An evening of inspiration and information.
Saturday 28 April from 6.30 to 9pm at the Gryphon School Conference Centre
A Syrian journalist who joined other volunteers to rescue refugees from the sea in Greece is coming to Sherborne at the end of April, to take part in ‘From Syria to Sherborne’, an awareness-raising and cultural event put on by Sherborne Area Refugee Support.
As well as talking about the plight of refugees who have made the dangerous sea crossing from Turkey, Ghias Al-Jundi will share his own experiences at the hands of the Syrian regime. He fled to the UK 20 years ago having been imprisoned and tortured because of his human rights activism and writing.
Ghias will be joining Nada Menzalji, an internationally acclaimed Syrian poet and author, who has been forced to live in exile in London since 1998. Her poetry will be read in both Arabic and English. Also on the programme is Frankie Dickens, who gave up training for the Olympics when she got involved in campaigning for refugee rights with others from Sherborne. Today she is studying European law at the University of Maastricht, and has given a ‘TEDx’ talk on how the refugees she has met have inspired her. The evening will also feature the critically acclaimed film, Aamir, which was recently nominated for best International Short Film at the BAFTAs. The film (pictured above) tells the tale of a 13-year-old boy separated from his family and stranded alone in one of Europe's unofficial refugee camps.
‘From Syria to Sherborne’ aims to highlight the plight of those fleeing their homes, but also to inform and enthuse local people about Syrian culture, and about how we can come together as a community to make a difference. From donating blankets and clothing for those stranded in refugee camps, to befriending Syrians being resettled in Sherborne, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. The co-ordinator of the Dorset Syrian Resettlement Scheme will be attending the event to explain how the county is contributing to the UK government’s target of bringing 20,000 vulnerable refugees of the Syrian conflict to Britain.
From Syria to Sherborne takes place at 6.30pm on 28 April at the Gryphon School, Bristol Road, Sherborne, DT9 4EQ. Syrian-style food will be on offer during the interval. The event is free but donations will be welcomed. Please note that places are limited so you are advised to arrive early. If you would like to reserve a seat please email us sherborne.shares@gmail.com.
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