Rekindle Newsletter Spring 2025 - Magazine - Page 3
FROM THE FOUNDER’S DESK
Dear Rekindle family,
It’s
been
welcome
a
powerful
brilliant
season
new
of
team
transformation.
members,
and
As
we
deepen
step
our
into
new
communities,
commitment
to
soulful
education, I’ve found myself pausing often—reflecting on how far we’ve come, and how
much more we’re being called to do.
Rekindle’s spirit is rising in bold, beautiful, and grounded ways. From opening our new school in
London to scoping for our next space in Dundee, from youth-led research that challenges the
status quo to intergenerational work honouring radical Black history—every thread is woven with
the same belief: that soulful education, critical thinking, and deep community care can shape a
more just and joyful future.
I’m also delighted to share that Sam Pow has joined us as Deputy CEO. With Sam leading on
operations, I’m now able to focus more deeply on Rekindle’s long-term vision and strategy. She
brings lots of experience from her time at Save the Children UK, and we’re deeply grateful to SCUK
for seconding her to us for the year—a powerful example of values-led partnership in action. Sam
already feels like a natural part of our team.
The
past
few
months
have
been
filled
with
rich
learning
and
deep
inspiration. In April, I travelled to The Gambia, where I had the privilege
of spending time with educators, creatives, and change-makers whose
work
reaffirmed
the
vital
importance
of
storytelling,
memory,
and
education grounded in culture and care.
More recently, I returned from a soul-stirring visit to Oakland, California,
where I met members of the Black Panther Party — sharing Rekindle’s
work and learning from their powerful legacy of education, community
care, and resistance. I was delighted to travel with Dr. Dan Silver, an
academic from Manchester University who has worked alongside us for
years
and
helped
secure
funding
for
an
exciting,
year-long
project
examining Rekindle's radical approach to community care. One of the
most moving moments was being shown an original Black Panther Community School booklet
(pictured). It was incredible and affirming to see how deeply critical thinking was woven into their
ethos — a value at Rekindle’s core. This visit left me brimming with inspiration for community
organising and engagement — so stay tuned. There’s more on my visit in this newsletter!
Thank you—truly—for continuing to walk with us. Your belief in Rekindle, in young people,
and in the power of soulful learning is what keeps this movement alive.
With love and determination,
Ruth
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