NERS News - What happening in and around Sunderland
REFUGEE WEEK 2007 - We Beat the Rain!!
On the 23rd June the North of England Refugee
Service held its second annual event to celebrate the national
initiative of Refugee Week in Sunderland's Mowbray Park. Unfortunately,
the Saturday of this year's Refugee Week just so happened
to fall on the rainiest day of the year, leaving all attendees
damp and cowering under the protection of the nearest shelter.
However, despite the rain the event was anything but a washout.
Hundreds of people still came along, witnessing giant birds,
African drummers, musicians, gypsy and belly dancers, a penalty
shoot-out tournament, magicians and a fire breather.
People throughout Sunderland, from both the host and refugee
community, had a great day. Beating the odds and the weather
to create an event that promoted tolerance and celebrated
different cultures. The organisers of the event would like
to thank all volunteers and staff of NERS who worked so hard
on the day to make it a success despite the odds. We couldn't
have done it without you!!
SUNDERLAND INTERNATIONAL
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
21st July ’06 - This tournament was organised
by John Boyd of Sunderland Samba FC and Sunderland Methodist church,
along with funding and assistance from ‘Save the Children’
and the Refugee Week budget, with input from other organisations
such as Young Asian Voices and Lambton Street Fellowship where it
was held.
Images from the event
These lads went on to form S.H.I.P (Sunderland Hylton Integration Project).
These
girls from the Hylton Castle Group put the lads to shame with
their skills by winning the girls tournament - well done!!
Kurdish lads with captain 'Maradonna'.
Simon - from Eritrea
SUNDERLAND ECHO ARTICLE
On Tuesday 20th June 2006,
the Sunderland Echo published a two page article on Refugees living
in Sunderland. The article covered how Sunderland has developed
in the past few years in relation to refugees integrating into the
community. The article gives personal accounts and views from
several refugees who have been living in Sunderland. To
view the full article click here
Refugee week 2006 was celebrated in
style recently with a celebration of culture, art, crafts and more.
The event was held in Mowbray Park and Winter Gardens and was a
roaring success.
