Derby College Group Stages An Amazing Cultural Feast For Refugee Week

Last week, there were great celebrations at the Roundhouse College in Derby for Refugee Week, with over 1000 people attending. The activities included a masterclass in bhangra dancing led by Surtal Arts, traditional drumming, mehndi painting, exotic and delicious food from across the globe, an art exhibition, and opportunities for students to learn about other cultures and try new experiences.

And with the national Refugee Week ethos at its heart, the event celebrated the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

The Lexis and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Academy alongside the Joseph Wright College’s Art and Design students worked in collaboration to raise awareness for Refugee Week. Lexis is a full-time programme for 16 to 19-year-old learners whose first language is not English.

The Lexis students also wrote stories based on their experiences of coming to the UK, which were illustrated by the Art and Design students. This allowed refugees to share their own personal stories with those attending.

Jennifer Rehman, Assistant Principle for Community Education, commented “This event really highlights how through much adversity our refugees have shown great determination to succeed.

Foziya Younis, Lexis Lecturer and Enrichment Coordinator, led on bringing the event together. Foziya enthusiastically commented “It has been amazing seeing all the different types of traditional dress, the lovely food prepared and provided by the students, and hearing the varied music and seeing the wide range of dances from many countries.

“It was such a celebration, recognising all our students who have a refugee background. These young people have come from all across the world to be with us in Derby, be it from the Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran or Ukraine. It was fantastic seeing so many different cultures in one place.

Foziya added “And whilst they may come from different cultures and backgrounds, everyone showed that they have many similarities, including a desire for a fulfilled, happy life.”

Jennifer Rehman, Assistant Principle for Community Education commented “This event really highlights that despite many of our refugees going through incredibly difficult times, they remain positive and show great resilience.

“Congratulations to Foziya, her team and the students for bringing a brilliant event together.”

Tibian Mahmoud, a refugee originally from Eritrea spoke of the event “This week has been excellent as it shows other people where refugees come from and who they are, including me.

“Since arriving here, I have been supported by the College every step of the way. Much kindness has been shown to me and I would like to also help people, potentially enrolling on a Health and Social Care Course and then working in a caring industry.”

Another refugee, Osman Elamain, originally from Sudan said “I really feel part of the College and this event has been so good, showing all the different nations.

“I fled Sudan, due to the war, one and half years ago. Derby College has welcomed me and helped me improve my English, I am very grateful. Eventually I would love to work in cyber security.”

And Monika Sapkota from Nepal stated “I found education is the most positive thing in the UK. Because of education I got a chance to learn about the English language, culture and traditions. Education helped me build my confidence.”

Mariia Skarlat shared her story saying that “Moving from Ukraine to the UK was a life-changing experience. It was challenging, but it was also a chance to learn and grow.

“I have made new friends, experienced a new culture, and gained a new perspective on life.”

Beyond this event, it needs to be acknowledged there is significant continuing support for the Lexis students, including from the following local organisations:

Spiral Arts supporting the students with arts projects
Derby Book Festival who offer support every week under the shared reading programme
HSBC for supporting learners with financial literacy
Yousif Aslam – Managing Director of Heavenly Desserts for motivating the Lexis students by giving them advice and guidance on how to overcome challenges in life
Vicki Offin from Upbeat Communities for raising awareness of the plight of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced families in Derby
Bethany Slater form Maison Foo for recognising the talents of the students
Rolls Royce for giving tours and activities
Derby Museum of Making and The University of Derby for facilitating visits to their organisations
Moorways Sports Village who offer regular free taster sessions
The overall objective of Lexis is to help learners improve their English and gain qualifications to enable them to progress into further education or employment.

More details can be found here: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/lexis/