This year, the theme for International Migrants Day is honoring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.
At the Renewal Programme, diversity is at the heart of our community. From our attendees, volunteers, neighbors to our family members we are blessed to meet people from all over the world.
Today we want to say a big thank you, thank you for bringing bright new ideas, refreshing perspectives and sharing your values and passions with us!
Honouring Contributions
In ‘A Knowledge Exchange and Impact for NRPF Policy Change Workshop Findings Report‘ conducted by Queen Mary University, Newham Community Project, and Newham London, they note that East Ham has the second highest number of International students in London, and West Ham has the third.
This year we have enrolled 345 new learners at the Renewal Programme!
It’s estimated that international students contribute £42 billion to the UK economy. More than the financial contributions, they bring with them new perspectives, cultures, ideas, foods, and friendships.
Although International Students help the UK out so much, it is never easy being a student; more so when you are far from family and friends. Check out UCAS and UKISA for some useful advice and direction for where you can find support
Respecting Rights
More than what they bring to us, they are people with hopes and dreams. Migrant is used as a general term to distinguish citizens of a country and other civilians; but in the UK the majority of us are not native to this land, our families were probably migrants at one point.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
As human beings there are rights entitled to us, just because we are alive. These rights should take priority when we discuss dignity and respect for migrants. Although there are plenty, we support many individuals who are unable to meet even the most basic:
Article 25, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
- Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Through our many projects we aim to support the people we work with to meet their basic needs, but it is community effort. One of the first steps many asylum seekers and migrants will take is receiving legal immigration support. Whether through our project or other immigration services.
The work Sylwia and immigration support teams provide plays a big role in helping individuals meet their basic needs.
Last week, Sylwia celebrated the final immigration advice session of 2023 with the students through this lovely photo. The Renewal Programme will be back at UEL Legal Advice Centre on the 17th of January 2024! A big thank you to the team and volunteers for all that they do to support and uphold client’s rights and dignity.
On LinkedIn we shared some of UELs updates, but for those who don’t used LinkedIn:
Please note that our drop-in sessions are currently suspended and our immigration referrals are currently closed externally until further notice. To keep up to date or find further resources please visit our Immigration Services Page
Reference
A Knowledge Exchange and Impact for NRPF Policy Change Workshop Findings Report
