Global humanitarian leader engages Wolverhampton pupils in first UK school visit

The visit was extended by the Ignite Learning Partnership, at the initiative of Mr Matt Cross, Head of School, who invited the Maha Putri to gain a meaningful insight into the British education system and everyday life as a primary school pupil in Wolverhampton.

Her Royal Highness was welcomed by an enthusiastic committee of pupils representing all year groups, alongside members of the school leadership team. The visit began in the school hall, where the Royal Delegation was treated to a heartfelt performance by the school choir, who delivered an uplifting rendition of the motivational anthem “You’ve Got the Power.”

Maha Putri Maria then met with the School Council, composed of elected representatives from across the school community, who shared their roles, responsibilities and the humanitarian outreach projects they lead—many of which originate from ideas generated within the council itself. The pupils were eager to hear about Maha Putri’s global humanitarian work, learning how, through the Royal House and We Care for Humanity, Her Royal Highness travels to some of the world’s most remote and vulnerable communities to deliver essential support and empowerment programmes.

The Royal Delegation—which included visiting dignitary Mrs Barbara Piasecka, former School Director in Radom, Poland—were then guided through a tour of the school. HRH engaged directly with pupils and staff, observing classroom activities and even participating in live mathematics quizzes, much to the delight of the children.

Following the school tour, Maha Putri was hosted for lunch by Mr Wayne Downing, CEO of the Ignite Learning Partnership, joined by Kirsty Banks, Chief Finance Officer, and delegates from We Care for Humanity. Discussions centred on the development of an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be formalised in the coming year, aiming to create enriching opportunities for both pupils and teachers across the Ignite Learning Partnership and partner schools in the Philippines.

As a gesture of deep appreciation for the warm welcome and the school’s commitment to humanitarian values, HRH presented Bhylls Acre Primary School with the Royal Order Maha Putri Maria — a distinguished symbol of honour and a testament to the projects envisioned in collaboration with Ignite and WCH.

Speaking during the visit, Her Royal Highness remarked: “Charity is not only an act, but a spirit — one that begins in the heart of every child who chooses kindness. This is my first visit to a school in the United Kingdom, and I am deeply moved by the compassion, dignity and leadership shown by the pupils of Bhylls Acre Primary School. Wolverhampton’s motto, ‘Out of darkness cometh light,’ has never felt more true. During these challenging times, it is clear that the Ignite Learning Partnership is raising young people who will go out into the world as candles — lighting the way for others through humanitarian action, service and compassion.”

The visit marks a significant moment for both the Royal House and the Ignite Learning Partnership, strengthening ties between communities in the United Kingdom and the Philippines, and reaffirming a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of global humanitarians.

We Care for Humanity (WCH)

WCH is an international NGO dedicated to advancing humanitarian principles through education, peace initiatives, health programmes and social development, while recognising individuals and institutions making significant contributions to humanity.

Ignite Learning Partnership

A multi-academy trust serving Wolverhampton and the surrounding region, committed to delivering outstanding education, fostering character development and empowering young people to become compassionate leaders of the future.