Refugee integration is a pressing issue in the UK, and one of the most critical aspects of this process is employment. Despite various support systems, there remains a significant gap in employment rates between refugees and the general population. According to recent figures from the Home Office, refugees are 20% less likely to be employed compared to the wider UK population.
Maximising Refugee Employability in the Southeast
To address this, my current research focuses on understanding the role of local councils in improving refugee employability in the Southeast. I aim to uncover the on-the-ground realities faced by local council employees, councillors, and charity workers who are directly involved in supporting refugees. My goal is to identify not only the challenges and barriers that hinder refugee employment, but also to highlight successful strategies that can be shared across the region.
Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss this topic at Kent Business School during a Business Soundbite event, where the audience asked thought-provoking questions that reinforced the importance of this work. However, to truly make an impact, I need your help.
Do you have contacts? Can you help?
I’m currently seeking insights from local council employees, councillors, and charity workers who have experience working on refugee employability issues in the Southeast. If you or someone you know fits this description, I would love to hear from you. A short interview could provide valuable insights that will not only contribute to my research, but could also help inform broader strategies for supporting refugee employment.
Your input is crucial. By sharing your experiences and knowledge, you can help create a clearer picture of how local councils can better serve refugees in their communities. Together, we can work towards closing the employment gap and ensuring that refugees are not just surviving but thriving in the UK.
Email me at jjwm@kent.ac.uk – your insights could contribute to making a real difference to the lives of refugees seeking to rebuild their careers in a new country.
Joel Montgomery, Lecturer in Management at Kent Business School
Steve Walker, Chairman of Walker Construction, and Caroline Walker visited the Canterbury Campus today to present a cheque to Samantha Scott, Philanthropy Manager and one of our talented Sanctuary Scholars, whose identity needs to remain anonymous.
The University of Kent is working to be a safe and welcoming place for refugees and asylum seekers. The gift from The Walker Construction Trust will help ensure we can provide our Sanctuary Scholars with the equipment and furnishing items they need when they arrive at university, often alone and without basic belongings.
Our Sanctuary Scholarships provide a fee waiver and limited maintenance grant to up to five students each year, aimed at helping those seeking asylum in the UK to progress with their higher education. The Sanctuary Fund aims to help provide a level of maintenance closer to that received by most other students through Student Finance, to ensure Sanctuary Scholars can live well while they study.
The University of Kent’s Sanctuary Scholarships form part of a wider programme of work towards becoming a University of Sanctuary. Through academic research, public engagement and collaborations with partners, we use our platform to advocate for safety and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary.
One of our Sanctuary Scholars said, “I had lost hope. My Sanctuary Scholarship has given me hope. Now I can see a future where I can use my education and experience to help make the world a better place for everyone. The University of Kent has given me a home where I can feel safe. This support from The Walker Construction Trust will help students like me, who have been forced to leave behind their studies, homes, families and friends. We are so thankful for this generosity.”
Steve Walker added, “We have been completely blown away by meeting some of the Sanctuary Scholars studying at the University of Kent. Their stories of strength and perseverance, despite horrors and challenges that we can’t even imagine, are astounding. I am honoured, on behalf of The Walker Construction Trust, to contribute to the Sanctuary Scholars being able to complete their studies. Their plans for the future are remarkable and I have no doubt their mark on our community and our world will be very positive.”
On behalf of the University of Kent and our Sanctuary Scholars, we thank The Walker Construction Trust for their generosity.
Volunteering Opportunity for Kent staff and students
Are you interested in learning more about Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) and the work they do with refugees in Kent, and also build skills in oral history transcriptions and producing transcription summaries? You might wish to get involved in this project! Read on to find out more…
The University of Kent’s Special Collections and Archives are delighted to be working on the KRAN Family Matters: Kent Refugee Action Network 20th Anniversary Heritage Project. This is a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to celebrate the 20th anniversary of KRAN by recording oral histories with the people involved with the organisation.
