Every Refugee Week at hundreds of schools across the country, teachers help children and young people to develop an understanding of refugee experiences that they will carry with them into adult life.

There are all kinds of ways schools can get involved in Refugee Week, from holding assemblies and dedicated lessons to taking part in creative activities.

This workshop was held with Schools of Sanctuary on 06 May and saw over 100 teachers and supporters come together to share ideas, learning and inspiration ahead of Refugee Week 2021.

We’re proud that City of Sanctuary (which coordinates Schools of Sanctuary) and the National Education Union are Refugee Week national partners.

Watch the video and see the links below for more on how you can take part in Refugee Week at your school, college or youth group.

Speakers:

  • Jake Rose-Brown, Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary
  • Gaida Dirar, schools speaker and alumnus of City of Sanctuary’s Sanctuary in Politics course
  • Karen Chouhan, National Education Union
  • Sara Trewhitt, Schools of Sanctuary (part of City of Sanctuary)
  • Emily Churchill Zaraa, Counterpoints Arts (Refugee Week)

Resources

Refugee Week 2021 Resources

Children & Young People’s Pack: A pack full of activities for all key stages including lesson plans, films, books and more (coming soon!)

Simple Acts: Watch a film, read a book and more with these simple ideas and resources for people of all ages.

Schools of Sanctuary

Schools of Sanctuary, part of City of Sanctuary, is a growing network with more than 300 primary and secondary schools all committed to supporting the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, creating a culture of welcome, and raising awareness of the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers. Find out more about becoming a School of Sanctuary on their website.

National Education Union

Welcoming refugee children to your school: Resources which have been developed and shared by teachers to help schools support refugees, including video clips about the experiences of refugee children and young people at school, and a guide to becoming a refugee-friendly school.

Anti-racism charter: A framework to help you explore ideas around race equality and plan how to tackle racism with children, young people and staff.

A Day of Welcome – Friday 11 June 2011

A Day of Welcome is a day of solidarity and learning in schools that aims to build a culture of welcome and understanding for refugees and asylum seekers, coordinated by Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to join in with A Day of Welcome, regardless of where you are, and the Day of Welcome website has lots of ideas, resources and activities to help you.

Welcome flower image © Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary