THREE Southampton schools have been given an award for offering a ‘place of sanctuary’ to refugees.
Bitterne Manor Primary School, Oasis Academy Sholing and Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill achieved School of Sanctuary status at a celebration with the Southampton mayor Alex Houghton.
They joined 18 other Southampton schools as Schools of Sanctuary and will hold the title for the next three years.
School of Sanctuary awarded to Bitterne Manor Primary
Schools of Sanctuary is a growing network with more than 300 primary and secondary schools all committed to supporting the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, creating a culture of welcome, and raising awareness of the issues faced by refugees and asylum seekers.
Each school presented a portfolio of work to a panel including City of Sanctuary representatives, asylum seekers and teachers.
The award was confirmed on the anniversary of the day when 3840 children left Spain on 21 May 1937 to find sanctuary in Southampton. Spain was in the middle of a civil war, divided by politics.
Schools of Sanctuary award presented by Mayor of Southampton Alex Houghton
It was decided to take some of the children in the Basque area safety and they came to Southampton.
The mayor said:‘For centuries, Southampton has been a place where people have found safety in our port.
“The date chosen for the Awards Ceremony is the anniversary of the journey of the Basque children coming to the city.
“We remember how they were welcomed by our predecessors.
“I congratulate the schools for joining this important network and for their commitment to being inclusive and welcoming and continuing our city’s tradition of welcoming others.’
Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill principal, Ben Bond, said ‘I am delighted to see the hard work of our students and staff recognised with this award.
“Oasis is committed to being welcoming and inclusive to all.
“We will proudly display the School of Sanctuary award and continue to celebrate our cultural diversity within the Academy.’
Oasis Academy Sholing principal Martin Brown added ‘I am thrilled that we have gained such an accolade.
“Our staff and students have worked hard to secure this award and to make our Academy welcoming and inclusive to all.
“This is one marker of the way we celebrate our cultural diversity.’
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