Year 6 students participated in a simulated lived experience of refugees.
To conclude the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme unit, Where We Are In Place and Time, Year 6 students experienced the perspective of a refugee as part of a unique learning activity, at the Western Sydney University Whitlam Institute, to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by refugees when they arrive in Australia.
Refugee Camp in My Neighbourhood is a community education project co-designed with over 140 members, with lived refugee/asylum-seeking experience and community partners.
Our Year 6 students went through the process of having to flee their country by choosing five things they would take with them. They then embarked on the journey to cross the border, while experiencing being spoken to in other languages, having their items taken from them, attempting to fill out foreign forms, and observing the living, health and education conditions in refugee camps.
They were led by local tour guides who shared their personal stories of dangerous boat journeys and life in detention centres.
What an eye-opening and valuable means to develop an understanding of barriers and risk factors for refugees. Special thanks must go to the guides of the award-winning Refugee Camp in My Neighbourhood project.
