Young Refugees: Telling our Stories

What’s on offer?

What is it like to be a child who has moved to Scotland without your parents?

A selection of storytelling animations, photos, and drawings created by unaccompanied children and young people, many of whom had only recently arrived in Scotland when Covid-19 restrictions began. Come along to hear their stories in their own words, and see the images they created to show what life in Scotland looks like through their eyes.

What’s it about?

Every year, thousands of children and young people are forced to move from their countries of origin and seek asylum in a new country. Without parents or caregivers close by, support networks such as social work, education, and legal services, and connections to friends and peers are particularly important. During the Covid-19 pandemic however, access to people and places that provide support and social structure was restricted.

Twelve young people supported by Guardianship Scotland took part in our research project exploring day-to-day life from their perspectives. Each young person met with a researcher for an interview, and then took part in workshops with different artists on storytelling, rapping, drawing, and/or photography. During the second Covid-19 lockdown, young people shared their words and images, telling the stories of their daily lives as well as how it had been to arrive in Scotland and adjust to a new language, culture, and country. As well as deepening their creative skills, the young people also had an opportunity to develop their English language skills through support in groups and one-to-one with ESOL tutors.

Who’s leading the event?

Maggie Grant - Lecturer in Social Work, University of Stirling

Maria Fotopoulou - Senior Lecturer in Criminology, University of Stirling

Open to

Everyone is welcome

Of particular interest to

Of particular interest to teachers and other people who work in education.

Scheduling information

No booking required. Drop-in between 13:30 and 16:00 at Forth Valley College, Alloa Campus Main Reception. The venue is wheelchair accessible.