Today, our class learned all about Matthew Henson, one of the first people to reach the North Pole and an extraordinary explorer. His courage, determination, and skills helped his team travel through some of the coldest and toughest conditions on Earth.

We also learned that Matthew Henson faced racial discrimination throughout his life. Even though he was an essential member of the expedition—and may have been the very first person to physically reach the North Pole—he was not given the same credit or respect as his white teammates at the time. Many people didn’t recognise his achievements simply because of the colour of his skin.

The children discussed why this was unfair and why it’s important to make sure everyone is recognised for their talents and contributions. We talked about how history hasn’t always been equal, and how learning about people like Matthew Henson helps us understand the importance of fairness and celebrating everyone’s achievements.

Despite the challenges he faced, Henson showed incredible courage, teamwork, and leadership. His story teaches us about resilience, equality, and the importance of standing up for what is right.