Sanctuary Songs is an academic conference and arts festival that takes place at Newcastle University, during UNHCR Refugee week, which is from the 19th-25th June.
We had the privilege of participating in the cultural festival which is an annual exhibition that featured visual art, sound installations and live performances by refugees and people seeking asylum.
During the exhibition we showcased some of the extraordinary work completed by young asylum seekers and refugees who participated in our Aiming High Project.
Some of the photography work that was displayed at the exhibition was created by Alie, who participated in our project from September 2022-January 2023. He took some incredible photos of Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside.
“Aiming High” supports young asylum seekers and refugees based in Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside and North Tyneside. Throughout the project, the young people learn different ways to communicate using various digital platforms, learn about the importance of cyber security and how to use technology safely, are encouraged to evaluate the trustworthiness of information that they access and are supported through the basics of budgeting using websites and apps.
The young people also have the opportunity to work towards an OCN accreditation in photography and audio (podcasting) to enable them to share them their story and gain a qualification.
Thank you to the Santander Foundation for funding our Aiming High Project and thank you to Newcastle University for supporting us to participate in the exhibition.