Refugee Week Celebrations
21.06.2011

On 21st June, almost 200 people from the public, refugee organisations, public bodies and other community groups came together and celebrated the Refugee Week at the Town Hall. Joan Ruddock, Lewisham Deptford MP opened the event, which followed by speakers from Federation of Refugees from Vietnam in Lewisham (FORVIL) and Afghanistan and Central Asian Association. The key message from all the speakers was the importance of different communities coming together, respecting differences, looking after each other and helping communities grow to build a cohesive society . There were songs, dances and food from different refugee communities which everyone enjoyed. Workshops on different topics were participated not just by refugees themselves but also by people from different organisations. There were stalls and health checks and various activities such as face painting for the children and free head and shoulder massage for the adults. It was a joyous and exciting event and we are thankful to all refugee community organisations, voluntary and statutory organisations who helped plan and execute the event. A Big Thank You to those who attended the Refugee Week Team meetings and to all LRN staff and volunteers. Thank You too to Lewisham Council who funded the event and Perry Rise Baptist Church and GMB Union for their contribution to the event.