School and the Migrant Experience in Britain

Autograph is hosting a conversation examining the lived experience of the British school system across generations. We’ll share experiences of navigating education within migrant communities and the possibilities for cultural exchange between parents, teachers and students.

Leading the discussion will be Yannick Buditu, who is founder of the education podcast 2Cool4School and former Head of Year at a London Secondary School. He will be joined by his mother Helene Kambala, a first-generation immigrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who will share her experience raising her son in a school system that was entirely new to her. Joining the talk will be Nick Fotsing, who has recently completed his A-levels and was a former student of Yannick.

Following the panel, there will be an interactive session where guests are invited to respond to prompts about their experiences in education and an opportunity to view our free exhibition Dianne Minnicucci: Belonging and Beyond. The event will conclude with time to connect and reflect over light refreshments.

This event is inspired by Dianne Minnicucci’s exhibition. Central to the show is Dianne's role as a secondary school photography teacher. The photography on display is the result of the Visible Practise Residency, a project to support art and photography teachers from global majority backgrounds. For 6 months, Minnicucci brought her studio into the classroom, challenging traditional student-teacher hierarchies and redefining the studio as one of shared dialogue and inquiry with her students.

Please note: This event will be audio and video recorded to be shared on the 2Cool4School podcast - a platform that features conversations with policy experts, practitioners, educators and parents about developments in education. If you choose to ask a question, only your audio will be recorded. Filming will primarily capture the backs of audience members. If you would prefer not to be included in any recordings, please speak to a member of staff on the night.

The ticket price for this event is £5. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If this ticket price is unaffordable for you please get in touch with Harriet at harriet@autograph-abp.co.ukabout free ticketing options.

Read more on Autograph's website

Chaired by

Yannick Buditu is an Educator, storyteller and audio creative who uses podcasting as a space to reimagine education as something lived, felt, and rooted in real people. As the host and creator of 2Cool4School Podcast, he explores how education intersects with wider societal issues; from mental health to adultification, from sickle cell to the school-to-prison pipeline, menstrual equity to neurodiversity, centring voices often left out of mainstream conversations.

Speakers

Helene Kambala

Nick Fotsing

Your Visit to Autograph

Everyone is welcome at Autograph. Planning a visit? Have a look at our Visit Us page to find out more about getting to the gallery, accessibility and more.

Limited tickets: This is an intimate event with a limited amount of tickets. We highly recommend booking a ticket in advance.

Accessible venue: Autograph welcomes people with all types of disabilities.

Step free: Our building and entrance is step free. A wheelchair accessible lift goes to all floors.

Seated Event: This event will be seated.

Timings: Doors open at 6:00pm and the discussion will start promptly at 6:15pm.

Location: This event will take place in Gallery 1, on the ground floor.

Studio reception: After the talk enjoy a drink in our studio . To protect the artworks, drinks are not allowed in the galleries.

Refreshments: Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available.

Part of Autograph's 2025 Open Call

Each year, Autograph has an Open Call for event proposals from emerging cultural producers who are working on a new or early stage project. For successful applicants, Autograph provides a budget, curatorial fee, and support to help make the event happen. This event is a result of our 2025 Open Call for Events: Intergenerational Perspectives.

Ticketing policy

The ticket price for this event is £5. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If this ticket price is unaffordable for you please get in touch with Harriet at harriet@autograph-abp.co.uk about free ticketing options.

Autograph's events are popular, and often sell out. We recommend booking a ticket in advance. If you need to cancel your ticket for any reason, you can receive a refund up to 24 hours before the start of the event. You do not need to bring your paper ticket to the event.

Autograph supported by

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

Autograph ABP Registered in England no. 2285116 | Registered Charity no. 1127712

Images: 1) 2) Autograph, London. Photograph by Kate Elliott.