Annual New Cross Bursary Awards presented in memory of fatal 1981 fire

The awards scheme commemorates the 14 young people who died in the New Cross fire of 1981.

It is currently in its twelfth year, and annually supports a small group of outstanding students from Lewisham who study at Goldsmiths, University of London.

Announcing the news, Lewisham Council said that each of the five students selected received £4,500 each towards the cost of their undergraduate courses at an awards ceremony held at Goldsmiths University Monday (March 25).

The five students were:

• Liam Islam, studying for a BA in history and politics, and former Young Mayor of Lewisham
• Lucy Trotter, studying for a BA in history
• Kamal Keita-Jones, studying for a BSc in computer science
• Kashan Riley, studying for a BA in education, culture and society
• Ketsia Mukobo, studying for a BA in politics and international relations

Mayor of Lewisham Damien Egan praised the Goldsmiths for helping fund the bursaries and cited the spiralling costs of higher education in underlining the importance of the grants.

Mr Egan said: "Our bursary supports young people who otherwise may not be able to go to university. With the average student debt now £50,000 it’s a huge barrier to many Lewisham families.

"The bursary was set up to remember the victims of the New Cross fire and ensure a positive legacy came from the tragedy. We couldn’t do it without the support of Goldsmiths and the victims’ families, and I thank them both for all their support."

Since 2007, Lewisham Council has given more than £270,000 in bursaries, so students can focus on their studies.

Goldsmiths University waives the tuition fees for ten students from Lewisham, so they have a real chance to succeed and pursue their dreams when they graduate.

The New Cross fire claimed the lives of 14 young people who were at a house party in New Cross on January 18, 1981. Thirteen of those died from the blaze. Another person who was at the party was lost to suicide two years later.