Celebrating diversity in schools

This year, the theme of Refugee Week is ‘Healing’.

‘Through creativity and conversations, Refugee Week 2022 is a celebration of community, mutual care, and the human ability to start again.

Healing means recovering from a painful experience or situation, so that we can continue to live. No-one understands this better than those who have lost their homes and had to build new lives from scratch. We have much to learn from refugees about holding onto hope when going on seems impossible – as well as about how art, creativity and community can help us to heal.  Those going through the asylum system also know that healing is an ongoing process, made harder by poverty, housing difficulties and the threat of being detained or deported. Asking for change, so that refugees can truly feel safe, is an act of care.

Whether it’s about looking after ourselves and each other at difficult times, overcoming political divisions or coming together to fight for the survival of our shared planet, healing matters to all of us. '

Retrieved from the Refugee Week website, 2022

In the classroom

Southfields Primary school participated in Refugee Week 2022 by working collaboratively to produce art installations, sending messages of welcome and solidarity to their diverse school community. Children across the school explored refugee stories which inspired them to create this work.

Following the project, Year 6 pupils shared the words with their headteacher, "No matter what culture you are, you fit into the school". "People are respectful about skin colour and backgrounds".

If your school or setting has participated in Refugee Week 2022 then please contact us so that we can share what you have achieved.