An organisation promoting community cohesion for children as young as five has been launched in Medway.

Medway Culture Club was formed with the aim of tackling social isolation and encouraging racial harmony across the Towns.

Launched last summer, it was founded by a group of educators and industry professionals who volunteer their time.

They each recognised the need to support diversity and inclusion through cultural exchange.

Monthly Saturday clubs were launched with a free online event in December.

It continues to deliver fun, interactive lessons designed by qualified teachers.

Camealia Xavier-Chihota, a 36-year-old who works in the fashion industry, is one of the volunteers.

The mum-of-two said: "It was an idea born out of lockdown. Schools were closed and children were struggling.

"We want to do these sessions face to face but at the moment we can only do video calls.

"The aim of the club is to address some of the educational gaps in history and highlight the positive contributions which have helped shape our society."

The Rochester-based volunteer said: " Our volunteers include qualified teachers and we are offering children career guidance, CV support and sharing opportunities for things such as apprenticeships.

"We are currently registering as a charity so we can fundraise but we have also received support from the accountancy firm, Malcolm Horton & Co, in Gravesend.

"We were also sponsored by The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport."

Medway Culture Club provides extra-curricular education and activities in areas such as arts, culture, music and sports.

Jerome, Camealia's brother, is chairman of the club, and was crowned volunteer of the year at the Pride in Medway Awards.

He makes sure these activities are taught via a combination of structured lessons, practical play, social interaction and mentorship, alongside a curriculum team which also organises lesson plans and other events.

The club also aims to encourage personal value and self-esteem with young people, aged between five and 16 years.

Face-to-face lessons are due to launch in the coming months and these will help to enhance social skills and build character.

They will also aid in developing young leaders by providing accessibility to educational and employment pathways by working with business owners across the county.

The next online session is tomorrow (Saturday), featuring "Trailblazers" and will include information about Asquith Xavier, Camealia's grandfather, the Medway resident who successfully pioneered and lobbied for equality in employment law between white and people of colour in 1966.

Mr Xavier rose to prominence after he applied to become a guard at Euston Station, but was turned down as British Railways (BR) only employed white people for the role.

He refused to back down in the face of racial inequality and fought for his right to hold the position and then on July 15, 1966, BR announced London stations would abandon the policies and Mr Xavier was offered the job.

Last year a plaque recognising his contributions was unveiled at Chatham station.

The Trailblazers session will not only focus on Mr Xavier but also Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and will be offered free, via Zoom between 10am and 11am.

Bookings have to be confirmed by tonight and can be made via the www.medwayculture.club website.

For more information, join the Medway Culture Club Facebook group or follow @Medway Culture on Instagram and Twitter.

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