Simple Acts

My Refugee Week

This Refugee Week, people up and down the country were going wild with their Simple Acts. This is fantastic, a lot of schools have joined in, organisations, church groups and companies have organised activities around Simple Acts and really used them to make their Refugee Week more fun and engaging. Have a look at their notes and comments and find out how many things we've collected.

I went to visit a number of schools last week. I had the chance to see our partners from Bigfoot Education in action with their 'Think simple, act Big' programme, which is based on Simple Acts. I took part in theatre workshops at St. Mary Magdalene Primary school in Maida Vale, London, which were all about empathy and putting yourself in their shoes.

This was also the big topic for the Suitcase and Sanctuary exhibition at 19 Princelet Street in London. It was a very rare opportunity to visit this historic building on the edge of the old City of London near the Spitalfields Market.

The exhibition itself was put together by school children from Tower Hamlet, one of the most deprived areas in the UK. They have put themselves in the shoes of immigrants who might have or actually did come to stay at 19 Princelet Street over three centuries. From Huguenot silk weavers, who fled the persecution of Louis XIV and their struggle and success of making London their new home, to Irish farmers who were forced to flee starvation back home, to Jewish refugees before WWII or Caribbean immigrants in the 50s to todays newcomers.
The amazing thing for me was the similarity of the stories. The same struggle with fear, poverty, isolation, hostility, being away from home, being creative about finding opportunities of making a living, the optimism and the amazing contributions over the centuries. And yet, why does it have to be so hard over and over again??

19 Princelet Street does open its doors to groups by special arrangements and I can only recommend it. This exhibition is about London, England, the UK and far beyond. It's about how we are all shaped by influences from outside, how these influences bring progress and how little we know and care about the good things that come through immigration. It's about how much we need to celebrate their contributions. One piece of art summed up my feelings during the visit quite nicely. It was a big cushion with a Union Jack. It looked cosy and inviting but when you looked closer, it was covered with needles. Somebody must have put a lot of energy into putting all those needles into this cushion. Imagine how much good could have been done with all this energy.

tbc...

via refugeecouncil.typepad.com

My Refugee Week - the second chapter

…A light-hearted account of my experiences and the diversity of Refugee Week.

by Almir Koldzic, Refugee Week UK Coordinator

Last Wednesday I went to Borough Market in London, where the British Red Cross launched a new destitution report – Not Gone but Forgotten. A well presented event that combined speeches, music and some delicious food tasting, balancing well the celebratory aspects of Refugee Week with the more sober and warning messages from the report.

What seemed particularly important about this event was that it marked a huge change of attitude within the Red Cross, which after many years of supporting destitute asylum seekers has finally decided to speak out publically on this issue. Now, as the Red Cross has been traditionally very reluctant to speak out on behalf  of its refugee clients in the UK, this development does not only show us a different and bolder face of the Red Cross but also emphasises the fact that case for immediate action on this issue has become compelling.

For further reading, check out this brilliant article on the report in Guardian.

A very different but a superb RW event that took place on Wednesday evening was organised by the fantastic Mr Philip Cowell of English Pen.

The lights went off suddenly and 30 people – in the already muggy Sassoon Beer room at the Free Word centre in Farringdon – sat in pitch darkness to listen to Oreet Ashery’s sound piece, Staying. Ashery – the alter ego performance artist who worked with 12 lesbian asylum seekers over a 6 week period to create characters that could playfully tell – and equally mask – their stories. Characters like: Soft Stud, Bin, TreeMan, Carer, Super Lover and Dream. In their own ways – in their own peculiar acts of creativity – each character told of what it was like to arrive in a new country after fleeing the homophobia of their homelands.

Staying is the project that is going to continue to be adapted and modified for various contexts and events in the future. If you get a chance to see it, please do so as it will show you a wonderfully playful, sensitive and creative way of re-presenting refugee experiences. 

On Friday afternoon, I went to a special Refugee Week Media Award ceremony at the Tron Theatre in Glasgow, where Oxfam and their partners presented awards to journalists who created the most positive, accurate and influential reporting about asylum and refugee-related issues in Scotland. As in previous years, this unique event showed that the media coverage of refugee issues in Scotland continues to be much more balanced, accurate and positive than it is the case south of the border. The awards, by the way, were the photos that the famous portrait and fashion photographer, John Rankin, took in a refugee camp in Congo. 

After the media award ceremony, I joined Kenny Hamilton from Red Cross to see their Refugee Week Comedy Night, headlined by now a celebrity comedian, Kevin Bridges. OK, there were a few moments where I had no idea of what he was saying, but all in all it was great. My favourite joke (which I am about to destroy) was about how asylum seekers must’ve been escaping some truly scary things if they are willing to put up with the surreally gritty life in Glasgow suburbs, where Kevin is from.