Capturing two decades of work to welcome refugees in Kent
The project aims to learn the story of the organisation first-hand, from the people involved in setting it up and realising its vision to support under-age asylum seekers. During the project, KRAN’s Youth Ambassadors will be trained in Oral History techniques, and will interview those involved in the organisation, recording and conserving the collective learning gained from two decades of working to welcome refugees in Kent.
The oral histories will provide a record of the challenges and successes in KRAN’s history through stories and experiences passed down from founders, volunteers, staff and supporters. The project team will be working to fill gaps, bring in new perspectives and give voice to people excluded from traditional historical records.
Special Collections and Archives at the University of Kent will be providing a permanent home for the KRAN oral history collection, and ensure they are catalogued and preserved using professional standards, and made accessible according to data protection and confidentiality requirements. Look out for more information on a November launch event in the Templeman!
How can you get involved?
If you are interested in this opportunity please do get in touch with Beth Astridge in Special Collections and Archives: SpecialCollections@kent.ac.uk. All training will be provided and the work can be done entirely remotely.
Margherita Laera Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre shares her experience of working with migrant secondary school pupils in Canterbury on this valuable project.
‘One of the most enriching work experiences I have had recently, has been working with Foreign Affairs theatre company on Performing International Plays school workshops, engaging secondary-school pupils and teachers with plays from around the world, often in translation, to foster love, curiosity and respect for global stories. Using international plays as a tool for social justice and representation through an inclusive pedagogy, we have made space for stories that rarely see the limelight but that matter to all, especially to those who don’t feel represented by the curriculum.
We have worked with all kinds of schools, 16 across the country this year, from the most underserved to the most privileged, because we believe that every single young person needs to have a chance to experience and respect stories and characters that emerge from other cultures. As well as at The Royal Court Theatre in London. However, one of these events recently took place closer to home, on campus, in the form of a two-day theatre translation workshop with Ukrainian refugee students and British GCSE Drama students from The Archbishops’ School in Canterbury. Together they chose and translated a children’s play from Ukrainian to English, ‘Rubbish: Straw, Balloon and Shoe’ by Kateryna Penkova which they performed in front of an audience on the second day of the workshop.
We are incredibly proud that the feedback on our workshops from pupils and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The staff made us want to learn more about our cultures and respect people for who they are”, Workshop Participant
“I noticed students from racially minoritised groups taking the lead in discussions” Teacher
Teachers have highlighted that the workshops helped diverse pupils feel validated and recognised, and supported everyone in acquiring the skills that support English literacy. As well as engaging with social issues, building confidence, working in groups and speaking in front of a large group, improving their wellbeing, engagement and attainment at school and, for the English native speakers, practising foreign language skills.
We have lots to celebrate at the end of our fist academic year. Thanks to the trust of teachers and to our funders – ACE, AHRC, South East Cultural Innovation Forum and University of Kent.
Article by Hayley Snoding | International Projects Officer
Celebrating a remarkable 15-year relationship with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), our institution remains deeply committed to supporting academics facing perilous circumstances. This collaboration not only underscores the importance of academic freedom and humanitarian support but also highlights our ongoing dedication to fostering a safe and nurturing environment for scholars in need.
The Importance of Our Partnership with CARA
For nearly 15 years, our institution has proudly partnered with CARA (the Council for At-Risk Academics), providing essential funds to support at-risk fellows on an annual basis. CARA, which celebrated its 90th anniversary last year, has utilised these funds to assist fellows in completing their studies and postdoctoral research at our university. This enduring relationship has been bolstered by the significant time contributions made by our university community, who go above and beyond their regular duties to support at-risk academics worldwide. This collaborative effort is a key component of our work to become a University of Sanctuary, demonstrating our commitment to humanitarian support.
