In one Suffolk school, pupils learnt a few words of Dari and Pashto (the two official languages of Afghanistan) so they could write welcome cards for children arriving from Afghanistan. In another, parents prepared welcome packs for asylum-seeking families, inspired by their children's lessons. These small acts of kindness are at the heart of Schools of Sanctuary, a growing national network that has transformed hundreds of schools across the UK.
In recent weeks, the positive work being done has been misrepresented by false and inflammatory claims. Far-right groups have targeted a handful of schools and incorrectly suggested that these schools, which operate independently, were asking children to send Valentine's cards to adult asylum seekers. In reality, pupils had written short, anonymous notes such as "Welcome to our town" and "We hope you feel safe here." These were, in a few cases, shared with local refugee support groups under strict safeguarding measures.
What is Schools of Sanctuary?
Schools of Sanctuary is a network of schools, nurseries, and sixth forms dedicated to fostering a culture of welcome, understanding, and belonging for individuals forced to flee their homes. Its goal is straightforward: to ensure that every child, particularly those seeking sanctuary, feels safe, has a sense of belonging, and can thrive in their educational environment.
The programme provides schools with resources and guidance to support new arrivals, challenge misconceptions, and...
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