A friend of mine, who runs a small publishing company, recently introduced me to an inspiring article about her friend, a piano masterclass teacher at Morley College London, a well-known institution for lifelong learning in the UK. The story was so heartwarming that I’d like to share it here.
The article describes an episode of a 98-year-old woman who loves the piano, and it was so heartwarming that one's cheeks involuntarily relaxed as one read it. However, the name of the pianist who played the main role was partially written as "Huruko" in some parts but it seems that the correct name is Haruko.
To be honest, I hadn’t heard of Morley College London before reading this. But as I looked into it, I was deeply impressed by its long and meaningful history. Founded in 1889, Morley College has long been dedicated to adult and lifelong education. It was originally established as the Morley Memorial College for Working Men and Women, opening its doors to the working class and becoming one of the first institutions in the UK to allow men and women to study together.
The founder, Emma Cons, was a remarkable woman - a social reformer and a leader in the women’s suffrage movement. She introduced the “Penny Lectures,” which offered educational opportunities to ordinary people for just one penny. Her efforts made learning truly accessible to all, and her vision remains inspiring even today.
Reading about Morley College reminded me of the depth and strength of Britain’s educational tradition. It’s a wonderful example of how education can uplift lives, regardless of age or background. Truly admirable.