Dina Nayeri, author of ‘The Waiting Place’, will be joining us online to share her experiences of seeking sanctuary, as well as the experiences of some children who live in a refugee camp in Greece where her book is set. During the pre-task and live webcast she will help your pupils to better understand the experiences of refugees and get them to think about how to create a culture of welcome in your classroom. This webcast is ideal for pupils aged 7-9 (Yr 3 & 4 in England & Wales, P4-5 students in Scotland).

‘The Waiting Place is an unflinching look at ten young lives suspended outside of time – and bravely proceeding anyway. Each lyrical passage leads the reader from one story to the next, revealing the dreams, ambitions, and personalities of each displaced child. The stories are punctuated by intimate photos, followed by the author’s reflections on life in a refugee camp. Locking the global refugee crisis sharply in focus, The Waiting Place is an urgent call to change what we teach young people about the nature of home and safety.’

Dina’s session forms part of A Day of Welcome, a day of solidarity and learning in schools that aims to build a culture of welcome and understanding for refugees and asylum seekers. This celebration is designed to support schools and families in marking Refugee Week (19-25 June) and to send a clear message that for those in need of sanctuary, our communities are welcoming places.

By registering to take part in the webcast, you are participating in A Day of Welcome. VNET will share your contact details with Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary who will be in touch with further activities and ideas that you could use as a complement to the webcast in order to mark A Day of Welcome.

Thanks to our partners in this event:

Young Norfolk Arts Trust provides opportunities for children and young people to create and engage with creativity and culture across Norfolk. We hold the Young Norfolk Arts Festival (YNAF) – a celebration of creativity and performance by and for young people in Norfolk every year. We work closely with schools and cultural organisations to provide creative opportunities and inspiration throughout the year and we are delighted to be part of this project. We also run the YNA Collective (YNAC), a volunteer group of 16-25 year olds with an interest in the arts and creative industries either as a hobby or as a career path.

Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary and Anglia Ruskin University – Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary is a network of Norfolk schools committed to building a culture of welcome for refugees and asylum seekers. Over the past five years, they have worked closely with Anglia Ruskin University to develop A Day of Welcome – an annual day of learning and solidarity inspired by stories of refugee migration that raises awareness of refugee history and heritage, past and present, local and global.

In collaboration with: