World Refugee Day - 20th June (Out in the Cold)
Added: 20 Jun 2016
Contributor:
Scoilnet
Resource type:
Guide/notes
/
Presentation
/
Reference
Many people think of Greek islands as warm, sunny holiday spots. They're also an arrival and destination point for thousands of refugees and vulnerable migrants, travelling from conflict-affected parts of the middle-east and Africa.
What impact will the changing weather have on vulnerable migrants and refugees? How will they cope as the days and nights get colder and wetter? Begin exploration with an evocative photograph, and draw out young people's ideas about migration and coping in adversity.
How it maps to the curriculum
- 5-6
- English
Strand: Writing
Strand unit: Developing Cognitive Ability through Language
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- argue the case in writing for a particular point of view
- argue the case in writing for a point of view with which he/she disagrees
Suggestions for use: Invite the group to imagine a Greek island. What images come to mind? [Warm Mediterranean Sea, the blue skies, the sunshine and the beach.] Ask young people: who has seen images of refugees and vulnerable migrants arriving on Greek islands? What do they recall? [Encourage them to think about the moment people arrive, some from crowded, inadequate or sinking boats. Many have had a long, dangerous, scary journey that has taken all their money and energy. Some do not survive.] Give young people a few minutes to create a thought shower showing the different emotions that people might be feeling when they reach the safety of the island. Discuss what happens after the initial relief of arriving safely. Invite the group to think of the hours and days after arrival. What might individuals and families hope for? What challenges might they face? Show the photograph. Use lesson plan to complete all activities.
