Communities across Eastern Education Group recently came together to mark Refugee Week with a picnic for staff and students, celebrating cultural stories in a welcoming space.
Refugee Week is an annual celebration that brings together people from different backgrounds to connect beyond labels and foster a deeper understanding of why people are displaced, and the challenges they face when seeking safety.
During the week, which took place on the 15th-21st June, the Group organised a Refugee Picnic at the University and Professional Development Centre – a collaboration between English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English as a Second Language (ESOL) departments.
The lunchtime gathering brought together staff and students from West Suffolk College and University Studies at West Suffolk College to share cultural stories, celebrate inclusion, and learn from the diverse experiences that enrich college life.
The event included Halal food, a student-curated playlist of songs from their home countries, and a map which invited attendees to place a pin on their native city.
Michael Apicella, Programme Lead for EAL at West Suffolk College, said: “Refugee Week encourages people to pay attention to a very real situation in the world, which is the displacement of people because of war and injustice. I wanted my students to know that Eastern Education Group cares and is concerned about their wellbeing and want to be there for them and represent them. I’m grateful that the Group is taking that upon themselves.
“The most important thing I think people should know is that difference that comes from nationality is completely irrelevant. People pay attention to nationalities and cultures, but ultimately, all people are the same. It’s completely irrelevant where you’re from, or what language you speak, or what colour your skin is. All everyone wants is basic human rights.”
20-year-old Haverhill-resident Basira moved to England in 2024 from Pakistan, where she had lived for three years after leaving her home country of Afghanistan. She is studying an ESOL course at the University & Professional Development Centre. On living in England, Basira said: “It’s so peaceful. We have peace, and we are safe here. We can do everything we want.”
Reflecting on the picnic, she said: “It’s so important. I feel like the UK is my home because they care about refugees. I really appreciate it.”
18-year-old Sirimon studies EAL at West Suffolk College. Originally from Thailand, she moved to Sudbury in 2024 without any knowledge of the English language. She said: “My favourite thing is the community. I meet lots of new students in my class. They are all friendly.”
Anne Short, Head of Skills for Life at Eastern Education Group and one of the organisers of the picnic, said: “It’s a fantastic way for the whole college community to sit down, eat, talk, laugh, and just celebrate each other and where everyone has come from.”
