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UEA will celebrate its first birthday as a University of Sanctuary today

The initiative supports refugees and those seeking asylum to get into university education


UEA is celebrating a year of being a 'University of Sanctuary' today (23rd January). The university will be hosting a variety of organisations who support the brand, as well as talks to find out what work has been undertaken to "develop a sustainable culture of welcome for asylum seekers and refugees at UEA, and in society as a whole".

The event, based in the Thomas Paine Study Centre from 10am, will include various talks and workshops throughout the day, to give students more information about the initiative and how students can get involved.

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The evening programme for today's events

Ethical Issues Officer, Rob Klim, said in a statement that: "This year, we will be celebrating the first anniversary of University of Sanctuary!

"University of Sanctuary is an organisation that works alongside Students Take Action for Refugees (STAR) to ensure that universities, schools, and other community centres act as sufficient homes for asylum seekers and refugees?

"UEA is one of many higher education institutions that is proud to be a University of Sanctuary, and to celebrate its first-year anniversary, UEA will be holding an event on campus, on the 23rd January (today) for all students. If you are an ethically-minded student who is interested in finding out about the sustainable culture of welcome for asylum seekers and refugees at UEA, and in society as a whole, then this is the event for you!"

There will also be representatives from Ben and Jerry's, who actively support the initiative, handing out free ice cream and talking to students about how they are helping to support the International Rescue Committee.

If you would like more information about how you can get involved with the University of Sanctuary initiative, go along to the events today (at TPSC) or contact ethical issues officer, Rob Klim.