St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Horsforth and St Mary’s Secondary school in Menston, have been having learning about what it might mean to seek asylum. They don’t have many children seeking asylum within their schools community but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. The children made Welcoming Cards which Barbara Pounder, from St Mary’s presented at the party. Those left over were distributed to sanctuary seekers who couldn’t attend and one card made a mum who had just arrived, who was lonely and isolated, cry.
St Mary’s Primary School wanted children to learn that Christmas is about giving as well as receiving presents and so the children were asked to donate one of their toys to a child seeking sanctuary. They donated so many toys that they filled three car loads! The presents were given out to children at the party and to children at Choto Moni Children’s Centre, PAFRAS and Urban House. Some were also donated to the collection point at Richmond Hill so they could be sent to children seeking sanctuary in Leeds, France and Greece. Yorkshire folk have a reputation for being warm and welcoming and this was obvious to see at the Welcome Party. By opening our hearts and welcoming the stranger ALL our lives are enriched and changed forever.
