LEARNING OUTCOME

To reflect on how refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed to Scotland.

WHAT YOU NEED

WHAT TO DO

Explain to students that they are going to think about the hopes that refugees and asylum seekers may have when they arrive in the UK. Start by watching a short film made by a group of unaccompanied refugee and asylum seeking young people talking about their aspirations for their new lives in the UK. 

Ask students how they feel about the dreams and aspirations expressed in the video. Despite everything that the young people have been through, they remain hopeful and motivated about the future. In order to make these aspirations a reality, the young people need to be welcomed and cared for in their new country.

Ask children if they know anything about the UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child). Can they name some of the articles, or rights, in the UNCRC? Explain that the Convention is like a promise signed by nearly all countries of the world which describes how children up to the age of 18 should be protected, have the opportunity to participate and be provided for – these are known as the ‘3 Ps’: Participation, Protection and Provision.

Explain that there are 54 articles, or promises. One of the articles, number 22, refers specifically to refugee children and states that: If a child is seeking refuge or has refugee status, governments must provide them with appropriate protection and assistance to help them enjoy all the rights in the Convention. Governments must help refugee children who are separated from their parents to be reunited with them.

Ask students what we, as residents of the new country, can do to ensure refugees and asylum seekers are made welcome. Give out the song lyrics to the song Comin’ Hame. Explain that this Scottish song is a moving Scots welcome for refugees and asylum seekers who ask us for shelter and help. Play the song Comin’ Hame and ask students to follow the lyrics as they listen.

Ask students to identify the pieces of advice in the song about how to make people feel welcome. Go through each verse and write these onto the board.

PLENARY

Discuss:

• How do we welcome people generally? For example, returning troops, victorious football team, winning sportsperson or successful entertainer.
• Why might people be unwelcoming? (Lack of empathy, ignorance, basing behaviours and opinions on stereotypes and prejudices, for example)
• What is the song trying to say? Is it that we should welcome strangers as if they were our family? Do you agree?

Explain there are charities and organisations in Scotland which aim to help welcome, settle and integrate refugees and asylum seekers. The Scottish Refugee Council has examples of different community groups and programmes  which have been set up to welcome refugees to Scotland.