Thursday 30th June saw a remarkable number of people gathering in the Waldegrave Drawing Room at St Mary’s University, Twickenham for the event
‘Stories out of Syria’. It was held by a local group called “Refugees Welcome in Richmond” which was founded as a response to the refugee crisis in Syria.
We heard from a number of different voices, from those teaching poetry which helps refugees express their experiences through to a young Syrian man who has set up a charity to help his country folk. For me, the highlight of the evening was listening to two young Syrian girls, who spoke about their traumatic journey from Syria to the UK.
Their bravery, grace and lack of bitterness over their situation was astounding and inspiring. The project itself is aiming to house 50 Syrian refugees in the borough of Richmond and Twickenham through the cooperation of private landlords.
More information about the project can be found at www.refugeeswelcomeinrichmond.org as well as here on our website.
Gabby Thomas