We are so grateful that volunteers Beth Lamyman and Thanushan Aravinthan, professional photographers/videographers from Neighbour's Pool Productions, took these fab photos from our AGM. Here you can see our Patron, Robert Voss, HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, the Mayor of St Albans, Anthony Rowlands, our Chair Irene Austin, and Treasurer Adrian Ball. Below you can see our Trustee John Borton introducing some members of our wonderful Advisory Board.
Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/J4cTw8wHuiTXADR2A At Herts Welcomes Refugees we are dismayed that this cruel bill has now passed into law and are concerned for the safety of vulnerable asylum seekers who could be forcibly deported.
We join our voices with The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants - you can sign their form here: jointcouncilforthewelfareofimmigrants.beaconforms.com/form/ee3d4d40 You can also sign up with the Refugee Council at act.refugeecouncil.org.uk/campaign/join-campaign-fair-and-humane-asylum-system Together with Refugees is a coalition of charities and has a Fair Begins Here campaign. Many other charities and human rights groups are also working to help those faced with deportation notices. Our charity welcomes and supports refugees in Hertfordshire. To feel you are making a difference locally, get in touch with enquiries@hwsf.org.uk - we would love to hear from you! At our AGM last year we were pleased to interview a young Iranian boy, 11 year old Arad.
This year at our AGM we were delighted that Arad and his family could attend again. You can see Arad pictured here with his parents and younger brother, along with their volunteer Alison and supporter Richard. Their situation has changed and they have happily just been given leave to remain in the UK. This is great news but brings its own problems as the family now faces eviction from the asylum seeker accommodation they were living in without having more secure accommodation to move in to. At the AGM Arad and Alison performed a rap that Arad wrote. He speaks multiple languages but this is in excellent English! We are so pleased Arad has given permission for us to reproduce his rap here, giving us an insight into his view of the world and the challenges he faces. (Verse 1) I'm just a 13-year-old, tryna make my way In this new country, where dreams come to play Came here for a future, a chance to shine bright But sometimes it feels like I'm stuck in the fight (Chorus) Tired of this, I wanna be equal Chasing my dreams, no matter how steep the sequel I'm just a kid, but I got big plans Gonna show the world, I'm in command (Verse 2) I hustle every day, grindin' through the pain Learning new languages, expanding my brain I came here for a reason, to make a better life No matter the obstacles, I'll conquer the strife (Chorus) Tired of this, I wanna be equal Chasing my dreams, no matter how steep the sequel I'm just a kid, but I got big plans Gonna show the world, I'm in command (Bridge) No matter where I'm from, or the colour of my skin I deserve a chance, let the journey begin I'll rise above the hate, spread love and peace A 13-year-old boy, aiming for release (Chorus) Tired of this, I wanna be equal Chasing my dreams, no matter how steep the sequel I'm just a kid, but I got big plans Gonna show the world, I'm in command (Outro) So here's to the future, a world that's fair Where every 13-year-old can breathe the same air Keep fighting for your dreams, never lose sight You're destined for greatness, my friend, that's right! Hope this rap speaks to your journey and desire for equality, bro! Keep hustlin' and chasing those dreams. What an evening! At last night’s AGM attended by over 100 people we heard moving words from our patron, the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, who reminded us of the diversity of Hertfordshire, saying “Thank you to all our refugee friends for bringing their cultures here, and for all the volunteers at Herts Welcomes Refugees.” We also heard from the Worshipful Mayor of St Albans, Anthony Rowlands and our Chair Irene Austin.
Irene talked about the challenges facing asylum seekers as they are given leave to remain and then face the reality of having only 28 days to find jobs and accommodation. Most inspiring were the refugee voices themselves, including a rap from a thirteen year old Iranian boy who speaks multiple languages, members of our inspiring Advisory Board, and Aaron, a graphic artist from Honduras whose beautiful work we saw displayed, explained that far from coming here to take people’s jobs he and his family had fled for their lives. We were delighted to see so many friends and supporters at the AGM and there was a display of fantastic art work by asylum seekers in local hotels along with delicious food prepared by some of the refugees. A truly inspirational evening. It is lovely to see that Veronica has been recognised as a Local Hero in the Caring category. Veronica has volunteered for Herts Welcomes Refugees for many years, working tirelessly to support asylum seeker and refugee families settle into their new life in North Herts.
Read more about the awards and another chance to watch the video at this link: https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/heroes-crowned-and-money-raised-chairs-civic-event-year? We were delighted that our Trustee and Area Convenor Veronica Raymond won the Caring category of the North Herts Local Hero award on Friday. The award was sponsored by local business Nyaradzo Funeral Services. Congratulations Veronica! Here she is receiving her award from Council Chair Daniel Allen. The film below showcases the work of Herts Welcomes Refugees: It features Veronica, our Administrator Annabel Kirk and volunteer Kathie Martins along with our refugee partner Samer. Two years since the invasion of Ukraine, our hearts go out to all those affected, especially the brave refugees who have moved to Hertfordshire. We are full of admiration for their courage, and grateful to all those hosting and supporting them.
On Sunday February 25th, a very moving Peace Vigil in the centre of Welwyn Garden City was arranged by Local Councillor Michal Siewniak and the local Interfaith group. Councillor Siewniak said in his opening comments that this vigil would not change anything but, at a time when there are so many conflicts, it is important for people to come together and reflect on the subject of Peace. There were readings from 7 different faith groups - Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Bahai, Catholic, Anglican and Quaker. The Quaker contribution was read by HWR Trustee Vicky Woodcraft, reflecting on the fact that Peace begins in our own lives and must be built, not imposed. More than 40 people attended, including the Mayor, Councillor Pankit Shah who read from Hindu scripture, and some of the Ukrainian refugees living in the area. Some of you will remember how powerfully Afghan refugee Shokria spoke at International Women’s Day last year.
This year she was invited to speak at the North Herts Holocaust Memorial Day event, where the theme was The Fragility of Freedom. You can see Shokria speaking 51 minutes in at www.youtube.com/live/BjShwIf4QNE?si=G6x988NgbOzPRZe-&t=3079 Shokria talks about the terrible events in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s when people were persecuted just because of who they were, and in subsequent genocides. She goes on to talk about the situation in Afghanistan today under the Taliban. Afghan women and girls’ freedoms have been removed; they are not allowed to leave the house, work or go to school or university. They face torture and imprisonment. Shokria's speech is heartrending. She concludes by saying that half of the population of her country has had their freedom taken away from them. We so admire Shokria's courage for speaking out. She is currently at University herself in the UK, continuing her Engineering studies. Our volunteer Helen Singer was really touched to be asked to write a blog post for IMIX on Holocaust Memorial Day this year. It is an opportunity to reflect how her family background has influenced her voluntary work, her admiration for the work of Herts Welcomes Refugees supporting those seeking sanctuary in Hertfordshire, the importance of telling their stories, and what action needs to be taken to better support those in search of refuge in the UK today.🧡 You can read the blog post at this link and view the Instagram story above.
We are delighted that Lucile has joined the team as our new Safeguarding Lead. We wish you all the best in your role with us Lucile!
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