Author Bernardine Evaristo gifts books to her former school at speaking engagement in Eltham

Booker-Prize winning author Bernardine Evaristo has returned to her former school in Eltham to speak to students and gift them copies of her books.

The author stopped by Eltham Hill Secondary School on October 21 to speak with students and donate each of them a copy of her new work: Manifesto: On Never Giving Up, and acclaimed novel Girl, Women, Other.

Ms Evaristo toured her old classrooms and spoke with students and teachers before delivering an assembly.

She also took part in an Q&A session with Vee Kativhu, a YouTuber and Oxford graduate with her own incredible story of hard work and dedication.

Erika Podmore, headteacher at Eltham Hill School, said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome Bernardine Evaristo back.

She is an amazing woman, a fantastic writer and a real inspiration to our students.”

Bernardine Evaristo has recently been awarded the Freedom of the borough of Greenwich.

Speaking after the event, Councillor Adel Khaireh said: “What an absolute privilege it has been to hear Bernardine and Vee speak so passionately.

“ I know I have been inspired, and I am sure students at Eltham Hill will have been as well.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Bernardine for taking the time to connect with young people in Greenwich and share her story.

“Maybe the next generation’s bestselling author has been inspired.”

Pictured above: Bernadine Evaristo-Eltham Hill