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This year’s Refugee Week, celebrated from June 17th to 23rd, follows the theme ‘Our Home.’ Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival, celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Afrikindness, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing spaces for children and young adults to learn acts of kindness and effectively battle the core causes of bullying and discrimination, resonated deeply with this year’s theme. The organisation collaborated with Leeds Refugee Forum to celebrate the week, emphasising the importance of home, belonging, and community support.
The theme ‘Our Home,‘ highlights the importance of creating a nurturing environment for both parents and young people, as our home is an integral part of our identity. Afrikindness is spearheading discussions and raising awareness about the sense of belonging, identity, culture, and race for parents and communities.
The celebration was a vibrant and heartwarming event filled with the aroma of homemade food, laughter, smiles, and the sounds of diverse music. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on what “home” meant, also sharing personal stories and cultural expressions that highlighted the beauty of our diverse backgrounds.
It was the most lovely and fulfilling day, filled with engaging discussions, trying cultural foods from different parts of the world, and heartfelt connections.
The event served as a reminder that home is not just a place, but a feeling of safety, love, and belonging.
A highlight of the day was a 15-minute discussion on self-care led by Bunmi Owolabi, CEO Afrikindness. The session emphasised the importance of self-care for overall well-being, particularly for those who have faced the challenges of displacement.
A few self-care tips shared included taking a day off to recharge, carving out alone time for personal relaxation, spending time outdoors, and maintaining social connections. These tips were not only shared by the Afrikindness team but also discussed interactively with participants, who offered their own views and experiences on the significance of self-care for their well-being.
Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ali and the leadership of Leeds Refugee Forum for the opportunity to celebrate Refugee Week together. This event has underscored the importance of community, cultural understanding, and the power of kindness. As we reflect on the theme ‘Our Home,’ let us remember that a true home is built on love, safety, and belonging. We look forward to more collaborative sessions, where we can continue to foster a sense of unity and support for all. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those seeking refuge and build a more inclusive world.”
Afrikindness also distributed self-care packs, generously sponsored by Leeds Community Foundation and Sir George Martin Trust. Each pack included a one-day foot spa, fruity or calming tea bag, a small massaging towel, plantain chips, and more, providing participants with tools to practise self-care at home.
As Refugee Week continues and beyond the week’s celebration, Afrikindness encourages everyone to join the movement to make our global home a welcoming, safe, and sustainable place for all. Connect with people and celebrate culture, home, and belonging! 🌍❤️🏡
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Refugee Week website and connect with local events and activities.
#RefugeeWeek #OurHome #CommunitySpirit #SelfCare #Afrikindness #LeedsRefugeeForum