Supporting At-Risk Academics: Reham Hammadi and Dr Fateh Shaban
Since 2015 the University has supported eight CARA recipients from Syria, Iraq and Turkey. Most recently, our university has extended support to Reham Hammadi, a third-year studentship recipient, and Dr Fateh Shaban [pictured above], a second-year visiting fellow. Dr Anthony Manning, Dean for Global and Lifelong Learning, and Hayley Snoding, International Project Officer, met recently with Dr Shaban who provided a profound insight into the challenges faced by refugee academics. He shared his experiences of seeking employment, adapting to a new environment, and the critical role CARA’s programmes played in supporting Syrian academics. Dr Shaban also recounted his time as a representative of the National Syrian Coalition to the Syria Recovery Trust Fund, where he faced significant obstacles in delivering humanitarian aid to the Northwest of Syria due to political interference. He also talked about his work as an academic and his endeavour to support Syrian academics in the Northwest of Syria and in the diaspora. Dr Shaban emphasised the importance of direct and open communication in academic culture, career development, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
Who Are CARA?
Founded in 1933 by leading British academics and scientists in response to the expulsion of scholars from German universities on racial grounds, CARA is dedicated to the relief of suffering and the defence of learning and science. Over the decades, CARA has saved thousands of academics, although many more still require assistance. As a unique charitable organisation, CARA is deeply embedded in the UK higher education and research community, with 65% of UK institutions actively engaged in its work. CARA’s growing network of international partners extends its reach globally.
Dr Fateh Shaban’s Experience and Research
Dr Shaban, specialising in Human Geography, is currently collaborating with colleagues from the University of Kent and other British Universities. He expressed immense gratitude for the support provided by the School of Anthropology and Conservation, particularly in helping his children find schools and settle in the UK. Initially mentored by Robert Fish, he later found a valuable mentor and friend Jonathan Rock, who assisted him in submitting a research funding proposal and applying for a British Academy grant related to international aid and fieldwork. Recently, Dr Shaban attended a roundtable event, further enriching his academic journey. He is attending the RGS-IBG Annual International Conference in London in late August to share the findings of his current research with the broader academic community.
The Impact of CARA on Dr Shaban’s Career
Facing numerous challenges in his career, Dr Shaban graduated as a lecturer in 2003 and completed his PhD in 2013. After relocating to Turkey in 2014, he struggled to find work in Turkey due to the language barrier. Joining the CARA Syria programme in 2017, he found remarkable support, particularly through workshops and networking opportunities in the UK. His experiences illustrate the profound impact CARA can have on at-risk academics, offering them a lifeline and enabling them to continue their important work.
The Necessity of Continued Support for CARA
Dr Shaban’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of CARA’s support. However, this support is limited to two years, and with this period nearing its end, he and his family face the possibility of returning to Turkey, where the situation remains unchanged. His family has successfully integrated into UK society, with his children in school and his wife employed part-time. The continuation of CARA’s funding is crucial to maintaining this stability and supporting at-risk academics like Dr Fateh Shaban.
Upholding the values of academic freedom
As our institution applies to become a place of sanctuary for refugees, stories like Dr Shaban’s highlight the vital importance of our continued support for CARA. By fostering a safe and supportive environment for at-risk academics, we uphold the values of academic freedom, humanitarianism, and intellectual diversity. It is imperative that we sustain and expand our efforts to support those who face perilous conditions, ensuring they can continue their valuable contributions to academia and society.
Article by Hayley Snoding | International Projects Officer
A Heartwarming Partnership
The Global and Lifelong Learning team were delighted to welcome staff and students from Kherson State University (KSU) recently for an academic mobility visit, bespoke short-course, and tour of the University and City. This visit is a remarkable testament to the twinning collaboration between our institutions, forged in June 2022 as part of the five-year Twinning Initiative backed by the UK government, Universities UK, and Cormack Consultancy Group.
