Refugee Project

We have had a fantastic week at Sir John Lawes, helping the whole school hear stories from some Asylum Seekers and begin to think about how they can help.

Just before the summer, we had the opportunity to take two young men into the school with us, who have travelled to the Untied Kingdom as Asylum Seekers from Syria and Saudi Arabia. Both of their stories are incredibly powerful and very different from each other. 20 students from the sixth form were invited to come and listen to their stories and 40 turned up, and the event left both students and teachers asking what can they do to help.

These conversations moved onto us bringing Waleed and Jihad back into the school. Some of the sixth formers interviewed them, with others filming the interview. The students then edited the video, so that it could be used in assemblies both at SJL and, through Step, across St. Albans and Harpenden schools.

This last week we have then worked with the sixth formers to deliver an assembly showing this video and starting a collection for the Refugees living locally. In a few weeks time, the sixth form students are going to head down to the Cafe run at Markyate Baptist Church, and distribute these items.

The assemblies were an incredible success, with the students engaged and listening to every word of the stories being shared. One student in year 12 was so moved by what he saw that later that day he went down to the cafe to learn more!

We are looking forward to seeing how we can continue to use this video across the other schools, to show that we are Jesus' hands and feet following His example, and seeing the students growing in passion for standing up for justice in our community.

Mary