Learning about a refugee's life - and Arabic - in Madron

A morning (15 May 2023) in brilliant sunshine at Madron Primary School in west Cornwall - talking about a refugee's life and learning a few words of Arabic.
A stunning view overlooking Mount's Bay from the playground in this tiny school - scooters lined up here in the bike rack. Rawda Alater spoke about her life in Syria and subsequent experience of the UK in Truro. She arrived about six years ago as a refugee from Syria, and has now gained British citizenship. Children asked about the differences between Syria and Cornwall - in particular, the food the religion and the weather!
Rawda very kindly wrote children's names in Arabic and we learned how to say 'Hello', How are you?' 'Thank you' and 'Goodbye' in her language. To welcome any new students who might arrive from an Arabic-speaking country.

This is part of I PACKED THIS MYSELF, our project funded by Cornwall Council. We are working to break down prejudice and increase understanding of people from different backgrounds - from overseas - who have come to Cornwall to live and work. 

A celebration cream tea in Cornwall

 A wonderful afternoon at the Hall for Cornwall to round off this season's THROUGH MY LENS workshops. A splendid cream tea - and a chance to meet the Royal Cornwall Hospital's Communications Team member Adrian Pennington, who is going to make a film about our workshops and the photos taken. Watch this space for more.

In the meantime, we simply enjoyed the time together - and seeing each other again.  A huge thank you to the Hall for Cornwall for arranging such a feast - and also for allowing us to venture into the theatre and have a photograph taken on the stage. It was the first time many - me included - had been backstage. High spirits on a sunny Friday in Truro as we waved 'Hello' to Cornwall (see above).

Very many thank yous to all involved- not least to photography tutor Mike Newman who worked so hard to make this project happen. The Hall for Cornwall for welcoming us in the cafe and theatre. The Royal Cornwall Museum and Penlee House, Penzance, for allowing us to visit and take photographs.

Biggest thanks of all, though, are due to our keen photographers who took time out of demanding and busy schedules at the hospital to join us and learn a little more about Cornwall.

Just a few comments today:

"I learned a lot during this activity, especially the rich history of Cornwall."

"The most exciting part for me was when we went to Penzance. Aside from the photography session, we were able to have a bond over coffee, and a small chit chat outside our workplace made us happy."

"I hope there will be more workshops as these are a breather for us."