In advance of The Walk’s arrival in Canterbury on 21 October, Kent PhD student Basma Taysir El Doukhi, a Palestinian Stateless refugee and former occupant of the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidieh in southern Lebanon, said:
‘Little Amal’s Walk will help shed light on the millions of displaced refugee children around the world and is an opportunity for all of us to learn, reflect and show solidarity with them. Each one of us has a role to support, seek knowledge, and contribute positively to shift the narratives about refugees and other marginalized groups, as well as working to create a better world for everyone and bring about positive change.
‘According to Save The Children, seventy-two million children – 17% of the 426 million children living in conflict areas, globally; or one in six – are living near armed groups that perpetrate sexual violence against them. Children who live in conflict zones are also at the highest risk of experiencing violence, psychological stress, hunger, loss of education, and lacking basic resources.
‘As a refugee and a humanitarian professional who worked with and supported children in conflict zones and protracted displacement, I believe that small actions can lead to a bigger difference and change in their lives. I therefore encourage as many people as possible to listen to the message Little Amal is carrying, as it is one that can help end the suffering of so many children and their families.’
The Walk is an 8000km travelling festival of art and hope that aims to focus attention on the urgent needs of young refugees. The focal point and central figure of The Walk is Little Amal, a 3.5m tall puppet of a young refugee girl designed and built by the Handspring Puppet Company, the world-famous creators of War Horse. Little Amal will arrive at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus for a series of special events on 21 October, having set out from Turkey’s Syrian border in July. Along the way, she will have passed through Greece, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium. Her arrival at the University will take the form of a procession from Canterbury Cathedral, accompanied by 350 school children.
Further information on Basma Taysir El Doukhi and her story is available here.
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