Helping young refugees

When a group of young people originally formed the KCL STAR group with the aim of helping young refugees and asylum seekers, they couldn’t have forseen how successful it would become. (The name stands for King’s College London Student Action for Refugees.)

Then, in 2000, KCL STAR joined forces with the Refugee Home School Support Project in Battersea to run a new homework and social club project for young refugees. It was an immediate success.

The project’s junior and senior clubs run one evening a week to help young refugees and asylum seekers with their English and maths homework. The young organisers also arrange regular outings and provide a great range of fun activities – such as cooking, and arts and crafts.

More than 100 young people aged 5 – 14 years are currently involved in the clubs, with about 25 young people attending both the junior and senior weekly session. There’s even a waiting list to join.

Extra support

Parents and teachers recognise that some young refugees and asylum seekers need extra support to help them integrate into school life. Sometimes a language barrier can present an additional challenge for young people completing their homework. Working with teachers from three local schools, the project identifies students who could benefit from attending the homework and social club.

Local parents are also spreading the word about how the clubs have helped their children by providing a supportive, inclusive environment where they can meet other young people in the same situation. The clubs offer a real feeling of community, allowing young refugees and asylum seekers to develop their English language skills – and have fun.