Welcome to your monthly Resettlement Project update. 

This month we are bringing you news about some events which have taken place over the last few weeks, an introduction to some of our Lifelong Learning ESOL staff, and some important information about the UK Government’s Rwanda Act. We also bring news about upcoming events in June. 

As usual we would love to hear from you with your news and stories, so please write to us at ResettlementProject@Dumgal.Gov.UK with any stories you would like to see featured here. 

News and Events

Meeting our people – Lifelong Learning

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of teaching two remarkable groups of ESOL learners. Despite facing various challenges, these learners have demonstrated unwavering dedication and enthusiasm in their journey from Beginner level to Level 2.

What sets these groups apart is not just their academic progress but their incredible work ethic. They eagerly participate in class activities, diligently complete their homework, and often request additional assignments – a testament to their dedication to learning and improvement.

Both groups comprise refugees and New Scots from various regions of the world. Many grapple with homesickness and concerns about events in their home countries. However, the vibrant and engaging classes serve as a welcome distraction, offering them respite from their worries, even if only for a few hours.

A highlight of our time together has been the spirited camaraderie fostered through games and activities. Whether it’s a fierce game of Jenga or a lively grammar quiz, these learners never shy away from a challenge and revel in friendly competition.

Beyond the classroom, we’ve explored local sights, museums, galleries, and cafes, providing enriching experiences that broaden their horizons and deepen their connection to their new community. These outings are cherished by all, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for their surroundings.

We are immensely proud of our ESOL learners and the progress they have made. Their hard work, and infectious enthusiasm serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of education. Here’s to celebrating their accomplishments and supporting them on their journey ahead!

– Vera Arkhipova, Lifelong Learning Assistant.

Past events

Screening of ‘Midnight Traveller’ by award winning Afghan director at CAMPLE LINE

On 28 April there was a special screening of the film ‘Midnight Traveller’ by award winning Afghan director Hassan Fazili at CAMPLE LINE, near Thornhill, north of Dumfries.Filmed entirely on mobile phones by the director’s family as they fled the Taliban, this documentary covers the family’s journey from Afghanistan to Europe, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by asylum seekers looking for a safe place to stay.The film follows the journey of Hassan, along with his wife, Fatima, and daughters Nargis and Zahra as they make their way through Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary.The event included a discussion with a representative from MOOL after the film, with the opportunity to learn more about the work that MOOL does to support refugees locally and overseas.

Local author launches new book, with all profits donated to refugee support

On 23 April at The Stove Network in Dumfries, locally-based author Eileen Kay launched her latest book “Hope, Laughter, Survival – On the Refugee Trail from Africa via Ukraine to Hungary and beyond”, the fourth in her ‘Noodle Trails’ series of travel memoirs. The book is a first-hand account of Eileen’s time in Budapest where she witnessed the arrival of thousands of displaced people from Ukraine. Full of good humour and compelling narratives, the book includes stories like the Ukrainian grandma who downed a drone with a jar of tomatoes, and the story of soldiers who were threatened by a Russian warship and responded with obscenities.Eileen met and befriended a group of medical students who had been studying in Ukraine. Many of their stories are also told in the book, along with wider accounts of how the community came together and responded with kindness to support people fleeing the conflict.  Eileen draws from her extensive travel experience and seeks to use sharp humour and a passion for people to tell stories of her travels around the world. A US expat, she has previously worked for the BBC, KISS-100 FM Radio, and as a stand-up comedian. Now based in Dumfries, she continues to travel, teaches English, and is on a challenge to write as many travel memoirs as possible.In keeping with the themes of the latest book, all profits will be donated to organisations supporting refugees.

The UK Government’s Rwanda arrangements

You may have seen in the news recently that there’s a new law in the UK which means some people seeking asylum may be considered for removal to Rwanda. Not all of the details around the new law are fully clear yet, but it’s important to understand that the law will only affect people who are classed as asylum seekers, and even then it will not have an impact on every person under this category.  If you are living in the UK on a valid and recognised visa scheme, or as part of a recognised resettlement programme, then the law will not apply to you and you will not be considered for removal to Rwanda. If you are a person who is seeking asylum in the UK and you are being considered for removal to Rwanda, the Home Office will contact you directly by letter.  If you have any concerns about the new law, or you feel you want to get further information or support, you can contact the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) – SRC can help you with free legal representation and will give advice on what to do if you are being considered for removal under this law.  If you are worried, please contact your solicitor as soon as possible. If you do not have legal representation, please call The Scottish Refugee Council’s free helpline on 0808 196 7274.

Coming in next month’s newsletter

During the summer across Dumfries and Galloway there are many local festivals which celebrate the history and people in each village and town. There is usually a parade with people dressing up, concerts, a young girl getting crowned as a ‘Queen’ and often people on horses! We’ll give you the dates and places and we hope that you will go along and join in because you are important new members of these communities.

Langholm, 2023

The Scottish Refugee Festival, June 2024

This year’s Scottish Refugee Festival is taking place on 14–23 June 2024. Local organisations are working on a programme of events during the week and details will be available on our New Scots website What’s On – New Scot DG Events Page as soon as they have been confirmed.There will also be events across Scotland that you might like to go to – details are included on the special webpages linked here: Rise: Refugee Festival Scotland 2024 – Scottish Refugee Council

What else is on?

As always, you can find information and booking links for plenty of events which are planned for, or will be of particular benefit to the resettlement community in Dumfries and Galloway on our ‘NewScotDG.Org’ web resource. Click the link below to see the current ‘What’s On’ page and find out more about the latest events in your area.