London. The majority of Mulberry’s students are Muslim and of Bangladeshi origin, with 75 per cent of students on free school meals.
Obama recounted her upbringing as a black, working class woman as giving her an insight into the struggles facing girls in Tower Hamlets. Speaking in the auditorium she said: "I imagine some of you are wondering why would the First Lady come to Tower Hamlets? Why would she choose this community and school?
“The answer is simple. I am here because of you. Because girls like you inspire me and impress me every single day. I am so proud of your passion and your diligence, your grit your determination.
“When I look at all these young women I see myself. In so many ways your story is my story.”
The area of Tower Hamlets has recently seen three local girls leaving for Syria. Obama addressed the issue of Islamaphobia that affects girls at Mulberry, and expressed that with a good education the girls have the ability to succeed in life and “rise above” prejudices they may face growing up. She said: “Maybe you feel no one is paying attention to you, you wonder whether it’s worth it, to even aspire to be something great.
“Maybe you read the news and hear what folks are saying about your religion, and you wonder if anyone ever sees beyond your headscarf to see who you really are, instead of being blinded by the fears and misperceptions in their own minds.
“And I know how painful and how frustrating all of that can be. I know how angry and exhausted it can make you feel.
“But here’s the thing – with an education from this amazing school, you all have everything, everything, you need to rise above all of the noise and fulfil every last one of your dreams.”
The visit coincides with an announcement that the UK and US have formed a $200 million partnership to support girl’s education around the world, particularly in areas affected by crisis, including Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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