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Helena Bonham Carter congratulates London schoolgirls on Africa trip

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Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) last week paid a visit to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington, in her capacity as a patron of the charity Broaden Out Their Horizons (BOTH), to congratulate a group of schoolgirls on their work in Africa.

Ten girls from the school went to South Africa last summer to live and teach in their partner school, Magoba JSS, and will host students they met when they visit London later this month. Both legs of the trip were funded by BOTH, which aims to open school children’s eyes to new opportunities.

Bonham Carter, speaking to the schoolchildren on her visit, said,

You must know you are not normal – what you have achieved is amazing. Go to sleep tonight knowing you are marvellous.

This project gives an amazing opportunity to people who might not normally travel. I think it is potentially life-changing [and] hugely educative, both intellectually and on a soul and spiritual level.

Meanwhile, the director of the charity and assistant head teacher at EGA, Martha Braggins, said,

The students inspired us all with their maturity, eloquence and empathy; they really are the best ambassadors we could ask for.

The actress will next be seen on the big screen in Disney’s live action version of Cinderella, which is set to hit theaters on March 13.