Trip to Wimbledon for the Refugee School Initiative

To celebrate the positive outcome of the Refugee School Initiative the group of Reed’s Sixth Form students who volunteered for this community service activity, accompanied the Syrian children to visit the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon. Upon arrival there was an informative talk about the history of the club and the group had the privilege of discovering what was going on behind the scenes in the Champion’s Quarter and in the TV studios.

One of our parents commented that the initiative of offering support to refugee children at Reed’s “has given an opportunity to our students to see things from a wider perspective.”

It has also given an opportunity for the Syrian children to feel welcomed and valued in our community. They have been unconditionally accepted at Reed’s and have greatly enjoyed their experience. Many of their pasts have been traumatic; one explained to me that most of her younger years have been spent in a refugee camp. Some of her family is now in Germany and she really enjoys life in England. Her ambition is to become a lawyer to help people in need.

These children have demonstrated that, in spite of vicissitudes in their lives, they appear to be very cheerful and are always grateful. They have also taught us how to stay determined and have shown our students how tenacity and positive drive can motivate anyone to pursue new dreams. 

All in all, a wonderful experience!                                

Marie-Paul Ahanda, ic Activity