Every year Refugee Week is recognised across the globe as we come together to celebate the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and those seeking sanctuary. A refugee is someone who’s been left with no option but to leave their country because of reasons like war, natural disasters, or persecution. Until conditions are safe in their own country, they’re unable to return. Refugees can be individuals, families and children.
This year’s theme for refugee week is ‘Our Home’ and what that means to each of us. Whether it be somewhere we gather to share meals or our collective home of planet Earth. Benfield School welcomes pupils from across the globe including refugees and their families from Sudan, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Tunisia, Albania, Turkey, Morocco, Libya, Iran and El Salvador. We strive to make all of our pupils feel welcomed and at home in our school. Some of our students arrive in the UK with one or both parents, or in the care of older siblings, relatives or customary care givers. Others arrive alone as unaccompanied minors. Some, but not all, have experienced conflict and other traumatic experiences. Students from refugee backgrounds are offered support in school from specialised English language lessons to counselling to ensure they have the support they need to feel welcomed.
Later in the year, Miss Suljic is organising a school visit to an immersive conference for Year groups 8-10 in the Civic Centre. This conference will feature survivor stories of refugees and explore themes of prejudice, discrimination and inclusion while fostering critical thinking and empathy to better give our pupils an understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make up our community.
You can learn more about Refugee Week on their website here.