Education resources fromthe British Empire and

Commonwealth Museum

For more information please contact thelearning team on: 0117 925 4980 ext 207or email: learning@commonwealthonline.org.uk

Stories of migration andthe search for better life

Suitcase Stories

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Activity 1: Introduction

Facts:• At the beginning of the 20C, one quarter of the world’s population

lived in the British empire• The British empire covered one quarter of the world’s land surface• At the end of 20C Britain has 14 dependent territories outside the

British Isles, small islands with a combined population of just over 2 million.

• There are 54 Commonwealth countries, over half in thedeveloping world.

• After the 2nd World War the British government encouraged immigration to Britain under the European Volunteer Workers Scheme

• Look at interactive map, on page____________

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Facts continued….

• Many non-white people also began to migrate to Britain from the Caribbean, South Africa, and India.

• Some of the immigrants served in the British forces duringthe 2nd World War

• Others came in search of better opportunities • Many immigrants were skilled or professional people and there was

plenty of work for everyone

• Listen to oral history clips on migration

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Task 1Reasons why people leave to live in another country:

1. ____________________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Task 2Suitcase stories: What do I takewith me?

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Task 3Investigate your characters through your objects / image cards

Mohindra Chowdhry Roy Hackett

Sheila Mitchell Bane Precious McKensie

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Task 4Discuss the following questions in your group:

• Is your charactermale or female

• Why did he/she cometo England?

• What ethnic group /culture did he/she belong to?

• What job/skill didhe/she have?

• Any other findings?

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Task 5Present your characters toyour class

Education resources from the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

Task 6Watch and listen to your character tell their story

• Go to video fileof migration stories