THE UNIVERSITY of Reading received a University of Sanctuary award following a successful appraisal meeting with the scheme’s coordinators last month.
The announcement follows Refugee Week, June 19-25, and recognises ‘universities that have gone above and beyond to provide an understanding, compassionate, and safe experience that would enable people seeking sanctuary to thrive and recognise their potential’.
A key aspect of the process surrounds community engagement and partnerships created between the university and local refugee support organisations.
The University first signed the Reading City of Sanctuary pledge in 2017 and established a University of Sanctuary working group in 2020.
The working group was set up to coordinate the work across campus and develop initiatives that align with the three core principles of the scheme: learn, embed, and share.
Prof Ruth Evans, who has led the University of Sanctuary working group at the University alongside Professor Federico Faloppa, said: “We are so pleased to have achieved this award, recognising the generous Sanctuary Scholarships we offer and innovative teaching, research and community engagement initiatives welcoming sanctuary seekers at the University of Reading.
“We thank everyone involved for their hard work to achieve the award and look forward to learning from and continuing to embed the culture of welcome across the university in the coming years.”
Reading’s Sanctuary Scholarship Scheme provides up to 12 funded scholarships for refugee students each year, also organising social gatherings for sanctuary students to help them settle into life in the town.
The on-site Sanctuary Coffee Bank gives local refugees and sanctuary scholars access to free hot drinks.
Other initiatives the University is involved in include support for the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) Fellowship scheme, the Cara Syria Programme, working with Reading Refugee Support Group, and offering English language support for partners such as the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Maryam Taher, University of Sanctuary co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted that the University of Reading is joining the University of Sanctuary network.
The panel recognised the great dedication and commitment of the University community towards supporting those seeking sanctuary, and we are excited for the University’s plans and to further build on this positive work.”
During Refugee Week, the University of Reading hosted a variety of activities such as a lunch for 30 members of Reading Golders Club to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush, the Reading Community Cup, an evening theatre recital on climate justice and displacement, and a celebration lunch to thank community researchers for their role in the Transnational Families in Europe project.
