Schools Awareness Event - Engaging with the new curriculum
2008-05-27
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We were told that a conflict had broken out in the Charnwood region and if we didn’t leave and find safety elsewhere then we might become targets next. So began an emotional and educational experience.
On the 29th February we were given the opportunity to take our awareness raising event to local school students after being asked by Loughborough Learning Partnership to help them pilot a new approach to the curriculum.
Students from Burleigh, Garendon, Limehurst and Woodbrook Vale arrived at Loughborough Student’s Union to discover more about forced migration by going through it as well as hearing about it.
After some introductions and team bonding, the war broke out. Teams learnt about the difficulties of leaving home and moving on under pressure, about the dangers of the journey and the confusing world that lay ahead for the asylum seeker as they were asked to communicate and prepare paperwork in another language. This immersive and interactive experience gave a powerful summary of the average forced migrant’s journey and raised many questions (as well as pulses). Much discussion and reflection followed.
Through a play and the read story of one young man’s escape from an African conflict, we were reminded again of the individuals, similar to us, that make up this community of people we call asylum seekers and refugees.
After the break, a more light hearted game show based on the UK citizenship test was hotly contested, with many people realising they might not have enough British knowledge to apply for a UK passport!
On returning to their schools for the afternoon, lots of quality work was produced to consolidate and complement the learning, in the form of art, writing and geopgraphy projects.
By all accounts, the event was a great success. Our main hope is that next time a Daily Express headline talks of the asylum tide, those young people will remember to look beyond the system, to the individuals who are asking for help from danger.
Stop Press!
A successful funding bid and the creation of a schools team means we can rollout a learning package based on this event, with supporting lessons and workshops from September 08 across Leicestershire. Please contact us to find out more at schools@bacaproject.org.uk or 01509 215036.