JRS UK volunteer Nika, shares her transformative two-week experience working alongside refugee friends, other volunteers and JRS UK staff. Through her time at JRS UK, Nika gained invaluable insights into the challenges facing refugees as well as how we can build hope, community, and humanity amidst adversity.
During my two weeks at JRS UK, I gained an invaluable perspective on the challenges facing refugees in the UK. I quickly came to realise the significance of the charity’s work and its profound impact on the lives of refugee friends. This experience not only opened my eyes to the harsh realities experienced by refugees but also to the vital support that JRS UK provides.
One of the most memorable moments of my time there was attending a party at Emilie House [JRS UK’s house for female refugee friends], where the residents cooked delicious food and warmly welcomed us into their home. Another highlight was participating in the ‘social drop-in’ where refugee friends volunteered in the kitchen, preparing traditional dishes from their homelands for everyone to share. These moments showcased the reciprocal relationship between the refugee friends and the JRS UK staff, emphasising that the support and care were mutual.
“JRS is my home,” said Cerezo*, a refugee friend who had just been granted status in the UK, as he collected essentials from JRS UK’s free ‘shop’ for the final time. His words encapsulate the immense value JRS UK holds for many refugees. Beyond offering monthly toiletries, food, basic travel money, and phone data, JRS UK focuses on building and maintaining a supportive and welcoming community.
This sense of community is not confined to the charity alone but extends to local neighbourhoods, facilitating the integration of refugees into society. This work is particularly crucial in the UK, where politicians have propagated an extremely negative narrative about refugees. Activities such as litter picking in Wapping help create a common sense of humanity and foster understanding between local residents and refugee friends. These interactions are vital in breaking the stigma perpetuated by many politicians, recognising the humanity of refugees, and encouraging empathy.
One of the most eye-opening experiences during my time at JRS UK was the dire situation refugees face upon entering the country. A conversation with Fahad*, a refugee friend, highlighted the pressing issue of detention. We bonded over our shared struggles with maths after I learned he had recently taken his maths GCSE. Back in Bangladesh, he had excelled in maths and even became a maths teacher. However, the stress of being destitute for over ten years and the looming fear of being sent to detention right after his exam had taken a significant toll on him.
A conversation with a team member working in detention further revealed the inhumane conditions in which the UK government holds refugees. The UK is the only country in Europe without a time limit on detention, leading to refugees being kept in prison-like conditions for years. This policy seemed like a deliberate attempt by the government to push these vulnerable people out of the UK.
Despite the harsh realities, the work of JRS UK shines as a beacon of hope. The charity’s efforts not only provide essential support but also work towards integrating refugees into society, helping to create a sense of belonging and humanity. My time at JRS UK was a stark reminder of the power of community and the necessity of compassion in responding to forced displacement. The government’s policies may seek to dehumanise and marginalise refugees, but organisations like JRS UK remind us of our shared humanity and the importance of standing together.
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