STUDENTS REACH OUT TO REFUGEES

Refugees struggling to make a home in Bradford are being given a helping hand by undergraduates in the Department of Peace Studies.

From left: Claudia Bradshaw, Adrian Platt, Dolgion Erdenebaata, Johanna Bergstrom, Nipa Ghosh, and front, Kasha Ghumram.

The students have formed the group Student Action for Refugees (STAR) which aims to ease the introduction of refugees into the area.

STAR, part of a national student initiative, aims to increase understanding in the community between all sides involved.

Kasha Ghumram, a Polish second-year International Relations student, said: "Many of these people have never even been to see a film while they have been here or been invited for a cup of tea by their neighbours.

"Lots of them say they want to work, they don't want to be on benefits. It's a crazy system. Refugees are given vouchers and maybe a little cash. Others are left without food or basic living items by landlords, but a lot of people think they are given the best council places."

The group is hoping to set up the society for the next Academic year to include campaigning on refugee issues and getting involved in direct voluntary work with refugees by supporting existing projects and organisations such as the Refugee Council, Bradford Action for Refugees and Bradford Immigration and Asylum Support (BIASAN).

Next >

N&V home | N&V June home | Welcome | Contents | Events | Comments | Corp Comms Home | Uni Home