Refugees: Welcome

Help young people gain a better understanding of the humanitarian impact of the refugee crisis.

The discussion ideas, drama activities, photos and a short film will build learners’ empathy for the real people affected by the crisis. Young people will also be encouraged to consider the difference a welcome could make to someone seeking asylum and refuge.

Learning objectives

Learners will: 

• increase their understanding of the refugee crisis and develop awareness of the personal stories behind the numbers and headlines
• consider how language can change perspectives
• explore emotions and words associated with the idea of feeling welcome and consider the positive impact a welcome could have.

Resource overview

1. Key facts sheet
   Helpful definitions and background information build understanding of the refugee crisis.
2. Discussion: Build understanding
   Learners consider what it might be like to be a young refugee and use photos to look at the story of a Syrian refugee in Glasgow.
3. Discussion: Building empathy
   Explore how language can change perspectives through a short film.
4. Drama activity: Welcome
   Explore the language and emotions associated with feeling welcome and unwelcome. Use drama techniques to consider how you could make people feel welcome.
5. Poetry: Welcome words
   Experiment with language to express a message of welcome for refugees and asylum seekers.
6. Next steps
   Suggestions for practical actions to help young people consider what they could do to make refugees and asylum seekers feel welcome in their schools and communities.

Credits

These resources were written by Rob Bowden of Lifeworlds Learning and published in May 2016. Reviewed September 2017.