One Tree Refugee Project

Somerset Storyfest

We have made 30 visits to primary and secondary schools since 2021. Each half day visit involves three facilitators. Our INTRODUCTION defines terms, eg asylum seeker, then discusses the concept of 'home' and current conflicts and their impact on asylum. Our two refugees share their LIFE STORIES talking about their ‘homeland’, childhood, career, aspects of their culture, for what reasons they left, how they came and how they are adjusting to life in the UK. They also share LIVE or recorded MUSIC from their home or a participative activity, eg SONG MAKING, or WORDS & IMAGES where pupils reflect and respond to what they've heard through writing and drawing. This two way exchange helps pupils and refugees understand differences and similarities, enter discussion and ask questions, in order to move towards a greater appreciation and respect of other cultures and realise what is unique about their own. Project feedback ... “People can discriminate because of a fear of the unknown, but first-hand meetings can lead to further understanding and tolerance, thereby avoiding prejudice" Teacher "It made me realise how important it is to give young people the chance to speak with people from backgrounds that are so different to their own". Funder "I feel sorry for the refugees because once they leave their home they might never feel at home again. It makes me feel very grateful for my home!” Pupil "“Children showed extraordinary engagement with plenty of innocent and smart questions, and with beautiful artistic reactions. I loved the experience" Refugee