The opening of the Stephen Lawrence Centre heralds exciting times ahead - for the Trust's partners, for our volunteers,and most importantly, for the disadvantaged young people we help.

With state-of-the-art facilities, the Centre will offer outstanding educational opportunities to young people from poor and deprived backgrounds, giving them hope of a better future.

So while Stephen was tragically prevented from fulfilling his dream of becoming an architect, many other young people living in poverty will be empowered, through the Trust's work, to rediscover and fulfil their dreams. They will become the architects and urban designers of the future - in the UK, in Jamaica and in South Africa. This is Stephen's legacy, and when we look at what the Trust has achieved in Stephen's memory, my family and I feel extremely proud. At the same time, the opening of the Centre inspires us to continue and develop the Trust's valuable work.

Although education is the major focus of the Trust's mission, we also continue to work in tandem with the Home Office and other government and independent organisations to promote racial equality and social cohesion. This vital work is also part of Stephen's legacy and will surely benefit the whole of our rich, diverse and multicultural society.

On a personal note, I want to thank you all for supporting the Trust's vision for the future, and for helping us to enable some of this country's young citizens to achieve their true potential.