| Esme Lancaster MBE |
|
|
|
 Esme Lancaster was born in Willington, Jamaica. She could read the bible cover to cover by the time she was four-years-old. She was a very scholarly student and was awarded the Custos McGrath Shield for her participation in drama. But without parents she was unable to pay for a place at college to pursue her passion for education. As a result, she took on a job as a domestic servant at a sugar estate so that she could fund herself. An anonymous benefactor sent for her to be trained as a teacher. To this day she does not know who it was. Having taught for many years in Jamaica. she decided to come to the UK in 1950 where she initially settled in Birmingham because she had made arrangements to teach at a local school. However, on the morning of her first day she received a letter telling her not to turn up. Other members of staff had refused to teach alongside a black person. She was determined to turn up anyway and challenged the contents of the letter. After Ten years Esme moved to Bristol to be closer to her sister and she stayed for ten years working with young people, but her roots in Birmingham were so strong that she returned to the city. She returned to take up the position as House Mother at Harambe, which was an organisation that worked with young women who were in need of help and support, some being first offenders, young mothers, or unemployed. Still passionate about education, because of the struggles she encountered and her colleagues’ rejection of her, she decided to train in social services, initially with a focus on Child Care. She later went into probation and community work. Having been without parents herself, Esme came to know that her vocation in life was to help those in similar circumstances, those who were in need. In 1985, she helped to set up the Young Mother’s Relief Association and became passionately involved in improving the welfare of young black women, an extension of her overall passion for education. Her success in assisting many young mothers to return to education is legendary. She is Godmother to some 108 children and has brought up 42 children. Esme is a committed Christian and her faith has been at the heart of everything she has done. She has continued in formal education throughout her life and is especially proud of her Diploma in Theology. Her life’s work has been recognised through a number of awards including the Compassionate Action Award, The 2000 Heritage Award, Black History Foundation Citizens Award, The Award for Women of Purpose and Excellency and in 2000 she was awarded a MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Yana Johnson
said:
|
|||||||||
| A true role model adding values and inspiration to those who knew her and who have read about her. |
Ayo Faleti
said:
| A true hero! |
Elaine
said:
| Great to see that Sister Esmie is still alive and going strong, she was one of the persons who inspired me, prayed for me and encouraged me to give to others. Thank you Sister Esmie |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|