Introducing Global Learning London

When we decided in late 2019 that it was time for a new look that better reflected our work, we did not realise the wave of momentous change the world would be riding in 2020. As we were designing our new look, our world as we knew it was changing. The way in which COVID disproportionately hit communities further exposed the systemic inequalities in our societies, and left no doubt about the impact of our unsustainable lifestyles on the Earth. We had no choice but to stop and listen deeply, radically and intently — to rethink our purpose, our practices and our relationships with our fellow humans and the planet.

The process of defining our new look became an act of affirmation at a time when we are doubling our efforts to confront the urgent challenges we, our children and our planet currently face. Born out of the stuff of imagination on the bookshelves of the Tower Hamlets Schools Library Service, we have been working at the intersection of education, cultural learning and activism for almost 30 years. We had been feeding on feminist, anti-racist, decolonial narratives long before they resurged as part the mainstream conversation. Today we are consciously working in ways that are healing and regenerative so that we can better serve our young people, their teachers and the communities they live in. We are doubly eager to create spaces of deep connection towards meaningful change. We are more aware than ever that the ideologies and practices upon which our modern world is built – extraction, exploitation, competition, individualism – are not fit for purpose.

This new look is our re-commitment to our work with young people towards social and environmental justice. We will look for common grounds before succumbing to divisive narratives. We will step into those common grounds with an intention to connect and overcome, to heal and rebuild together.

With thanks to Paul Hamlyn Foundation for supporting us in conceiving and building our new look.