PRESS RELEASE

7th February 2018 – for immediate release

 

Teacher calls for schools to unite on unique day of action

 

A teacher at Avenue Junior School in Norwich, Jake Brown, is calling for schools across Norfolk to join together in a day of action designed to help children make sense of the international refugee crisis. On Friday 20th April, Norfolk Welcomes will see schools run themed assemblies, special lessons drawing on Norwich’s rich history as a city of sanctuary, and fundraising activities to raise money for local refugee groups. Jake has already got a commitment from 19 schools in Norwich and Norfolk to join in, but wants to offer more of the county’s pupils the chance to ‘go beyond the headlines’ in thinking about one of today’s most pressing global issues.

 

For Norfolk Welcomes, Jake’s team will provide resources to help children make sense of the refugee crisis alongside lessons plans based on the stories of many different newcomers to Norwich – from the Strangers of the 16th century to refugees from the Spanish Civil War. Information is being collated by a team of citizen researchers coordinated by Jeannette Baxter of Anglia Ruskin University, with contributions from the team behind last year’s acclaimed theatre piece about the history of ‘strangers’ in Norwich, Come Yew In, as well as Amnesty International.

 

“Norwich and Norfolk have a long history of welcoming newcomers. Using little-known stories from our local area felt like a great way to help children across the county to engage with the refugee experience. We’re looking forward to creative and critical responses to a complex issue.” – Jake Brown

 

For more information, contact Jake Brown at jbrown3erw@nsix.org.uk or on 07563240504

 

 

Norfolk Welcomes day of action: Friday 20th April 2018                              [ENDS]