We’ve launched a new training programme to help universities become places of sanctuary for refugees and people seeking asylum.
The suite of specialist training courses, created in partnership with City of Sanctuary, is designed to support Higher Education Institutions working towards the Universities of Sanctuary Award.
Universities and colleges in the UK have a proud tradition of providing sanctuary for academics and young people. City of Sanctuary created the Universities of Sanctuary Award to enable places of learning to build on this tradition in today’s political and social context.
Our online courses will help institutions that are inspired to go for the Universities of Sanctuary Award to develop a culture of welcome, shared learning and equal access to education.
Taster sessions
Four free taster sessions will be held during the Universities of Sanctuary Conference 2021, which runs from 15-26 November. Join us for an hour on one of the following dates to get a flavour of what’s on offer:
- Tuesday, 16 November at 2pm
- Friday, 19 November at 10am
- Monday, 22 November at 2pm
- Thursday, 25 November at 10am
Places are limited. If you would like to attend one of these free taster sessions, please book here.
Martha Harding, Training Officer at Scottish Refugee Council said: “It’s a chance for people to experience a couple of exercises from different training courses and ask any questions they have about the new suite of courses.”
Universities of Sanctuary Coordinator, Maryam Taher added: “We are very excited about this training. It is a fantastic way to bring members and those interested in the Universities of Sanctuary network together, so they can share their experiences and improve practice.
“By hearing from a wide range of institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, you feel part of a collaborative network that is working to create supportive structures and support people seeking sanctuary, so that they can safely pursue their right to education, and feel welcomed in the midst of a challenging immigration context.”
Universities of Sanctuary
The University of Edinburgh became the first institution to earn a Universities of Sanctuary award in 2017. There are now 23 accredited Universities of Sanctuary across the UK and 50 more are working towards accreditation.
Dr Amer Masri, Co-founder, Syrian Teenagers Tutoring and Education Programme at the University of Edinburgh said: “I was a refugee. In Syria I was imprisoned and tortured by the regime. When I came to Scotland in 2011, the University helped me a lot.
“I’ve always felt grateful and I wanted to help other Syrian refugees in Edinburgh. No words are enough to thank the University for facilitating the initiative. I feel proud that we have been able to do something that benefits these teenagers.”
Book your place
Universities of Sanctuary courses are open to everyone, but are targeted at students, academics and professional services staff from Higher Education Institutions. They are also useful for third sector organisations who are supporting people into and through Higher Education.
Courses include:
- Aiming for the Universities of Sanctuary Award
- Developing a Sanctuary Scholarship
- Refugees: Asylum and Resettlement
You can book a place on one of our upcoming courses. Institutions can also commission off-the-shelf courses or bespoke training, tailored to suite specific needs.
Find out more or book your place here.
