Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events and activities that celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK and promotes better understanding of why people seek sanctuary. There are three events in Cambridge this week, and all are free.
“We must save the children” : The Cambridge Refugee Committee, 1939-1945
Tuesday 18th June, 1930 at St. Paul’s Community Centre, Hills Road.
An illustrated talk, with poetry and music, on the little-known work done in Cambridge to provide refuge to hundreds of children fleeing Nazi-dominated Europe. A group of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to provide the refugees with a new home, education, training and welfare. Who were these extraordinary people and why did they do what they did? A remarkable and inspiring untold story. Talk given by Mike Levy with poetry readings by young people of Chesterton Community College and music from the Kol Echad Choir.
For more information or to book a place, contact Eddic Stadnik on (01223) 655241 or email cecfenquiries@cecf.co.uk.
The refugee experience
Thursday 20th June, 1930 at the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology.
Introduction by Julian Huppert MP, the keynote speaker, and then a presentation by Geoff and Joy Levine from International Social Affairs Christian Network, based on their links with asylum seekers and refugees in camps in Malta. Then open-floor discussion on the presentation and refugee issues generally.
For more information or to book a place, contact Eddic Stadnik on (01223) 655241 or e-mail cecfenquiries@cecf.co.uk.
Pushing the Elephant
Film screening and discussion – Friday 21st June, 1900 (refreshments from 1830) at Anglia Ruskin University, East Road.
Introductory talk and discussion led by Dr. David Skinner, Reader in Sociology at Anglia Ruskin University. This documentary film chronicles the story of Rose Mapendo and how she escaped from the ethnic violence of the Democratic Republic of Congo to become a vital voice to help mend her divided country. During the conflict Rose was separated from her five-year-old daughter, but escaped with nine of her ten children and settled in the USA. More than ten years later, mother and daughter are reunited in the USA where they face the past and build a new future. They come to terms with what it means to be a survivor, a woman, a refugee and an American. This is a powerful first-person portrait of an invincible woman dedicated to peace and forgiveness. It is a moving, joyful and hopeful story of refugee experience and the process of adopting a different cultural and social pattern. More information and booking