The UWC movement has been committed to supporting refugees in many different ways for years - including providing scholarships to refugee students and UWC schools and colleges being actively engaged with local refugee initiatives. While the last months have brought the refugee crises close to Europe’s heart, many other parts of the world have faced the same challenges for many years.

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”.

On 17th June, UWC and Ben will join an event in Central London (location TBC) that aims to raise awareness and call for action in support of refugees. The author will present his experience living in Dadaab and will encourage 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. 

The event is one among others supporting the UWC Refugee Initiative, whereby UWC has pledged to double its current refugee intake reserving up to 100 places per year specifically for refugee scholars over the next three years.

The event will start at 6pm with reflections by the author, followed by a discussion and reception. The evening 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.

The event is free, but please register your attendance.