Students Reflect on Refugee Experiences for World Refugee Day

This week, students across all year groups came together for assemblies marking World Refugee Day, a global event held each year on 20th June to honour the courage and resilience of millions of people forced to flee their homes.

The assemblies explained that a refugee is someone who has had to leave their country due to war, persecution or natural disaster, and cannot return because it is too dangerous. Unlike migrants, refugees do not have a choice – they are protected under international law, and have the right to seek asylum in another country, as recognised by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Students learnt that over half of all refugees today come from just five countries: Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine and South Sudan, with 70% of refugees seeking safety in neighbouring countries.

Students were also encouraged to imagine the emotional impact of leaving everything behind – their home, friends, family and school – with no guarantee of return. As part of this reflection, they heard that well-known figures such as Freddie Mercury, Rita Ora and Albert Einstein were all once refugees who found safety and opportunity in new countries.

This year’s UN Refugee Agency theme is “Hope Away from Home Starts with Us”, reminding us all of the power we have to make a difference. Whether through kindness, welcome, or inclusion, everyone in the school community was encouraged to help create an environment where all people – not just refugees – feel they truly belong.

As one student put it: “It made me think about how lucky I am, and how I can help others feel safe and welcome.”

Let’s continue to be a school that shows compassion, courage and kindness – no matter where someone comes from. After all, hope starts with us.