On Friday 23rd June the students of Fir Vale School assembled in the sunshine to celebrate the final day of Refugee Week.
Headteacher Mrs Lesley Bowes reminded them that the definition of ‘refugee’ is much broader than is commonly thought. It means ‘one who seeks sanctuary’’, and she pointed out how easily this definition might fit each of us – in time of emotional need, as well as need of physical shelter.
All week the whole school participated in raising awareness of refugees and asylum seekers. In English classes students interviewed refugees and wrote reports and poems, led by Mr Arrian, himself a refugee who has been given permission to stay following a local campaign in support of his application. Sixteen Year 10 art students who are mainly from Yemen, Pakistan, Somalia and India have made etchings inspired by their own cultures, helped by local artist Neil Woodall. History students studied the Arab/Israeli conflict, and Year 7 students produced a drama about refugees.
A Red Cross stall in the school’s reception area, was staffed by students, which advised other students on how to re-establish contact with relatives in other parts of the world, in the hope of connecting families torn apart by conflict.
“We want to celebrate our mix of cultures,” one student told the Messenger. “We see it as an advantage.” He wants to see Refugee Week celebrated everywhere, with everyone wearing a ‘refugee ribbon’.
This is the fifth year that Fir Vale School has celebrated refugee week. Tabassum Janjua, the school’s refugee and asylum seeker co-ordinator, said she would like to see more joint working with other schools, assisted by advance planning by the local education authority.
At the final concert, students and guests were treated to a well-prepared display of dance, music and song. Brave Year 5 students from Owler Brook School looked ecstatic as they danced for the much older children. The Year 7 choir performed ‘We are the World’, followed by more musical entertainment from the Year 8 Steel Pan Group and the Year 10 Drum Group. A Somali song by Soliman Mohammed was much appreciated by the school and parents from Somalia.
Finally, John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ was played and students released white balloons to the sky, whooping and cheering in celebration of the fantastic performance and successful week.
by Hannah George & Andrew Green