Author Webcasts for A Day of Welcome 2023
Bookings now available for exclusive webcasts featuring authors Dina Nayeri and Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed.
Last June, we had more than 11,000 Key Stage 2 pupils join us for A Day of Welcome’s live webcasts with Michael Rosen and Miriam Halahmy. Due to their resounding success, we’ve decided to work with some exciting authors to deliver two new webcasts for 2023. The authors will be drawing on their lived experience and inspirational creative work to help your pupils better understand the experiences of refugees.
The live webcasts will take place on A Day of Welcome, Friday 16th June 2023, and are free for all schools to attend. They are just a small part of the resources that are on offer for primary and secondary schools that educators can use to mark this special day of learning, as well as Refugee Week (19-25 June).
Please note that both webcast events will require the completion of a short pre-task in advance of the webcast.
The Waiting Place
by Dina Nayeri
Year 3/4
Fri 16 June, 10-11am
The Waiting Place is an unflinching look at ten young lives suspended outside of time - and bravely proceeding anyway. Each lyrical passage leads the reader from one story to the next, revealing the dreams, ambitions, and personalities of each displaced child. The stories are punctuated by intimate photos, followed by the author's reflections on life in a refugee camp. Locking the global refugee crisis sharply in focus, The Waiting Place is an urgent call to change what we teach young people about the nature of home and safety.
Dina Nayeri will help your pupils to better understand the experiences of refugees and get them to think about how to create a culture of welcome in your classroom.
During the pre-task and live webcast, we will explore her book The Waiting Place and Dina will share her own experiences of seeking sanctuary alongside the experiences of some children who live in a refugee camp in Greece where the book is set.
When Stars are Scattered
by Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed
Year 5/6
Friday 16 June, 1:30-2:30pm
This award-winning graphic novel tells the true story of Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys, who have spent a long time in the Dadaab refugee camp.
Separated from their mother, they are looked after by a friendly stranger. Life in the camp isn't always easy. The hunger is constant… but there's football to look forward to, and now there's a chance Omar will get to go to school… With a heart-wrenching fairytale ending, Omar’s incredible journey is brought to life by Victoria's stunning illustrations.
Join Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson to explore their award-winning graphic novel. During the pre-task and live webcast, your pupils will build an understanding of who refugees are, explore Omar’s experiences growing up in a Kenyan refugee camp and be inspired to draw while learning how the graphic novel was put together.
Organised in collaboration with…
VNET Education CIC supports schools, academies and MATs across East Anglia and beyond, through its vibrant network. VNET facilitates CPD, training, consultancy, events, conferences, research and longitudinal projects across the community to support education professionals, for the benefit of children and young people.
Young Norfolk Arts Trust provides opportunities for children and young people to create and engage with creativity and culture across Norfolk. The Trust hold the Young Norfolk Arts Festival (YNAF) – a celebration of creativity and performance by and for young people in Norfolk every year. Working closely with schools and cultural organisations, they provide creative opportunities and inspiration throughout the academic year. The Trust also runs the YNA Collective (YNAC), a volunteer group of 16-25 year olds with an interest in the arts and creative industries.
Anglia Ruskin University – Over the past five years, Norfolk Schools of Sanctuary have worked closely with Anglia Ruskin University to develop A Day of Welcome.