Yahoo News World Refugee Week 2019: London events to celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK
This week is World Refugee Week, and London is buzzing with arts and educational events to celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK and encourage a better understanding between communities.
The theme ‘You, me and those who came before’ will explore the lives of refugees through the generations, as well as those who have welcomed them.
If you fancy getting stuck in with new food and workshops, as well as learning more about the situation of refugees around the world today, why not head down to Devonshire Square in the East of the City? WeWork are launching a week-long festival there to celebrate World Refugee Day as part of their commitment to hire 1,500 refugees over the next five years.
The events, in collaboration between WeWork, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Go Fund Me, will to help fundraise for world’s first-ever pop-up shop opening in September where goods are made by refugees.
There will also be sessions from UNHCR and Groundwork discussing how to hire refugees and the benefits for businesses, as well as a coaching session from LinkedIn to help refugee candidates prepare for interviews.
Mathieu Proust, general manager, WeWork UK & Ireland said: “We have created a diverse range of events to take place here in London. Our aim is to bring people together, raise awareness of refugees in the UK and encourage a greater understanding of the reality of refugee experiences.”
The festival is open to the general public and tickets can be bought online.
Outdoor cinema
A special screening of the award-winning film, CAPERNAUM, is taking place in an outdoor tent in Devonshire Square ahead of its commercial release as part of World Refugee Week. All ticket proceeds will be donated to UNHCR. Ticket includes popcorn.
Date: June 18, 6.30pm
Tickets from £5 – visit https://outdoorcinemacapernaum.splashthat.com/
Live Music
Enjoy live music in the courtyard of Devonshire Square with two refugee artists – star of The Voice Middle East, Hamsa Mounif and Syrian guitarist, Kareem Ghali.
Date: June 18 and 20 (12 – 2pm)
Lunch and learn with Groundwork/ UNHCR
This informative ‘Lunch and Learn’ will discuss refugee employment in the UK, and the skills that businesses need to unlock the potential of a highly-skilled workforce.
Date: June 19, 12.30-1.30pm
Visit https://lunchandlearnrefugeeemployment.splashthat.com/
Migrateful cooking class with refugee chef, Noor
Test your kitchen skills with an intimate after-work cooking class with refugee cook, Noor. The class is available for up to 15 people.
Date: June 19, 6-9.30pm
Price: £35 per person
Visit https://cookingclasseswithmigrateful.splashthat.com/
MADE51 Pop Up Showcase
Want to spruce up your home? WeWork has partnered with UNHCR to showcase MADE51, a global brand for artisanal home décor and accessories crafted by refugees. This will be the largest public display of MADE51 products to date and to celebrate this moment, UNHCR UK is launching a crowdfunding campaign to bring the MADE51 collection to Chelsea, London, for a pop-up sale this autumn: if they meet their goals, it will be the world’s first-ever refugee-made home store.
Date: June 20 and 21
Photography exhibition: Life in Syria
Life in Syria is an ongoing photographic project and book which aims to show the reality that millions of Syrians are forced to live every day. The book collects the imagery of five Syrian photographers, showing some of the moments that have left their mark on them between 2011-2016. On display – just outside 8 Devonshire Square during Refugee Week – will be 27 of these images, chosen by the photographers themselves.
Date: June 19 and 21
Refugee chefs food stations
Throughout the week, lunch will be served by refugee vendors, including Nigerian inspired food by Migrateful, Ethiopian delicacies served by Delina, and Sri Lankan flavours brought to you by Papi’s Pickles.
Date: June 19 – 21 (between 11.30am – 3pm, and 6 – 8.30pm)