The Twinning Initiative: Fostering Solidarity and Exchange
The Twinning Initiative offers a unique opportunity for universities in the UK and abroad to promote resource sharing, cultural exchange, support, and solidarity with institutions affected by ongoing conflicts. Over the past two years, we have provided support to KSU through the donation of IT and technical equipment, delivery of English classes, guest lectures, and supporting the online English Speaking Club and current affairs discussions for KSU students and academic colleagues.
Cherishing Cultural Connections
In March 2023, an art exhibition was launched at our University to mark the opening of this collaborative partnership. KSU staff presented their remarkable book, “Chronicles of a Displaced University,” documenting their thoughts and memories of their lives relocated to a new city. This poignant exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of our colleagues at KSU.
A Visit Filled with Inspiration and Hope
As we welcomed the Vice Rector, Alla Tsapiv, and a group of students from KSU in June 2024, our campus was filled with a renewed sense of hope and inspiration. During their visit, they learned about cultural awareness and leadership skills, visited various locations, and on 17 June, Kent staff and students were treated to a captivating demonstration of Ukrainian culture and an opportunity to network with the Kherson staff and students.
Vice Rector, Alla Tsapiv, reflecting on the trip, said:
“It has been a wonderful opportunity to create lovely memories and cultural opportunities. Our students were so excited to travel by plane, as some have never been on one. It has been wonderful for them to improve their English language. One of the main benefits of this partnership is the emotional stability that it provides to us.”
University colleagues and students were treated to a mesmerizing dance performance by Yevheniia Spivakovska, a Lecturer in English at KSU. Two of the students, Kateryna and Victoriia then sang in their native language, expressing their strength, resilience, and love for their homeland – a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit.
The event was described by staff as profoundly moving and impactive, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet the Vice Rector and forge deeper connections.
Yevheniia Spivakovska demonstrating Ukrainian danceKent and KSU students networking
Voices of Solidarity and Admiration
Shane Weller, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, reflecting on the networking session, shared:
“It was a great pleasure to meet with colleagues and students from KSU at the networking session on 17 June. We had the opportunity to see traditional dancing and listen to some very moving songs, as well as to learn more about how staff and students at KSU have coped with the impact of the war. It was an incredibly moving event, and listening to the students tell of their experiences, and of how the collaboration has helped them, was a powerful reminder of the difference that the University can make. I very much look forward to our continuing this very important collaboration.”
Hilary Edridge, Head of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, expressed her profound admiration:
“Meeting the staff and students from KSU was profoundly inspiring. Hearing about their unwavering resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Their stories are not just ones of survival but of courage and hope.”
Anthony Manning, Dean for Global and Lifelong Learning, echoed these sentiments:
“We feel so lucky to have been twinned with KSU, and we’re so pleased that you have been able to visit us. Your strength and determination continue to impress and inspire us.”
A Poignant Reminder and Heartfelt Gratitude
This event, held as part of the Refugee Week events, served as a stark reminder that the devastation continues, and we offer our heartfelt thanks to the staff and students from KSU whose generosity and appreciation of the support offered by our University are clear to see. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity are truly inspiring, and we are honoured to continue this important collaboration, fostering solidarity, cultural exchange, and hope for a better future.
If you would like further information on our relationship with Kherson State University you might also like to see the following:
By Hayley Snoding, International Project Officer, Global and Lifelong Learning
Kherson State University and the University of Kent have been collaborating since June 2022 as part of the UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative. During that time we have provided support through the donation of IT and technical equipment, delivery of English classes, guest lectures and supporting the KSU online English Speaking Club and current affairs discussions.
My experience of being a part of English Club
I have been with Global and Lifelong Learning for 8 months now and one of my first projects was getting involved in our English Speaking Club with Kherson State University. I have to say I was a little apprehensive at first, who wouldn’t be? What did I know about being displaced, facing war, having to move away from family and friends, staying positive when facing such uncertainty.
What I found was inspiration and resilience from the Ukrainian students, opportunities to learn about Ukrainian culture and traditions, and even things I never knew about British history and traditions (Google has been my best friend on occasions).