On Sunday 20th of June – World Refugee Day - I walked with around 300 people in London (and thousands more in 9 other cities across Europe) holding white umbrellas with messages “for the protection of refugees”. It was a great way to end Refugee Week, sending out  a simple message that we need to continue to welcome and support people who come here to seek refuge. It also provided tourists around Big Ben with a great photo opportunity, potentially increasing our support base in all parts of the world.

Finally, throughout this week, I have been following the happenings on our Simple Acts website. Though we have not yet reached our target of 20000 simple acts (at the moment we are at 16400), people and children from all parts of the UK (and quite a few other countries) have been posting some really inspirational and often funny comments letting us know about the simple acts they’ve done. Here is a small sample:

'I made vegetable and beef samosas for my Dad's birthday. They were very tasty - everyone said so. :-)'
Ben, Kirkbymoorside

'My mum did our family tree, and found out we are desceneded from Hugenots, the first group to be thought of as refugees and fled France due to religious persecution. I'm glad they found safety in England, otherwise I wouldn't be here!'
Juliette, London

'I've been to 4 Refugee Week events in Norwich this week - I enjoyed meeting the Lord Mayor at the launch event at City Hall; ate lots of yummy food at the Community Cuisines party; was a human book in Living Library and enjoyed watching an international football match at the Family Fun Day.'
Jo Foster, Norwich

'I've just kissed a refugee x'
Nana, London

'When I read the story to the girl I tutor, her eyes lit up. We talked about the story itself and she had questions about the cultural differences between herself and the characters. What a great learning opportunity!'
Ashley, USA Chicago

'We liked it when Carly got a new place to live with Mr Friendly who was very kind. The film made us feel sad for Carly. We would let Carly stay with us and give her her own bed and some food.'
Class RB, Liverpool

Finally, thank you for supporting Refugee Week, and for being one of a few people, already friends, who have read my blog to the end, which is here.

SATURDAY'S SIMPLE ACT - Smile and Share our Sweets

These two seem to have been the favourites during this last week - especially in classrooms! Take a look at some of the happy comments you've been making on our Smile page.

School children have also been sharing their sweets for the campaign. For those of us a little older, here's a handy guide on how to share our sweets too.

Happy Saturday :O)

FRIDAY'S SIMPLE ACT - Learn a few words in another language

Mar ha ba. Ni Hao. Hello. 

Sometimes the littlest words can go a long way to making someone feel more welcome. Now, depending on who you’re talking to, here’s how to say ‘Hello’ in 44 other languages!

To get you in the mood, here's how to say Hello to your neighbours in Farsi

If you're hungry for more than "hello" take a look at the Simple Acts site for online lessons and language courses.

Alternative World Cup

Everybody is going World Cup crazy and we at Kick It Out are no different. We are preparing for Sunday’s Alternative World Cup. After enduring sweat-inducing training sessions, we feel geared up for the tournament which is a great chance for bringing together players of refugee and non refugee background and helping refugees overcoming social exclusion through football. Alongside the Refugee Council, Anti-Slavery-International, SMILE and several refugee youth teams, we will contest for the trophy. Yet to us, having an entertaining day and playing football with people who normally don’t have the opportunity to take part in the game, is more important than winning the competition.

In the past, we have worked extensively with refugee communities across the country and beyond. We know about the problems and difficulties they face. Having to flee from their home countries where war and humanitarian crises have destroyed their livelihood, they often face prejudice and social disadvantage in the UK. Misinformation or misinterpretation is often to blame. In particular, teenage refugees often do not feel included in our society. Events such as this tournament help to get in touch with refugees and break down fears of contact.

So as you enjoy the next few weeks of world class football, remember the power of the game beyond the stadia of South Africa. We hope to see you all on Sunday.

For details of the Alternative World Cup please see http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/eventsandtraining/feature-content-pages/worldcup

THURSDAY’S SIMPLE ACT – Cook a dish from another country

This is one of our favourite Simple Acts! From Paella and Pilau to Foul or Fish & Chips - the possibilities for doing it are endless. 

We’ve got a whole bunch of tasty recipes sent in by you folks to try your hand at (we’d love more by the way), and there’s a great recipe book to download from our ‘Cook a dish’ action page.

Here’s how to make Foul Mudammas to get you in the mood

My Refugee Week …A light-hearted account of my experiences and the diversity of Refugee Week.

by Almir Koldzic, Refugee Week UK Coordinator

I set off on my Refugee Week journey on Thursday evening with “From Casablanca to Calais” – which turned out to be a superb event. The event, hosted by BFI London featured clips from various films exploring refugee experiences, which were then discussed by a panel of film luminaries, including Stephan Friars who although it took him a while, told us about his most relevant film Dirty Pretty Things. There were some brilliant clips from Moving to Mars, Welcome and Casablanca, which many people were surprised to discover was about refugees. The event also launched the first ever Refugee Week on-line film festival, presented to us by Refugee Action and Brightwide, which, for those of you in the “not-know” is owed by Colin Firth and his lovely wife Olivia. 

