The UWC movement has supported refugees in many different ways for years - including providing scholarships to refugee students and the UWC schools and colleges being actively engaged with local refugee initiatives. While the last months have brought the refugee crises so close to Europe’s heart, many other parts of the world have also seen a dramatic escalation in the number of displaced people fleeing conflict, persecution or environmental disaster.

Ben Rawlence, a former Human Rights Watch researcher, spent almost five years documenting life within the biggest refugee camp in the world: Dadaab, in Northern Kenya, and documented his findings in a newly published book, “City of Thorns: Nine Lives in the World's Largest Refugee Camp”. Ben will present his experience living in Dadaab and facilitate a discussion about the realities of the refugee crises in different parts of the world - allowing us to reflect on how as a UWC movement we can play a part towards positive change.

This event is in support of the UWC Refugee Initiative, whereby UWC has pledged to double its current refugee intake, reserving up to 100 fully funded scholarship places per year specifically for refugee scholars over the next three years.

The event is open to all members of the UWC community - including alumni, current and former staff, donors and friends - and will also be attended by the members of the UWC International Board. The final programme will be available shortly.

When: Friday 17 June, 6pm

Where: Deloitte London Auditorium, 2 New St Square, London EC4A 3BZ

Registration link:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/city-of-thorns-uwc-lecture-and-reception-tickets-25479736578