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Teacher named in Queen's Birthday Honours List

21/06/2012

Staff and students at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College are celebrating as Manju Tank, a teacher in our Maths department, has been awarded an MBE for services to education in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Manju, who has taught at the college since 1992, was recognised for her work in helping Hampshire’s ethnic minorities access vital services over 40 years.

“In many guises I have helped minority groups access services such as education, health, police, Social Services,” said Manju. “I was involved in the production of policies to effectively meet the needs of minority groups as a Senior Community Officer in Portsmouth for five years.

“From 1972 to 1986 it was my role to support Southampton schools and parents to access education for their kids.  I recall the times when a child would be missing school and it was up to me to explain to the parents (in their language) the importance and legal duty for the child to be in school.  Often I had to act as interpreter for the families when attending parents evenings.”

During her earlier career Manju volunteered for the Southampton Racial Equality Council as an executive committee member as well as taking the Chair during its final 2 years.  “In addition I have been a Governor, Governor trainer, appeals panel member.  I have also volunteered on a variety of other bodies throughout my working life, e.g. Race Equality Forum, Mother Tongue Provision in Southampton and Portsmouth, The Photography Project, Adventure Playground to name a few.”

Manju has served as a Magistrate for 26 years, and has helped many from the Punjabi and Bangladeshi communities to access education services.

Manju said she was incredibly humbled by the award: “As far as I am concerned I have done the various jobs to the best of my ability. I was proud of both myself and my family, without whose support I could not have undertaken any of the activities I’ve been involved in. When I was attending evening meetings for so many different organisations it was my husband who looked after the children!”

“Supporting and challenging young people to be the best that they can be is what we are all about at this Sixth Form College,” said College Principal, Alice Wrighton. “That is what Manju has done throughout her career. We are all very proud of her achievements and it is brilliant that her tireless work with young people and adults in College and in our wider community is being recognised at the highest level.”

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