Dear friends,

Welcome back after what I hope has been a wonderful, rejuvenating summer holiday. 

This is the first newsletter from me, as the most recent addition to the City of Sanctuary UK having joined over the summer to lead on Operations and the FE Colleges of Sanctuary work. It is super to be part of the team and I have really enjoyed finding out more about the work across the UK and meeting with some of the wonderful people involved in the network - always inspiring to meet and be around such passionate and knowledgeable people. 

My background is working with people seeking sanctuary, within the voluntary sector as well as within the local authority in Newcastle where I led on the City of Sanctuary work across the city. I have loved working with schools and FE Colleges and it is always wonderful to hear about the amazing work that goes on under the sanctuary banner - I look forward to continuing this work in my new role and look forward to meeting and working with you all over the next little while.

Alot has happened since the last FE Colleges of Sanctuary newsletter - unfortunately this includes the appalling violence at the end of July which involved the targeting of people who came to the UK seeking sanctuary having already fled violence and persecution.

Everyone deserves to live in safety, no matter who they are or where they’re from.⁣ We stand in steadfast solidarity with all those who were affected. This must be a turning point. We need political leadership that does more than just condemn these far-right mobs. We need leadership which stamps out systemic racism; tackles the real issues facing us all and inspires belief in a better world.

Until then, it’s up to all of us to call out racism and bigotry in all its forms, to look out for our neighbours, and to double our efforts in building a UK that is a true place of welcome for all. Colleges can be at the forefront of these efforts and play a pivotal role not only in encouraging young people to lead with kindness and compassion but also in leading community responses to new arrivals.

So let's roll up our sleeves and get started...

1 - If you aren't already, apply to be a FE College of Sanctuary this academic year. See details of our new (BIGGER & BETTER) package, timeframes and deadlines here. (NB: don't miss the first deadline by the 25th September!) 

2 - Register for the Introduction to FE College of Sanctuary Webinar on the 18th September to learn about more about the programme, award process and criteria and connect with other colleges across the UK.

3 - Challenge the demonisation of migrant and sanctuary seeking communities with a college-wide activity celebrating our migration stories and raising awareness about the experiences of people seeking sanctuary. [See the collective action idea below and a list of resources to talk about migration here.]

We are all needed to stand against the hate and build a kinder, more hopeful future for people seeking safety. Thank you for standing with us.

Kind regards,
Rosie, Director of Operations at City of Sanctuary UK and Further Education Colleges of Sanctuary Lead
rosie@cityofsanctuary.org

At the end of the last academic year we were delighted to recognise Dundee and Angus College as our newest awarded College of Sanctuary.

We also warmly welcome Waltham Forest College to our network, having recently signed the supporting organisation pledge - the first step to becoming an FE College of Sanctuary.

Click here find out more about the awards process.

In the aftermath of the horrific far-right violence in the summer, we all have a role to play in building a culture and communities where this never happens again.

With many attacks aimed at migrants or people seeking sanctuary, these events have been driven in no small part by the demonisation and othering of these groups and narratives that ignore how the UK is built on a history of migration.

Our College and the World

This term, challenge these understandings by exploring and celebrating your college's connections to the wider world.

Display a large map in a public place and ask staff and students to add their relationships to other parts of the world: either through their own journeys or those of their relatives and family. People can write short profiles of these journeys, explaining who took it, when it happened, why it happened and what their experiences were on arrival. Some of these stories may describe long journeys of seeking safety, for others shorter journeys for family, employment or excitement.

Staff and students can stop to explore these stories and recognise the rich tapestry of people, experiences, cultures and backgrounds make up your college. Send photos of your display and student and staff contributing to it to colleges@cityofsanctuary.org.

Together, we are building a culture of welcome. If you understand the vital importance of Colleges of Sanctuary, please dig deep and help us to spread welcome in colleges during these very challenging times. Click here to donate. Thank you.