Student Refugee Week

Student Refugee Week
17th -21st March

"This waiting for the Home Office to decide...is a diplomatic form of torture." 

Student Refugee Week is an opportunity for us to engage with the issues around asylum, during term time, and this year we immersed ourselves in the lived experience of asylum seeker journeys through various events on campus.    

'Asylum Monologues’

Kent society Student Action for Refugees (STAR) organised ‘Asylum Monologues’, produced by Ice and Fire, a theatre company that explores human rights stories through performance. The travelling production weaves three queer asylum seeker stories, exploring some of the reasons people seek refuge and the challenges they face going through the UK's asylum system. They were joined by representatives from KRAN and Care4Calais for a Q and A panel.

Rewriting the story

The ambition of this event was to show that behind the numbers there are actual stories and individuals. It was about changing the discourse and dismantling the mainstream racist narrative that are being used to describe and dehumanise asylum seekers.

Gabrielle Couprie, STAR committee

Identity and unity

‘What Parts Of Yourself Do You See In Me?’ was an evening of poetry celebrating identity and unity, featuring 18 performances, organised by the Kent Spoken Word society with Charlotte Annis, a Cultural Studies and Media with Journalism student for whom the project is a component of her end of year dissertation.  

‘Even though I had two examiners in the audience, the night was so much bigger than an academic project’ Charlotte explained  ‘it was meaningful and also acted as an introduction to Sanctuary to those in the audience who had never heard of it. I know that it was a very important and memorable night for all the performers, and the audience too. And I feel very grateful that Sanctuary wanted to work with me on this project.’ 

With contributions from a broad group of students including Sanctuary Scholars  Ismael Nchoutnsu-Nsangou, Makomborero Haruzivishe presenting poems and thoughts, whilst Mia read her letter to the Home Secretary, every piece was impressive, some breathtaking. 

Sanctuary Scholar poems

The Family Matters Oral History Project

Work continues on The Family Matters Oral History Project, a new resource in the Templeman library archive. Launched in February the collection charts the 20-year history of Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN), and digitally preserves valuable interviews and transcripts from KRAN staff, volunteers and service users.

The oral archive is available by appointment currently, but Templeman archivist Beth Astridge is working to make the collection accessible to all online, by the end of the year.    

Find out about the Project

Projekt Encounter

We’re also excited to re-launch our free community engagement programme for refugees, asylum seekers and first-generation migrants in Kent – Projekt Encounter.  

In partnership with theatre company PROJEKT EUROPA, PROJEKT ENCOUNTER is a weekly workshop series hosted by the University’s School of Arts and Architecture, led by professional migrant artists from the local community including Kent alumni. The programme is specifically designed for underserved migrant communities with limited access to theatre, offering free transport from Napier Barracks and providing interpreters at each session. 

This year’s drama workshops will be led by Kent drama alumni, theatre-maker Francisca Stangel, supported by another Kent alumni Surya Chandra and current MA drama student Adane Shikur. 

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Watch to find out more

Workshops

Mask-making and filmmaking workshops are also part of the PROJEKT ENCOUNTER programme this year. 

The mask-making workshops are underway, being led by Kent drama alumnus, theatre practitioner and professional mask-maker, Peter Morton (Artistic Director of the Half a String theatre company) with support from PhD student Yun Geng. 

The completed masks and short films will be showcased as part of the final performance on 17 June 2025.  

Support our Sanctuary work

At the University of Kent, we are proud to offer Sanctuary Scholarships, giving asylum seekers the opportunity to receive a University of Kent education. The scholarships cover a full fee waiver for an undergraduate programme as well as small maintenance grants. 

We want to increase the amount available for maintenance, to ensure that all Sanctuary Scholars receive an allowance that enables them to undertake their studies without hardship. 

You can donate to our sanctuary fund today to help make a difference. Your donation will directly impact asylum-seeking students, helping them rebuild their lives through their education and find a new home within the Kent community.  

Donate to our Sanctuary Fund