This is from 5X and the boys had been studying Barrack Obama in English and asked to write from an empathetic point of view under the remit below. Here are three of the best ones.

It seemed appropriate considering the past week's news. 

Imagine you are Barack Obama growing up in a society that does not accept you for the colour of your skin and for the origins of your race. Describe your thoughts, feelings and emotions in such a difficult period in your life.

By Edward Sapienza Year 5X

Being a young black boy in Africa, I am accepted and loved and it’s normal.  But in America I am outcast and it’s just frustrating!

Growing up I was mistreated for no reason, just the colour of my skin. I find this disheartening since we are all different, and yet I am punished for my origins. I am proud of my race. Proud of how they have fought and worked hard to overcome hard times. I am confident and determined to help improve the situation in America. I am hopeful that future generations will be more accepting and respectful towards all humans. I know it can happen if we work together.

By Francesco Vella Clark Year 5X

All my life I have felt I’ve never really fitted in. It is unbelievable that white people judge black people just because of their skin colour and their race. I feel very determined to try my best to stop this unfair situation present in so many countries.

When I had to leave my home to go to university I felt awkward being one of the black people there. It was so difficult feeling lonely, shy and less important than my fellow university students. The fact that my father died in a car crash made it even harder to deal with things but it also made me stronger and more confident in myself to always look out for those who were facing difficulties.

In fact, when I leave university I want to make sure that I dedicate my time helping victims of housing and employment discrimination and will try my best to safeguard their human and voting rights.

By Zack Bugeja Year 5X

Imagine you are Barack Obama growing up in a society that does not accept you for the colour of your skin and for the origins of your race. Describe your thoughts, feelings and emotions in such a difficult period in your life.

I feel so sorrowful when I think white people judge us by only our skin. I think it’s just not fair for us, just because we have different skin colour from them. We are all created by God and we all have a heart. I wish everyone would be treated in the same way and have the same opportunities to study and have a good job. I felt very confused when I went to university and no one was like me. I’m confident that things will change and white people will start loving us and be friends.