Kent is proud to announce that we have been awarded ‘University of Sanctuary’ status in recognition and celebration of our values and the work we do to exemplify a commitment to welcome people seeking sanctuary.
The Sanctuary Award means Kent joins a list of other prestigious Universities of Sanctuary – including our partners through the Eastern Arc research consortium whose upcoming conference will focus on themes related to migration and movement.
Speaking about what this award means to Kent, Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice Chancellor at Kent said: ‘We are honoured by this award and proud to be part of a movement that stands for compassion, dignity, and inclusion. As a university, we are committed to creating a place of safety and belonging for all. Our work inspires us to look beyond the classroom and into our wider role as a civic institution, with universities not just centres of learning but also active contributors to our wider communities.’
The decision was made after a visit from the Sanctuary Awards team in May, where the panel learnt about the various initiatives, scholars and local partnerships that we have been supporting.
Talking about Kent’s work, and why we have been recognised, Sian Summers-Rees Chair of City of Sanctuary UK and Kent Alumna said: ‘We very much enjoyed learning more about all your incredible efforts to promote sanctuary and welcome at the University. It was most apparent hearing from the scholars that the university has gone above and beyond to provide the support needed. The University-wide commitment to promoting welcome across the University and beyond was also very evident and made me particularly proud of being a University of Kent alumna.’
The day included talks from our current and former Sanctuary scholars, who spoke about their time at Kent and how the university has supported and inspired them. One of these, Makomborero Haruzivishe, said: ‘The Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Kent gave me hope in a hopeless world, re-connected me with ambitions I thought were lost. I am in charge today, empowered to chart my own path, strengthened by the indispensable support the Sanctuary Scholarship award has given me. I will forever be grateful.’
This award is further recognition of the work happening across the university to provide a warm, welcoming and supportive community to anyone, irrespective of their background. As well as refugees and asylum seekers, this includes empowering underrepresented students and those who may not have had higher education expectations through our wider outreach work.
Recent work in this area has included a new ‘Championing Boys’ initiative to address barriers faced by boys in education, along with a special Spring School for care experienced young people looking to access University.
More about our Sanctuary work can be found here.