An exceptional day for Year 10 students as they welcomed the inspiring Marie Costa, a distinguished community leader and advocate for cultural harmony, as their guest speaker. Marie, known for her relentless dedication to promoting intercultural understanding in Portsmouth and in 2022 was the first Black Mayoress of Portsmouth, shared her compelling journey that resonated deeply with everyone present.
The session was not only an exploration of her impressive career but also a heartfelt account of her transition from Nigeria to pursuing higher education in the UK. Marie spoke candidly about the challenges she faced and the resilience she cultivated, offering students a rare insight into perseverance and self-belief. Her story was filled with anecdotes of both struggle and triumph, illustrating the power of hard work, adaptability, and community involvement.
Year 10 students were captivated throughout the talk, demonstrating an engagement that teachers noted was the highest in recent memory. Marie’s words on treating each person with equal respect and her message that anyone can pursue their dreams inspired students to think more openly about their own aspirations.
Marie’s commitment to the community and her active role in strengthening Portsmouth’s cultural fabric was a major theme of her talk. She emphasized that true progress comes from unity and from individuals reaching out to help one another. Her message resonated with students and staff alike, sparking conversations about future projects focused on intercultural engagement.
As the talk concluded, the students and staff expressed their appreciation for Marie’s visit and voiced their excitement about potential future collaborations with her. Plans to host more workshops centered on intercultural understanding are already being discussed.
Marie Costa’s visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, hard work, and community—values that she embodies with grace and humility. The school looks forward to welcoming her back soon to inspire further dialogue and growth.
