Pioneering Culturally-Responsive education for an Anti-Racist Future
Vivean Pomell, the visionary founder of Learn with Lolonyo (LWL), is aiming to transform educational landscapes by developing resources that prioritise cultural representation and an anti-racist curriculum. (www.learnwithlolonyo.com) Her passion, rooted in both lived experience and academic excellence, embodies the transformative change that BRIG envisions, a movement propelled by activists, academics, and everyday citizens determined to redefine their city's future.
With over 30 years of experience in early years education and as a former Ofsted inspector holding both a BA and MA in education, Vivean is deeply committed to nurturing young minds and inspiring a lifelong love of learning. She creates educational resources that not only align with the national curriculum but also integrate mental well-being through culturally relevant content. The motto, "From baby steps to brilliance," encapsulates her commitment to guiding children on their educational journey and ensuring they reach their full potential.
Innovative Educational Resources with Cultural Representation
At the heart of LWL is a commitment to bring marginalised voices to the forefront of learning. Vivean’s educational resources are designed not just to inform but to inspire critical reflection on history and social justice. By integrating culturally diverse narratives into these educational resources, children see themselves reflected in their educational journey, a factor proven to boost academic attainment (American Psychological Association,2018). As Marian Wright Edelman famously said, "You can’t be what you can’t see." These resources, ranging from poetry books and storybooks to workbooks, flashcards, posters, and puzzles, are not only educationally sound but also visually engaging, capturing the imagination of young learners.
Innovative Publications and Cultural Narratives
Recent projects highlight the power of culturally responsive education. Under the Mango Tree is a moving collection of poems created by children from the 2nd and 3rd generations, celebrating their heritage and creativity. In addition, Patina’s Poetry, a collection of children’s poetry, has garnered national recognition with five copies requested by the Legal Deposit Libraries in the UK, including the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, the National Library of Wales, the Bodleian Libraries at Oxford, and the Cambridge University Library. Educators, some of whom are also published authors, praise these publications for their ability to encourage children to see that everyone has something valuable to share.
Bridging Theory and Lived Experience
BRIG’s community is built by individuals who carry the wisdom of personal encounters with racism. Vivean’s work transforms these experiences into powerful educational narratives that not only teach about anti-racism but also model it by centring the stories and cultural knowledge of all learners. This approach empowers every child to become a change-maker. Feedback from diverse stakeholders, including children excitedly recognising familial bonds, parents seeing tangible benefits in school readiness, and fostering agencies using the resources with teenagers, underscores the profound impact of these materials.
A Shared Vision for Change
Both Vivean and BRIG share an unwavering mission: to create an anti-racist city. By embracing educational materials that promote cultural representation, they pass the baton to future generations, ensuring that the fight against racism continues. With institutions held accountable and race kept on the agenda, this movement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education.
Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility
LWL welcomes partnerships with businesses and organisations looking to fulfil their corporate social responsibility. By collaborating with like-minded partners, the reach of these culturally responsive resources can be expanded, enriching educational experiences and contributing to a more inclusive society.
In celebrating Vivean’s achievements, we recognise a broader call to reimagine education as a dynamic, inclusive, and just endeavour. Her leadership through LWL serves as both an inspiration and a blueprint for building communities that are informed, resilient, and united against racism. Together, with educators and partners leading the way, we move closer to a future where every classroom, every policy, and every community reflects the anti-racist values we all hold dear.
This profile is featured in the BRIG newsletter as part of our ongoing commitment to highlighting innovative educational approaches that challenge systemic inequities and pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow.
To check out the books by Learn with Lolonyo, click here.