Young elementary school students, ages five and up, are tasked with composing Valentine's Day greetings for individuals seeking asylum.
In the heart of England, the city of Birmingham is making a significant stride towards inclusivity and compassion. The Schools of Sanctuary Network, a programme under City of Sanctuary UK, is playing a pivotal role in this endeavour. This network aims to foster a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, such as refugees and asylum seekers, within school communities.
The Schools of Sanctuary Network works with schools to challenge misconceptions, build staff expertise, and create a sense of belonging for children seeking sanctuary in school environments. Schools participate in this program by meeting the minimum criteria established through the Learn, Embed, and Share framework, demonstrating a commitment to raising awareness, supporting newcomers, and collaborating with local organisations to build a welcoming environment.
In Birmingham, schools are actively involved in the Schools of Sanctuary Network, pursuing the Sanctuary Award through the network’s framework. While specific instances in Birmingham are not detailed, it is known that over 425 schools across the UK, including nurseries and Sixth Forms, are part of the network, receiving guidance and resources to support children and families seeking safety. Given Birmingham’s diverse population and engagement with refuge-seeking communities, local schools likely adopt the program’s criteria to foster inclusion and support refugee students.
A noteworthy initiative in Birmingham saw schoolchildren writing Valentine’s Day cards for asylum seekers. These handmade cards, some featuring slogans like 'You're welcome here!', were sent to St Chad's Sanctuary, a local group supporting asylum seekers. Images shared on social media show a group of schoolchildren holding a large card intended for refugees.
The Schools of Sanctuary Network in Birmingham partners with local schools to support asylum seekers. The Birmingham Schools of Sanctuary group is actively involved in promoting and showcasing these initiatives, such as the card-making events in local schools.
It is important to note that the Schools of Sanctuary Network is an independent national scheme, and schools apply independently to become 'schools of sanctuary.' This initiative, while promoting inclusivity and compassion, does not involve political propaganda or the promotion of political views in the classroom.
Despite the misconceptions raised by some, the Schools of Sanctuary Network remains a beacon of hope, fostering a culture of welcome and safety in schools across the UK, including Birmingham. Classrooms should indeed be for teaching maths, not immigration, but they can also be spaces where empathy, understanding, and welcome are nurtured.
- The Schools of Sanctuary Network in Birmingham, a part of the UK's City of Sanctuary, works with local schools to address misconceptions, boost staff knowledge, and create a welcoming environment for children seeking sanctuary.
- In Birmingham, educational institutions engaged with the Schools of Sanctuary Network are actively working towards promoting a sense of belonging for refugee students, such as the heartwarming initiative where schoolchildren crafted Valentine's Day cards for asylum seekers.