I now look forward to our weekly sessions, which range from talking about books, films and fashion trends to world health, managing your finances and the path to academic success.
What the students say about English Club
I asked some of the students from Kherson State University what English Club means to them:
Maria, “I love it, I joined in 2021, before the war and during. It became quite significant as we are in different cities and locations. It is great to be whole again and not worrying about isolation. English speaking club has interesting themes and it is good to think about something pleasant and practice English. My favourite thing is it makes us a community.”
Alla, “I enjoy the intellectual exchange, discussion of interesting topics and hearing different opinions. Telling stories and jokes is a good way to unite with each other.”
Dimitro, “Very interesting conversation and good to hear from a native speaker.”
Serhii, “I love the ideas and being together. Joining makes learning and education pleasant.”
The English Speaking Club is led by Olena Stavenko, English Language Teacher at Kherson State University. Olena is always upbeat and makes every session fun and interactive. We start with an ice breaker question to get warmed up and then jump right into the topic. In the last year we have had contributions from one of Kent’s own Degree Apprentices and some of our Student Global Officers, who can offer their own insights into studying in the UK and how things differ in their own cultures.
Tuesday 28th May was our last session for this academic year as there will be a break over the summer while the Ukrainian students take their exams. I wish them all every success in their exams. But there will be an opportunity for me to meet some of them when they visit us next month. It will be wonderful to meet some of them in person.
Want to get involved?
If you are interested in taking part in one of our English Speaking Club sessions in the next academic year, and joining in the discussions, please get in touch. It is a wonderful way of broadening your own development and understanding of cultural awareness.
Global and Lifelong Learning will be hosting a networking event with staff and students from Kherson State University on Monday 17th June, 11:00-13:00. If you would like to join us, please complete the online form: https://forms.office.com/e/cTtZTkwEp6
You can also find out more about our collaboration with Kherson State University from the links below:
This Thursday 13 June, a new staff group called The Sanctuary Collective will launch – a way for us to do something helpful and productive for asylum seekers and refugees in our work time using a range of skills and interests that might not be part of our current roles.
One of the first initiatives will be a men’s clothing drive – encouraging staff, students, and friends to donate good quality men’s clothes for asylum seekers and refugees in our community.
What clothing can I give and how?
We’re looking for men’s clothes because in July we’re hosting a group of residents from Napier Barracks in Folkestone, many of whom arrived in the UK recently with just the clothes on their backs. As we are providing sporting activities on campus as part of an ‘Exploring Higher Education’ day, it would be great to be able to offer changes of clothes to participants (particularly sporty gear – t shirts, shorts, tracksuits, sweatshirts, trainers, socks).
Bring clean, useable men’s or unisex clothing to the Sanctuary Collective launch in Rutherford Lounge at 2pm on Thursday 13th June, or bring to Rutherford Annexe foyer (low building next to Rutherford College) whenever suits you Monday-Friday between 9-5pm – any questions, message Natalia on n.crisanti@kent.ac.uk
Why should I join the Sanctuary Collective?
Be a part of the University’s civic mission in your paid Kent volunteering hours, and spend some time in your working life doing something that has a real practical impact on a part of our society that’s often overlooked or even stigmatised.
Grow your transferable skills and contacts as you meet people from across the university and work together on projects that give you another perspective, as you share and gain knowledge with colleagues about civic mission, philanthropy, events and communications.
Join our sympa mailing list via our online form to be invited to meetings and activities, and participate in our first in-person launch meeting in Refugee Week:
The Sanctuary Collective Launch, 2-3pm on Thursday 13 June, in Rutherford Lounge – an informal meeting to see who we are and discuss ideas about what we can do to shape and mobilise the collective. By signing up via the form, you will be invited to this and future events.
