BNU and SV2G agree five-year partnership to improve the lives of ethnic minority communities

BNU and charity St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation (SV2G) have agreed a five-year partnership to improve the lives of local ethnic minority communities, including the African and Caribbean populations.

The collaboration aims to facilitate and enhance social and cultural exchanges; drive research to improve the experiences of African Caribbean communities in Buckinghamshire; and provide local and international skills development. Each organisation will also support each other in improving race equality in Buckinghamshire and beyond.

BNU and SV2G are already planning to mark Windrush 75 on Thursday 22 June with daytime workshops for local schools and a panel discussion on the evening – more details will be shared soon. The University also looks forward to supporting SV2G as it celebrates its 20th anniversary as an African and Caribbean Arts & Heritage organisation during Black History Month.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the University last week by BNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Braisby, and SV2G Chief Executive, Jacqueline Roberts, and witnessed by SV2G Honorary Member and Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Countess Elizabeth Howe.

The collaboration is supported by BNU’s Race Equality Network, which promotes connectivity between the University’s staff and students, and with the University and the local community. It serves as a voice, critical friend and catalyst for influencing change within and outside BNU.

Professor Braisby, Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, said: “I am delighted our University is starting this new relationship with SV2G, an established charity which plays a pivotal role in our local area, particularly for African and Caribbean communities.

“We have recently launched the University’s new strategy and at its heart is the importance of supporting the places in which, and partners with whom, we work. We greatly value community organisations like SV2G and look forward to working with them to enhance the experiences and opportunities for our staff and students.”

Jacqueline Roberts said: “We are delighted to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Buckinghamshire New University. SV2G looks forward to working with BNU in the future with our creative cultural connections at the heart of our community projects. The trustees are delighted that BNU will be working in partnership with SV2G to deliver racial equality and equity.”

SV2G works with hundreds of young people as well as individual adults and families within the community delivering a range of innovative and creative combined arts projects. These provide young people of diverse backgrounds with an educational, creative and cultural experience with real significance and impact.

SV2G has been involved in many important heritage projects. Their work has been showcased at the Palace of Westminster in the UK. The narratives discovered on 18^th century Vincentian presence in Britain has attracted global attention through the recent publication of their book.

BNU delivers higher education that works for all, regardless of background or circumstance. We pride ourselves on ensuring our students reach their full potential through our inclusive, employment-focused and skills-based education. The University plays an active civic role in the local community by collaborating on inclusive research and wider initiatives aimed at improving society.

For more information on how the University champions equality, diversity and inclusion, please click here.