Everything you need to know about Sheffield Refugee Week

You’re tired, you’re anxious, you’re hungry. Swamped with assignments and overwhelmed with exam fever, it can sometimes be a little too much to handle.

You’ve opened the fridge more times than you have a textbook, and yet you find that binge eating or staring aimlessly at empty spaces does not give you superpowers, nor does it do your work for you. Did you know that there are a group of people, that despite this, would envy your position?

Refugees, those that have been forced away from their war ridden homes, from their families, friends and property, and the security of education or employment. It is difficult to find time for these things throughout most of the year, but as it is Refugees Week between 2^nd and 5^th May, we should all dedicate a few breaks to regain perspective and try to help those less fortunate than you and I. Universities are bastions of social mobility and welfare, and the belief that nobody should be disadvantaged due to adverse circumstances they find themselves in, be they financial, political or otherwise. It is up to us to put that into practice.

Refugee Week 2015

How can we get involved?

The International Students’ Committee and the Sheffield Students’ Union are raising funds for City of Sanctuary’s project to construct a Welcome Centre for Refugees in Sheffield.

Wednesday 3^rd May: Dr Scarlett McArdle, a visiting Law professor from the University of Birmingham, will be speaking about the EU’s response to the migrant crisis (Diamond, LT5. 6-7pm)

Friday 5^th May: Watch a screening of the award-winning documentary, ‘Salam Neighbour’. Plunge into the world of Syrian refugees alongside Chris and Zach, the first filmmakers permitted to be registered and given a tent inside a refugee camp (Gallery room 4, 6-8pm)

Saturday and Sunday, 6^th and 7^th May: There will be a Refugee Week stall at the World Food Festival, which is a must for everybody to attend (Octagon Centre, 1pm to 5pm daily)

One important thing to note is that although the events are free, donations, however small, are being encouraged.