Today we launched a week-long programme of events to increase awareness of the struggles faced by refugees and help support those in need of refugee protection.
Across the 3-18 curriculum, in assemblies, House events and Form, we will take time to celebrate refugees' creativity, ingenuity and resilience in the face of great adversity.
Mr Macpherson, Head of College shared: “We're delighted to be running a refugee awareness week. This idea was suggested by pupils in the summer and has been primarily led by volunteers who wanted to do something significant to support refugees. We have a full programme of educational lessons and events. Senior pupils will have the chance to speak with refugees at lunchtime sessions, and we are raising funds for the Scottish Refugee Council who have provided us with educational resources to support our initiative. At Robert Gordon's we work hard every day to create a compassionate and inclusive community and refugee awareness week is testament to the significance that our pupils put on supporting those in need.”
In the Senior School, every pupil will read examples of poetry written about the experiences of refugees, or penned by refugees in English lessons. The House team have also worked hard to organise a competition to complement this, with pupils in S1-6 having the opportunity to submit a composition or performance exploring the theme of ‘Healing’, inspired by what they learn throughout the week. The Library is part of this collaboration, too, with books related to the experience of refugees being displayed in the Library and recommended on RGC’s Recommended Reads. There is also visiting guest speakers from Syria, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Ukraine who will share their experiences with pupils.
Complementing the program and also the discussions that take place across the curriculum, Francesca (School Captain) interviewed a Syrian refugee. Accompanied by a translator, she spoke about her personal experience and challenges that the family had to overcome.
Francesca (S6) highlights: “My awareness was first raised by my mothers role in helping settle overseas pupils, including refugees. Talks within the school further inspired me to discover more on this topic and then I thought there could be an opportunity for us all to learn more and provide support. In addition to awareness I am also fundraising for the Scottish Refugee Council, an independent charity dedicated to supporting people in need of refugee protection.”
If you are able to help support this initiative, please donate online below.
Refugee Awareness Week