Among the many remarkable Afghan refugees whom we have been supporting are two young women, Mina and Arifa, who are aiming to take part in the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
They also aim to start university courses soon and at Herts Welcomes Refugees we are so proud to have helped them to prepare for the language tests they need to pass with specialist tutors. Just now we have put them in touch with a student on a similar course to give an insight into university life. Read their remarkable story here https://www.thewarriorcyclists.com/ We are so excited that Mina and Arifa will be competing in the UCI road world championship trials in Glasgow next month, the next stage on the journey to Olympic selection. If you can help them realise their dream to get to the Paris Olympics please donate here https://www.gofundme.com/.../help-us-reach-our-dream-and...? Thank you so much! Go Mina and Arifa! Today as the Illegal Migration Bill is sadly passing into law, we would like to share the words of Sobia Razzaq, Area Convenor and academic. Here Sobia talks about the need for #compassion towards refugees and asylum seekers:
"I am fortunate to volunteer for a local charity called Herts Welcomes Refugees (HWR), which offers crucial support to refugees and asylum seekers across Hertfordshire. HWR plays a vital role in providing practical assistance and connecting refugees and asylum seekers to their new communities. It recognises that successful integration requires more than just finding a place to live; it involves understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals who have experienced displacement. This year's theme for Refugee Week, compassion, is at the core of HWR's mission. Compassion serves as the foundation upon which meaningful assistance and support can be provided. It means not only recognising the challenges and hardships faced by refugees, but also acknowledging their inherent dignity and resilience. By treating them with kindness, respect, and empathy, we create an environment that fosters healing, empowerment, and successful integration. Refugees and asylum seekers share the same concerns as everyone else, they desire a safe environment for their families where they can contribute and grow, and they are genuinely grateful for the opportunities they have been given. Unfortunately, biased, and toxic rhetoric against these communities persists, making it even more important for us to stand up for their rights and dignity. I have been fortunate to be able to integrate some of this work with my day job as a lecturer and projects I work on; as academics, we have a unique role to play in integrating students into their local communities and fostering collaboration. By providing students with opportunities to engage with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, we help cultivate a deeper understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by migrants and refugees. This first-hand exposure has the power to break down stereotypes and misconceptions, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. We also have the responsibility to encourage our students to actively participate in making positive changes. By instilling a sense of responsibility and drive to contribute to a better future, we empower them to pursue careers and positions where they can make a meaningful impact. Through education, research, and advocacy, they can become advocates for positive changes in policies and practices surrounding migration." At Herts Welcomes Refugees we are saddened to learn that the Illegal Migration Bill will become law. We endorse the position of the Refugee Council at https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/information/what-is-the-illegal-migration-bill/
"They're like friends, they're like family.' Today we hear some lovely feedback on our work from Marcus, who has just been offered a scholarship to study plumbing at a local College.
It's Refugee Week! The theme this year is Compassion.
Look out for our posts on social media every day this week, and watch our videos on our special new Refugee Week page. Each day during Volunteers' Week we posted some quotes from some of our amazing volunteers, to celebrate their contribution and inspire others. You can see all of these on our Volunteers Week page.
If you would like to volunteer, take a look at our Volunteering page and if you can spare a little time get in touch at enquiries@hwsf.org.uk, we would love to hear from you! Celebrating our wonderful volunteers! Herts Welcomes Refugees were delighted that two of our volunteers, Anne and Pete, were invited to afternoon tea at Mill Green Mill and Museum with the Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield. Thank you to all our amazing volunteers #volunteersweek2023
It's Volunteers' Week! All week we are posting quotes from our inspiring volunteers on our social media. Take a sneak preview at Volunteers Week 2023
A Ukrainian woman and her small son are in danger of being moved from Hatfield, where the little boy is happily settled in The Ryde school, to Luton when their Homes4Ukrainians sponsorship ends this Friday, June 2nd.
After the trauma of leaving home and family in Ukraine the mother has found a job she loves and she and her son have made friends locally. Can anyone accommodate them in the Hatfield area and save them from having to move yet again? Please contact Deborah Ronchetti - debbiej08@hotmail.com - for further details. We are delighted to introduce Ruhena Akhtar, our new Volunteer Coordinator.
We asked Ruhena a bit about herself and she told us she was brought up in North Hertfordshire with a background working for corporate organisations and charities. Ruhena is a practicing psychotherapist/counsellor with her own private practice and is a passionate advocate of mental health and combating abuse and harmful practices. Ruhena has an interest in charities and has been involved in charitable projects and community work for many years, including working with asylum seekers and refugees at a law firm and a refuge. With a migrant background herself, she says she is looking forward to helping @hertswelcomesrefugees to make a positive impact and we love her quote: "We never know what one ripple will make in a person’s life, we should thrive for a positive one". 🙏🏻Ruhena, we all look forward to working with you! If you would like to volunteer with us, please get in touch via enquiries@hwsf.org.uk |
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