My favourite moment – discovering that Samira Ahmed, the Channel 4 presenter who chaired the event, was even more brilliant, charismatic and sparkly than during her appearances on Channel 4 News.

Last Friday  I went to Belfast to take part in the launch of the biggest ever Refugee Week programme of events in Northern Ireland. At the airport in Belfast, I was greeted by Brendan from NICRAS (Northern Ireland Community of Refuges and Asylum Seekers), who together with his boss Moira made me feel as someone important for those few hours I spent with them. I also realised later on that this was their general and wonderful way of treating all the people they worked with and supported.

The launch event took place in the imposing and historical Stormont, which of course is nowadays Northern Ireland’s Parliament Buildings.  The event featured some great Ugandan drumming and various speeches from different organisations and individuals, including Alex Maskey (Member of the Legislative Assembly) who has been a kind and long term supporter of refugee rights in NI.

What made the biggest impression on me was that Stormont, teaming with members of various refugee and local communities, looked so colourful and live, as a place where indeed a more inclusive and tolerant future for Northern Ireland was being created.

On Sunday, I went to Celebrating Sanctuary London.  To start with, it didn’t look good - the sky was dark and heavy with clouds. There were even a few drops of rain here and there, which brought to surface my long suppressed Slavic pessimism “this must be a sign…”. And then, around 3 pm, it suddenly cleared up, something that my friend Stella claimed happened due to her use of witchcraft and special chants. As I don’t have any other evidence or explanation, I can only say thank you Stella.

Once the sun came out on London’s Southbank, it was impossible to remain pessimistic even for a Slav. As around 24,000 people discovered, Celebrating Sanctuary London really is still one of the best festivals in London. Not only because it offers a magical mix of great music, food, dance, performance but also because it brings together such a variety of perfectly familiar and friendly strangers, including those from refugee communities from across the world.

My favourite moments – seeing so many old friends and former refugees now successful people and parents, enjoying themselves and supporting the cause. OH, and also an elderly Sikh man dancing his heart out to the tunes from Ivory Coast.

On Monday morning, I went to Norwich to attend their Refugee Week launch event, which I was delighted to discover was chaired by my old friend from the Red Cross days, Andy Hewitt. What impressed me there was that the launch event was taking place at the City Council building, where in the lobby display they were promoting Refugee Week and welcoming refugees to Norfolk. What a clear and great message to give out, I thought. And what a great model and example to promote to other city councils.

My favourite moment - going through their superb and well presented programme of events, and reading about an organised walk that will trace architectural and entrepreneurial contributions that various refugee communities have made to Norwich throughout centuries. 

Watch this space to find out about the rest of my week. In the meantime, may the stupendous Refugee Week events across the UK continue…!

WEDNESDAY'S SIMPLE ACT - Your own simple act

There are hundreds of ways to help refugees feel more welcome. We’ve suggested 20 already, but this is just the starting point!  Why not unleash your creativity and to tell us 

"What would YOU do to make refugees feel more welcome?"

Some of our favourites so far are:

I lived on £35 for the week - like many asylum seekers have to. That's £5 a day and it really isn't easy specially in London and with our busy lives. Equally hard to fill a non work day with nothing to do and nothing to spend. Made me feel very lucky to have a job and money in my pocket!

Lara, London

We listened to a Refugee tell us their life story. We asked them questions and then made their life story into a book.

Amy Cole, Salusbury Primary School

Written an article for our local church team magazine & providing an opportunity for people to learn more about refugees at our next team service.

Alison Alder, North Suffolk

I've just kissed a refugee x

Nana, London

We made a positive poster explaining what a Refugee is and what you can do to help.

Miss Wilcox, 5HW

Me and my Mum sang Lean on me by Bill Withers.This is my Mums comments "We LOVE this song as it is about really Giving when you can see that someone needs a helping hand" My comments are "I think this song reminds you that everyone needs to be looked after and loved"

Tamla, Salusbury Primary school

Take a look at some other unique ways some folk have been making little differences across the UK

TUESDAY'S SIMPLE ACT - Do a Quiz about refugees

Q: Is a quiz a great way to learn about refugees?
A: Yes.

Quizzes are great ‘cos they can surprise you, challenge your perceptions and let you feel smug when you know the answers! Here's a whole bunch of brain-teasers to try your hand at.

Remember toregister your simple act – we had over 1000 registered yesterday and need to hit 20’000 completed by this Sunday

MONDAY’S SIMPLE ACT – Read a book about exile

What a great simple acts for a Monday – especially if you’ve had a busy weekend running around visiting Refugee Week events! To start with why not check out this guide to reading book about exile. And to make things even easier for you we’ve collected a whole bunch of recommended books for you – check out these links:
Refugees in Literature – hundreds of great books on the theme of exile
Children’s booklist– as it says on the tin really.

Remember to register your simple act – we need to hot 20’000 completed by this Sunday!