17 - 23 June 2013
Refugee Week 2013 highlights that we may all have different pasts, but we can look forward to a shared future.
What is Refugee Week?
Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events and activities that celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK. Refugees are making wonderful contributions to British society in more ways than we could ever imagine!
Find out more about Refugee Week and refugee contributions here!
Education and Awareness Workshops
We love visiting schools and youth clubs to talk about refugee related issues, engage in discussions, run activities and have some fun! Get in touch if you'd like us to come and visit your school or club!As our contribution to Refugee Week, IRT will be visiting schools throughout the week presenting a number of workshops and activities for children and young people. Ideas on some of these can be found on our IRT Classroom pages.
The purpose of these workshops is to raise awareness on issues surrounding forced migration. We really encourage children to take an interest in issues regarding refugees, asylum seekers, human rights and racism. We do this by taking a child-friendly approach, and by making learning about these topics interesting and fun! Education on these topics is crucial in improving our understanding and enhancing our compassion.
Interested in an IRT visit?
If you are interested in having IRT come to your school, youth centre, church or any other community venue to give a workshop to your children and young people then please get in touch. We can carry out workshops and activities all year round too, not just during refugee week.
Fundraising and Entertainment Events
Many schools and youth groups use Refugee Week as an opportunity to hold fundraising events – from small bake scales to whole school events such as a sports day. If you need a little inspiration we have loads of ideas for fundraising events on our Fundraising A-Z or why not download the IRT Fundraising Pack!
You may think there is nothing more typically British than fish and chips. But it was actually invented by Jewish refugees who brought it with them from Portugal in the 17th century!
If you are thinking of holding a fundraising event and would like for IRT to be involved then please contact us and we’ll discuss your plans, we'd love to hear from you!
SoMe FuN IdEaS
- Have a party with an international theme, encourage people to research the culture of another country.
- Ask people to cook food from that country and wear local dress, have a competition for the best costume!
- Find some great local music and engage in some wild dancing!
- Some people might like to show a film or video, either fictional or factual which engages with topics of refugees and migration in some way.
Fun activities like these are a great, interesting way to get people thinking about other countries, refugees, asylum seekers and surrounding issues.
There are dozens of ways in which you can get involved with Refugee Week, so start thinking about how you can make your contribution...and keep us updated!
Some Refugee Week 2013 Events...
Sunday June 16th 14:00-19:00- Celebrating Sanctuary, London, South Bank
This annual event will highlight the work of artist Natasha Reid and her exhibition 'The Embassy for Refugees.' As always, there will also be some wonderful musical and spoken word performances as well as discussions and workshops.
Monday June 17th-23rd- British Red Cross Project featuring artist Marcus Crocker
This innovative project celebrates the impact of refugees on British culture and heritage. Crocker has made some tiny models of well-known individuals who all arrived in the UK seeking asylum, and they are dotted around London in locations relevant to each sculpture. Let us know if you spot any!
Monday June 17th 16:00-18:00- Documentary film screening to celebrate the lifestories of Afghan women in the UK.
This screening is free and open to the public! Refugee Action Kingston and the British Afghan Women's Society have organised this event and it will showcase the experiences of many Afghan women currently living in the UK thorugh a series of interviews. Click on the link to find out more!
Friday June 21st 15:00-19:00- Refugee Week Celebration
This annual celebration will include musical entertainment from ethnic minorities, speeches from supporters and a local MP, award of volunteer achievement certificates and a quiz organised by refugee youth. This will be a great way to end Refugee Week 2013 so you won't want to miss it!