Celebrating Refugee Week: Embracing 'Our Home' with Afrikindness

This year's Refugee Week, celebrated from June 17th to 23rd, follows the theme 'Our Home.' Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

This theme resonates deeply with our mission at Afrikindness, as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing spaces for children and young adults to learn acts of kindness and effectively battle the core causes of bullying and discrimination in our society and around the world.

What Does Home Mean to Us?

As Malala Yousafzai says, 'To me, a home is where you feel loved, safe, and cherished.'

Home can hold several meanings for us. It may simply be a physical space where we gather to wind down and share meals or an emotional space where we feel safe and valued.????

The concept of home connects us through the smells, tastes, and sounds that take us back to feelings of comfort and belonging. Even in the clothes you wear, how you speak, and the cultural traditions you uphold, you sustain a sense of belonging within your communities.

For those who have been displaced, finding a new home involves an isolating journey of rebuilding and rediscovery, seeking refuge in communities, or sometimes, in the kindness of a single person.

The Vision of Afrikindness in Fostering Identity

We realize the profound impression that culture, traditions, and heritage have on children’s social and personal development. Our collective goal should be to help young people develop a strong sense of self and belonging by encouraging them to celebrate acceptance and kindness.

A sense of home is crucial for children and young people as it provides them with stability, security, and a foundation of love and belonging, essential for their emotional and social development. Parents need to first build that home feel to create an environment where their children feel cherished and safe, allowing them to thrive and grow with confidence. ??????

This Refugee Week , we at Afrikindness encourage you to reflect on what home means and spread that sense of belonging to others in your communities, by highlighting the importance of our individual cultures, while celebrating our differences.

Afrikindness Celebrates Refugee Week with Leeds Refugee Forum

Afrikindness proudly celebrated Refugee Week with the Leeds Refugee Forum , marking an event filled with the warmth and vibrancy of community spirit. The aroma of homemade food filled the air, blending with the sounds of laughter, smiles, and music, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Participants had the opportunity to reflect on what "home" means to each of us, sharing personal stories and cultural expressions that highlighted the beauty of our diverse backgrounds. The event served as a reminder that home is not just a place, but a feeling of safety, love, and belonging.

A highlight of the day was a 15-minute discussion on self-care led by the CEO of Afrikindness, Bunmi O. . The session emphasized the importance of self-care for overall well-being, particularly for those who have faced the challenges of displacement. A few self-care tips shared included:

1. Taking a Day Off: Encouraging participants to take a break from their daily routines to recharge.
2. Carving Out Alone Time: Suggesting setting aside small blocks of time daily for personal relaxation and reflection.
3. Spending Time Outdoors: Promoting the benefits of fresh air and nature for mental health.
4. Maintaining Social Connections: Highlighting the importance of social interactions and community support.

These tips were not only shared by the Afrikindness team but also discussed interactively with participants, who offered their own views and experiences on the significance of self-care for their well-being. The session underscored that self-care is essential for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health, especially for refugees who are rebuilding their lives in new communities.

The CEO of Afrikindness expressed deep gratitude for the partnership with Leeds Refugee Forum, emphasising that this collaboration is vital for Afrikindness's mission to foster kindness, acceptance, and cultural understanding.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ali Mahgoub and the leadership of Leeds Refugee Forum for the opportunity to celebrate Refugee Week together. This event has underscored the importance of community, cultural understanding, and the power of kindness. As we reflect on the theme 'Our Home,' let us remember that a true home is built on love, safety, and belonging. We look forward to more collaborative sessions, where we can continue to foster a sense of unity and support for all. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those seeking refuge and build a more inclusive world.".... Bunmi Owolabi

Afrikindness also distributed self-care packs, generously sponsored by Leeds Community Foundation and SIR GEORGE MARTIN TRUST COMPANY LIMITED . Each pack included a one-day foot spa, fruity or calming tea bag, a small massaging towel, plantain chips, and more, providing participants with tools to practice self-care at home.

The day was a resounding success, marked by community bonding, shared experiences, and mutual support.

Making a Difference through Simple Acts of Kindness

This Refugee Week, we invite parents to encourage their children to take part in simple acts of kindness to make their neighborhoods more welcoming to all.

Here are some ways to get involved:

• Send a Message of Welcome: A heartfelt note with a warm welcome can make a new neighbor feel instantly at ease. Encourage your children to create a welcoming space for new classmates or neighbors.
• Have a Chat: A friendly conversation can go a long way. Whether with a new neighbor, someone at the grocery store, or a fellow parent on a school run, a simple "hello" can make someone feel included and seen.
• Share a Meal: Food is a universal language of love and care. Invite a neighbor for a meal, exchange recipes, or host a community potluck. It doesn’t have to take much to help build connections and foster a sense of community.
• Volunteer: Volunteer as a family in local community service projects or support organizations that assist refugees. This can teach children the value of helping others and foster a spirit of empathy and kindness.

More tips here:- https://refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/

Celebrating Culture, Heritage, and Reconnecting with the Earth

During Refugee Week, we want to emphasize the importance of celebrating cultural heritage. You can do this through various activities, including:

• Cultural Storytelling: Films can broaden our perspectives and show us a way of life through someone else’s eyes. A family movie night or book club surrounding this theme can inspire compassion and understanding in our children. For media focusing on migrant backgrounds, browse through the Refugee Week website.
• Music and Arts: Engage in cultural music and arts. These creative expressions are powerful tools for connecting with others and celebrating different heritages. Explore more by attending an international festival local to you, where you will find a celebration of the contributions and creativity of refugees and those seeking sanctuary.
• Care for Our Global Home: We all share the Earth’s resources and are affected by its challenges as global citizens. The climate crisis causes the displacement of millions of people across the world. By taking small actions to care for our shared home, we can slowly build a sustainable future for all. This can also be a chance to discover sustainable living from your new neighbours.

?? Call to action - Parents

There is still time to join the Refugee celebration week, and be part of the movement to make our global home a welcoming, safe, and sustainable place for all.

#RefugeeWeek #SimpleActs #OurHome

For more information on how to get involved, visit the Refugee Week website and connect with local events and activities.