Refugees into Schools

Photo: Refugees into Schools logo

Refugees into Schools

Refugees into Schools aims to increase children’s understanding of why people are forced to become refugees and of the impact of war and persecution. It does this by supporting refugee volunteers to share their experience of conflict and seeking asylum here in the UK. Through this activity the project supports schools in their statutory duty to promote community cohesion.

The project focuses on London which is a diverse, multi-ethnic city including a significant refugee population of both adults and children. Public perception of refugees is, however, often distorted by misleading or inaccurate reporting of what it is to be a refugee.

“I think this has been a wake-up for me as it has opened my eyes to some of the problems in other countries. Also it has made me realise how easy we have life in the UK and that I am lucky to have the life I have.”14 year old student.

By the end of December 2010, the volunteers will have met with more than 1,700 pupils across London and more sessions are planned for 2011. So far, 99% of pupils said the session had helped them to better understand why people have to leave their countries and become refugees.