Academics from two Eastern Arc universities are co-leading a collaboration with Sham University to enhance higher education provision in the non-regime-controlled northwest of Syria, as part of ongoing work supported and facilitated by the Cara – Council for At Risk Academics – Syria Programme.
Sham University is located in the town of Azaz, which has received huge numbers of internally displaced people (IDPs) since 2014. Approximately fifty percent of Sham’s students live in IDP camps, and the remainder are drawn from towns in Azaz and surrounding areas.
HE institutions in northwest Syria face many challenges. The pool of qualified staff is small, resources are severely limited, and security threats are commonplace. Despite these challenges however, Sham is developing a reputation for high quality HE provision and has signed memoranda of understanding with a small number of Turkish universities, which allow Sham graduates to progress on to master courses.
Since summer 2022, this collaboration has focused on governance, quality enhancement, staff development, and education design. At face-to-face workshops in Turkey and regular online meetings, academics from Sham have worked closely with UK colleagues to review existing policies and practices and to balance meeting international standards with addressing local challenges and needs. Achievements so far include a committee structure, ensuring democratic decision-making at all levels from individual departments to the University Council, and redesigned undergraduate programmes in selected faculties to support sustainability, optimise resilience to risk, allow for module-sharing across courses and address uneven workloads for students and staff.
In the current phase of the project, Dr Tahir Zaman (Sussex), Dr Tom Parkinson (Kent) and Professor Aysha Divan (Leeds) are mentoring teams of Sham researchers to undertake small-scale action research projects, each addressing strategic priorities identified by staff, students, and community stakeholders. Areas of focus include addressing gender disparities in participation in higher education in the region, designing curricula that meet the needs of the local community and labour market, and devising university-wide elective modules to enhance transferable skills across all programmes.
Additionally, Dr Juliet Millican (IDS, based at Sussex) and Dr Luma Tabbaa (Kent) are currently delivering a second webinar series focusing on teaching methods. Dr Julia Hope (Kent), Dr Fateh Shaban (Kent) and Nidal Ajaj (Kent) are mentoring Sham lecturers to prepare applications for Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
The team are always looking for volunteers to contribute as mentors, facilitators, or critical friends. Please contact Tom Parkinson (t.parkinson@kent.ac.uk) if you are interested.
If you’d like to know more about the Cara Syria Programme, which supports at-risk Syrian academics to continue their academic work, contact Kate Robertson, Syria Programme Director at robertson@cara.ngo.
Do you want to do something helpful and productive for asylum seekers and refugees in our University and local community but don’t know where to start?
Join Kent’s new Sanctuary Collective, meet other staff members from across the university, and help us drive the Sanctuary programme forward.
What can I get involved with?
The projects within the Sanctuary Programme at Kent are varied and so all kinds of skills and availability are welcome to take on remote tasks and on campus tasks.
Initiatives that might benefit from staff volunteering input include:
Helping to welcome and give guided campus tours to visitors such as those seeking asylum housed in the local area, groups of unaccompanied migrants, cohorts from our Ukraine twinning programme;
English conversation/ social groups online;
Communications and events support for fundraising events;
Volunteering with Sanctuary-themed library archive projects;
Organising and promoting clothing donation drives;
Collaboration with student volunteers and groups such as STAR (Student Action for Refugees);
Collaboration with nearby charitable organisations supporting those seeking Sanctuary in our community
This list is just the beginning! Together as Kent staff, we will continue to identify and embrace new opportunities and initiatives that we can meaningfully address as a collective.
What’s in it for me?
Be a part of the University’s civic mission in your paid Kent volunteering hours, and spend some time in your working life doing something that has a real practical impact on a part of our society that’s often overlooked or even stigmatised.
Grow your transferable skills and contacts as you meet people from across the university and work together on projects that give you another perspective, as you share and gain knowledge with colleagues about civic mission, philanthropy, events and communications.
Join our sympa mailing list via our online form to be invited to meetings and activities, and a Teams chat to share ideas. Together we can make a difference.
