‘To forget is to offend, and memory, when it is shared, abolishes this offence. If we want to share the beauty of the world, if we want to be in solidarity with its suffering, we need to learn how to remember together.’
Edouard Glissant
SUMMER APPEAL
A Summer excursion to the seaside has become an Asha tradition. Please expect details of how you can contribute towards the cost very soon.
Thank you.
THREE GLORIOUS EVENTS TO CELEBRATE REFUGEE WEEK
On Wednesday, Asha was in Hanley Park
A lovely day offered an opportunity to relax, chat, lounge on the grass, and gaze at the sparkle in the overhanging trees.
It was something of a surprise when around 15 people streamed out of the Community Hub and a walk leader called everyone together to set off around the park.
Returning there was only a short pause when, by some miracle, lunch arrived. Local people living around the park meet for coffee and a walk on Wednesdays and Asha was invited to join them.
Thank you, Caroline Evans, who made us all so welcome.
Friday is a more formal occasion
Chairs were set out on the car park in preparation for the Lord Mayor, Majid Khan, accompanied by one of his daughters as Lady Mayoress, to arrive to supervise planting two olive trees symbolising hope.
Yadegar reads a poem by the Kurdish poet Hemin Mukriyamil and Angela one by Vineet Bansal, who compares hope with bright shining light which keeps darkness at bay.
The Lord Mayor spoke passionately about the contribution of asylum seekers to our community, and Godfrey recollected the support Majid has shown to Asha since its beginnings.
With help from Emmaus Furniture Mine’s woodwork workshop, Masoud and Kareh have made two large tubs out of old pallets to accommodate the olive trees. They only needed Majid to trowel in some soil to stand proudly on either side of Asha’s newly painted front entrance. Then it was time for lunch!
Thank you, Lord Mayor Majid Khan, for gracing this occasion.
Saturday – The Big Day!
A coach brought asylum seekers from Burton-on-Trent and Tamworth to play football with Asha’s footballers at the YMCA, while Mums gathered in the gym to watch their children enjoy letting off steam and playing with balls and hoola hoops.
They all returned to Asha for music and a barbecue. Vegetarians are better catered for than previous years. A spontaneous ‘dabka’ added zest, and Tribal Fusion, a group who dance in the style of Arabic/Egyptian Bollywood, added colour and glamour.
Each was presented with a small spray of flowers at the end of their performance. The sunny afternoon rounded off with the arrival of an ice-cream van and 206 children enjoyed free ice-cream paid by Asha.
Thank you, staff, our local and asylum volunteers.
LANGUAGE OF FOOTBALL
Sentinel 22 June 2023
Keele University has hosted a football tournament for refugees. Sixteen teams from across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire took part in the event which was double the size of last year.
The aim is to help refugees integrate into their new communities. Players attended sessions and activities with university staff which highlighted progressions into apprenticeships, foundation studies and higher education.
Russell Clark, Director at Keele Language Centre, who organised the event, said, “Last year was the first time we held the tournament and we had eight teams. This year we had double that number. An event like this helps to achieve a sense of integration among refugees and asylum seekers.”
The event was held in partnership with groups including Asha North Staffordshire, Sporting Communities, Cannock Welcomes Refugees, Stafford Welcomes Refugees, Hope Centre, Newcastle College, and Stoke-on-Trent College.
Three hundred ESOL students have taught English to asylum seekers at Asha and at the university.
| Day & Time | Staff |
|---|---|
| Monday 10am – 2pm | Keita and Miriam |
| Tuesday 10am – 2pm | Lydia and Jackie |
| Wednesday 10am – 2pm | Lydia and Keita |
| Thursday 10am – 2pm | Tamba |
| Friday 10am – 2pm | Tamba and Miriam |
| Saturday 10am – 2pm | Lydia, Ryn and Miriam |
CONTACT US
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Office: 01782 363122
Godfrey Seminega, Services Manager (works full-time): seminega@asha-uk.org
Jackie Gregory, Wellbeing Co-ordinator (works part-time Tuesday, Friday and occasional Saturdays): jackie@asha-uk.org
Lydia Mugoyikazi, Women’s Club Co-Ordinator and Caseworker (works part-time Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday): lydia@asha-uk.org
Helen Ranford, Finance and Administration (works Tuesday to Friday): helen.ranford@asha-uk.org
Facinet Keita, Digital Health/IT and Unaccompanied Young People Support Worker (works Monday to Thursday): keita@asha-uk.org
Tamba Musa, Asylum Guide, Social Inclusion and Men’sSupport Worker (works Tuesday to Saturday): tamba@asha-uk.org
Charity Reg. No. 11769634 (England & Wales) Company No. CE013097
