Bringing Refugee Week 2019 into the classroom
Last week (17-23 June) we celebrated Refugee Week 2019, the UK’s largest festival celebrating the contribution of refugees.
Refugee Week
Every year Refugee Week takes place across the world around World Refugee Day on 20 June.
As part of #RefugeeWeek2019 I visited the Refuweegee exhibition ‘claiming back the narrative’. Photos from refugees that powerfully illustrate their story and experiences. I met Ahmad and Yaman -great guys with so much to contribute – I’m so pleased Scotland is their new home. pic.twitter.com/w4Bj8g6PEw
— Aileen Campbell (@ClydesdAileen) June 21, 2019
In the UK, the week is celebrated with a programme of arts, cultural and educational events.
These events highlight the contribution refugees make to the UK and encourages a better understanding between and within communities.
Refugee Week has multiple aims including facilitating positive encounters between refugees and the general public to overcome hostility; showcasing the talent and expertise that refugees bring to the UK; providing information which raises awareness of the reality of refugee experiences.
You, me and those who came before
The theme for this year’s Refugee Week was you, me and those who came before.
The theme invites people to discover the experiences of displacement found in our families, neighbourhoods and history.
The public were invited to explore the lives of refugees, and those who have welcomed them, throughout the generations.
For #RefugeeWeek2019, @UNHCRUK has created a toolkit for the 'flipped classroom', free for teachers in the UK.
Take a look now: https://t.co/IXDG3BXp1X #ukedchat pic.twitter.com/AzzUVg2uZs
— UNHCR United Kingdom (@UNHCRUK) June 17, 2019
Through social media, events and public talks communities were able to travel through generations and learn how people escaping war and persecution have been welcomed in the UK for hundreds of years.
By bringing together the young and the old it has shown what we can learn from those who have sought safety in Britain generations ago and today.
Culture
In Scotland the contribution refugees make to society is highlighted during Refugee Festival Scotland.
Taking place from Thursday 20 June to Sunday 30 June the ongoing festival celebrates food and drinks, music and poetry, art, languages and new ideas.
From upended buses in Berlin to a wrecked car in rubble in Glasgow. Hear about the work of German-Syrian artist @manafart this evening. In conversation with Kate Gray @collective_edin Tickets still available https://t.co/gSj1g4EdCt #refugeefestscot @CreativeScots @CounterArts pic.twitter.com/CkfBwW5aoU
— Scottish Refugee Council (@scotrefcouncil) June 24, 2019
This year, the festival’s theme is making art, making home. It focuses on the talent, creativity and resilience of new Scots artists and community groups.
The programme includes events taking place throughout the country. Some events are taking place in multiple cities like the visual art show Freedom Of Movement.
Find out what events are still taking place here.
How did you bring Refugee Week into the classroom? Let us know on Facebook.