Helping Others, Even When Told No
Mary Seacole (1805-1881) was a British-Jamaican nurse who cared for soldiers during the Crimean War. Her most important lesson for children is about helping others even when people tell you no.
Mary wanted to be an official nurse in the Crimean War, but the British government rejected her application — some historians believe because of her skin color. Most people would have given up.
Mary didn't give up. She used her own money to travel to Crimea, set up a hotel near the battlefield, and cared for wounded soldiers herself. She became known as "Mother Seacole" because of how much she helped people.
Seacole's lesson for children: If you want to help people and someone says no, you can often find another way to do the good thing you wanted to do.
When told no, Mary found her own way to help
She cared for soldiers even when it was dangerous
She used her own money and skills to make a difference
Rejection didn't stop her from doing what she knew was right
For ages 5-7, focus on Mary's determination to help and not giving up when told no rather than discussing racism explicitly (though honest conversations are important — gauge age-appropriateness for your child).
Lesson plans, discussion guides, and activity sheets for teaching British values through real heroes.