Refugee Week 2012 assembly

MikaM.I.A Bob MarleyWyclef Jean

When Mika was a year old his family was forced to leave war-torn Lebanon. M.I.A and her family were forced to flee the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka in the 1980s. Bob Marley fled Jamaica to Miami after being shot during political violence. Wyclef Jean fled Haiti along with his family when he was nine years old.

It was so painful to leave my children, that was the most painful thing…I didn’t want to leave but circumstances forced me to leave Tich Kajanda – Fled Zimbabwe in 2000 I was able to say “Hi, hello, good morning” but that was pretty much it. Fast food, that was something I had never experienced in my life. I was used to a hot meal every time my mother cooked it. Eric Nkundumubano – Fled Rwanda in 2002 When we first arrived in Nottingham we found it extremely difficult because obviously we couldn’t speak the language. It was a complete culture shock, but we were welcomed with open arms. People used to come and leave clothes donations, food donations… extremely friendly to us. I feel settled in the UK; it feels like home to me now. Aldijana Becirevic – Fled Bosnia in 1995 Arriving in the UK

1.If I were in danger and had to leave my country, I would go to the nearest safe country. 2.You shouldn’t ask refugees about their experiences and why they had to leave their country. 3.Mobile phones are a luxury that refugees don’t need. Agree or disagree?

> What would be useful, friendly gifts? > What small luxuries might make a big difference to someone feeling alone, bewildered and desperately short of money? > What local knowledge or tips would you include? > Consider a map with key information. > What about local expressions or useful phrases? Welcome pack What would you include in a welcome pack for a young refugee arriving in your area?

Photo credits and notes Slides 2 and 3 Photo 1 Mika performs during 'Les Victoires de La Musique 2012' at Palais des Congres in 2012 in Paris, France. © Francois Durand/Getty Images Photo 2 British singer M.I.A. performs at the Coachella Music Festival in Indio, California April 18, © John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images Photo 3 Bob Marley performing live on stage at the Rainbow Theatre © Graham Wiltshire/Redferns/Getty Images Photo 4Haitian singer Wyclef Jean performs at the 2009 Bermuda Music Festival © Rob Loud/Getty Images Slide 4 All images © British Red Cross This presentation is part of the Refugee Week 2012 assembly which you can find at redcross.org.uk/refugeeassembly Teachers and other educators are free to use and amend this presentation for use in educational settings. This resource and other free materials are available at redcross.org.uk/education The British Red Cross Society is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SCO37738).