Planting Seeds for a brighter future On Friday 23rd 2015 Refugee Union participated in an educational fair organized by Canadian International School in Aberdeen. The fair was meant to educate the students on what the NGOs in Hong Kong offer to the local community. There was a total of eighteen exhibitors who showcased their work and their area of expertise. The RU team arrived early was first to set up our stall ready for the business. This showed the seriousness and commitment with which the we carry out our responsibilities. Although we are denied the opportunity to work and contribute to the economy of Hong Kong, refugees have proved again and again that they have a lot to offer in terms of expertise, commitment and the ability to deliver in their work. We at the Refugee Union appreciate the fact that for refugees to be able to enjoy their human rights and live in dignity as human beings in Hong Kong, we have to strive to forge long-lasting partnerships with the local communities. It was therefore prudent for us to grab this golden opportunity in order for us to engage, educate and critic the current policy frame work on refugees with the locals. Our aim was to educate and sensitize the Hong Kong people on the life and times of a refugee as we experience it in our day to day life. As we stand now, policies have pushed the lives of refugees to the periphery. They dont really care how we survive, whether we make it or not. They have shown us constantly through their deeds and comments that it’s none of their business. They have gone ahead and labeled us as economic migrants before they even give us a hearing. Its indeed a great tragedy. No matter how loud we cry, they remain unperturbed by our suffering. Our cries have fallen on deaf ears. Thats why we have decided to change tact and influence the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow. This is our best hope. We also believe that local taxpayers can influence policy changes as they ought to have an interest in how the government incurs expenditure and utilizes their money. The students engaged us very well. We were surprised that all of them knew who is a refugee. They understood very well why refugees escape to other countries. Credit should be given to the teachers of the school who have done a remarkable job instilling knowledge and values that transcends the students’ cultural background. We especially congratulate the school management who came up with such a rich and diverse curriculum that encompasses and captures human endeavours and suffering globally. We were inspired by the Schools Learning Pledge. This is an article of great importance as it emphasizes the human values that are critical in the development and growth of a generation of responsible leaders and global citizens. Its not surprising that Canada the home country of the Canadian International School welcomes thousands of Refugees to their country every year. They open their doors to those who free abuses, torture and upheavals in their countries. They welcome them in open arms, support them fully and integrate them in their society without discrimination. It is said that they are the most refugee friendly country in the world. Hong Kong government school should take a leaf from this country! The student line of questioning was What does the Refugee Union do? We gladly replied: 1. RU educate refugees on their rights in Hong Kong; 2. RU fights for the rights of its members; 3. RU offers a platform to the refugee community where their voices can be heard by articulate issues affecting them in one voice, thereby giving strength; 4. We help each other. Due to inadequate Welfare provision by the Hong Kong government, keeping in mind that we are prohibited from working, we are notable to make ends meet. 5 RU mobilizes resources from well wishers and distribute the same to the refugee community. 5. RU organizes the refugee community as a group that engages the Government of Hong Kong on various policy matters that pertains to them to influence positive change. After such a discussions the students had a better understanding. Senior students would commend us for standing up for our rights. What surprised the young ones was when they heard that the entire RU team comprised actually refugees – most of them were speechless! At the end of the day we accomplished our mission to engage with the community. As we move on despite the hardships, we have no doubt in our mind that we are planting seeds that will germinate in the future. We believe the future is bright. Refugees are taking charge of their affairs, we are managing our lives independently. We know ourselves better, the needs and the challenges that we face as we experience them every day. We are speaking in one voice. We sincerely thank Canadian International School for an outstanding opportunity to tell our own story.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 03:01:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015