Wednesday, July 18th, was no ordinary day at our organisation. How could it be, given that it coincided with Refugee Week, a cause the organisation supports throughout the year? Yes, it was a special day — a different kind of day.
Fortunately, this was the third time I attended DP's Refugee Week celebrations, which this year was prepared in a unique way.
The goal was to create a different atmosphere — a departure from routine and convention. On this day, Sarah and Irina worked hard to create activities that brought smiles to the faces of those seeking our services.Irina was creative, as usual, helping service users enjoy the activities she put together at the art and craft table. She had worked late into Tuesday night to prepare the materials for the event and make Refugee Day celebrations a special day at DP. Service users could make small paper boats, decorate them and write their wishes on them. The boats could then be placed on the ocean she had prepared, creating an interesting display. At one point, the painting was spoiled by an ink spill, but Irina did not despair!. She repainted it with beautiful patience. Irina had painted a picture of a family inside a boat at sea, the terror clearly evident on their faces — both adults and children. These death boats are merciless. A refugee is searching for a safe haven for themselves and their family, and their lives could be lost in the turbulent sea.
This year’s celebration was given another dimension by Abdul and Sarah. It was a brilliant idea to have everyone leave colourful handprints, along with their name and country, on a canvas with the beautifully written words: “HANDS TOGETHER AT DP.” We also had service users putting their names and a marker on a world map to show where they came to the UK from.
We can’t forget that the spirit of the celebration began at the main reception desk upstairs — and continued downstairs through the food room, the clothing room, the barber’s corner, and even the meal, which tasted different that day. Even better than normal!
My prayers are for a world without refugees — and for peace to prevail for all.
Moutasim Abudigin, DP Drop-in Assistant
