Five outstanding Lewisham students celebrated in the New Cross Bursary awards

Now in its twelfth year, the New Cross Bursary Awards support a small group of outstanding young people from Lewisham who study at Goldsmiths, University of London. Due to the high rising cost of tuition fees and student living, these young people could be priced out of higher education.

At an awards ceremony held at Goldsmiths, University of London on Monday 25 March, the five students received £4,500 each towards the cost of their undergraduate courses:

• Liam Islam, studying for a BA in history and politics, and former Young Mayor of Lewisham
• Lucy Trotter, studying for a BA in history
• Kamal Keita-Jones, studying for a BSc in computer science
• Kashan Riley, studying for a BA in education, culture and society
• Ketsia Mukobo, studying for a BA in politics and international relations.

Since 2007, Lewisham Council has given more than £270,000 in bursaries, so students can focus on their studies. Goldsmiths University also waives the tuition fees for ten students from Lewisham, so they have a real chance to succeed and pursue their dreams when they graduate.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: ‘Our bursary supports young people who otherwise may not be able to go to university. With the average student debt now £50,000 it’s a huge barrier to many Lewisham families.

‘The bursary was set up to remember the victims of the New Cross fire and ensure a positive legacy came from the tragedy. We couldn’t do it without the support of Goldsmiths and the victims’ families, and I thank them both for all their support.’

Patrick Loughrey, Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London, said: ‘I am very proud to award these bursaries to Liam, Lucy, Kamal, Kashan, and Ketsia in memory of those who died 38 years ago. It seems fitting that to ensure the loss of these young lives is not forgotten we are supporting these five talented young people from our community to study at Goldsmiths, to succeed, and to go on and pursue their dreams.’