Education is a pathway to opportunity; and it must be a pathway that is open to all.
With almost 120 million people now displaced in the world, the support of refugees and those seeking asylum requires more local action than ever before, not just better government policy.
Education transforms lives. Schools and TAFE campuses are best placed to provide the security and stability needed to instil hope in our refugee communities. Teachers have the capacity to inspire and to provide students with a safe space to dream. It is these important factors, not just academic learning, that provides the foundations for students to achieve their potential.
In recognition of Refugee Week 2024, Federation encourages members to explore the lived experiences of refugees, to celebrate their stories of achievement, strength and resilience. Dedicate time to shining a light on the rights and needs of refugees, to reflecting on the challenges they continue to face and showing your solidarity with all who are forced to flee persecution, conflict, world disasters and climate change impacts.
Compared with a decade to go, the number of refugees in the world has more than tripled. The UNHCR’s Global Trends: Forced displacement in 2023 reports:
- an 8 per cent rise in people forcibly displaced compared with the end of 2022
- one in every 69 people globally or 1.5 per cent of the entire world’s population, is now forcibly displaced.
This humanitarian crisis requires a humane response.
Refugees need our solidarity now more than ever. We must do better to find lasting solutions to conflict. We must do more to ensure refugees feel welcomed, supported and are provided with the safety and sense of belonging needed to thrive. By working together, we can support them to rebuild their lives so they in turn can contribute to our communities, for the benefit of everyone.
This Refugee Week, play your part in providing solace, compassion and understanding to the plight of those forced to flee their homelands. Help those displaced to find the freedom to hope during times of uncertainty. Support them to settle and contribute to their education so they can live with the human rights and dignity we all deserve. Federation Deputy President Amber Flohm said: “As proud partners of Refugee Week, Federation knows just how critical finding freedom is to the settlement, security and lifelong opportunities for refugee families and communities.”
A better tomorrow requires a better focus on providing access to quality education; and a sense of belonging for strong social cohesion. Federation President Henry Rajendra said: “Providing a quality education for every child is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic necessity. Today’s students are tomorrow’s essential workers and leaders. They are more vital than any bridge, tunnel, port or railway … Short-changing their education condemns all of us to a less prosperous and inclusive future.”
Members are encouraged to host Refugee Week activities and events to end the term, to help unify public education communities and celebrate the Refugee Week theme, Finding Freedom.
Share your highlights by posting pics and tagging @teachersfed @OzRefugeeCounc #RefugeeWeekAU
Check out these resources
- Refugee Council of Australia’s Teachers Resource Kit
- Official Refugee Week 2024 poster
- Stories of Freedom
- UNHCR Teaching about Refugees
- Focus on … Refugees and VET
- SBS video What is Refugee Week and why is it marked annually in Australia?
- Department of Education: Celebrating Diversity and Resilience in Schools
- Department of Education From Displacement to Freedom