The UK celebrated Refugee Week last week, how was it and how are Roehampton students supporting those in need?
When we think of refugees, we mostly think of flight and crisis. But Refugee Week (17.06–23.06) turns this image upside-down and showcases the less stereotypical and positive aspects that come with it.
During refugee week, every corner in London was filled with events celebrating refugees and migration. One hot-spot was the Migration Museum, providing cooking sessions with ‘Migrateful’, live music performances and storytelling with ‘Qisetna’.
Liberty Melly, Education, Events and Volunteer Manager at the Migration Museum says, ‘Refugee Week is important because it is a dedicated time to celebrate the numerous contributions of refugees and asylum seekers to Britain and the world. It highlights and celebrates these achievements and changes the narrative around forced migration.’
The Migration Museum discusses migration in all its forms and facilitates a conversation between people from different walks of life. This conversation happens during educational workshops and events the museum is hosting.
Information about exhibitions and future events can be found here: https://www.migrationmuseum.org/.
What do Roehampton’s students do to support refugees?
As the only charity-based society, ‘Student Action for Refugees’ Roehampton STAR stands up for this matter all the year around. Their main aim is the ‘Equal Access Campaign’, in which they ask the university to offer scholarships, bursaries, fee waivers and accommodation for asylum seekers and refugee students.
The society has been going on for one year now, and Katie Nguyen, president of STAR, says, “We have found student engagement to be challenging, as many are supportive, but there are only a small group of active members. But we do understand the situation and are grateful for everyone’s support.”
However, Katie says that when she looks back now and thinks of the work they did throughout the academic year, she’s proud, “We know we are helping others and to see the progress we have made institutionally in our first year has been a highlight. We know even if we help one person, it is all worth it.”
If you want to get involved with STAR contact Katie Nguyen: https://www.roehamptonstudent.com/activities/societies/7883/
