Description
In June 2024, QUB signed a pledge marking its commitment to officially seeking recognition as a University of Sanctuary.Here are some of my initiatives undertaken to foster inclusion. address inequalities and support communities and individuals in our neighbourhood as well as developing a sense of belonging. i worked on forging new relationship and expanding its networking with the local Syrian, Sudanese and Egyptian Communities to exemplify our university's commitment in addressing key societal issues, promoting mental health support and fostering inclusion and supporting marginalised communities. By working together with these groups we continue our journey towards creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.
As part of the University’s Strategy 2030, under the Social and Civic Responsibility, and Economic Prosperity pillar, securing the University of Sanctuary award has been identified as a strategic priority for Queen's University Queen's University's Path to Sanctuary, reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff, regardless of their background. Reading the personal stories and experiences of international colleagues feels great, and fosters such a sense of belonging. A culture that values diversity is such a core element of our Sanctuary mission.
Federica Ferrieri: I was useful to listen to your observations and suggestions. Thank you for taking on a supporting role for us, your guidance is much appreciated and your feedback will inform our three-year strategy within the application Aug 2024.
Actions: To update Belfast City of Sanctuary about QUB progress. Qub is represented by me, Federica Ferrieri and Maurice Macartney
School Events run by CBMSe look very interesting from a Widening Participation perspective. We are particularly focusing on initiatives involving minority ethnic groups, asylum seekers, and refugees as we progress our Sanctuary award application, which has become an institutional priority.
Eiman, Patricia, and Whitney, as part of QUB internal Sanctuary operational group, have already reviewed the application
During a meeting yesterday, we were all so impressed by Eiman’s insights into the wonderful engagement happening within your School (Federrica)
Queen’s University Belfast has made a public commitment to becoming University of Sanctuary back in April. This journey officially began with our signing of the Sanctuary Pledge during a large Civic Mission event on 6th June. You can read more about our Civic Mission launch here: Queen’s University launches its Civic Mission: A commitment to collaboration and inclusivity | News | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk).
Since then, we’ve been fostering internal and external networks to support this initiative and designed a dedicated webpage outlining Our Path to Sanctuary: Our Path To Sanctuary | Public engagement | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk).
We’re also documenting all research and engagement related to Sanctuary on this page: Civic Engagement Activities | Queen's University Belfast (qub.ac.uk).
Internally, we’ve established an Operational Sanctuary Group, and we’ve been engaging with Belfast City of Sanctuary. Additionally, we’ve held consultation workshops with refugees and asylum seekers from groups such as HAPANI, ANAKA, Angaza Happy Women, Include Youth, Diverse Youth, iAssist NI and BOMOKO, as well as individuals and families in hotels and dispersal accommodation thanks to EANI support. These workshops help us understand how the University can better meet their needs and become a truly welcoming and inclusive place for our refugee and asylum-seeking neighbours.
Operational Group Champion for QUB Path to Sanctuary
In June 2024, QUB signed a pledge marking its commitment to officially seeking recognition as a University of Sanctuary. As part of the University’s Strategy 2030, securing the University of Sanctuary Award has been identified as a strategic priority for Queen's University. A culture that values diversity is such a core element of our Sanctuary mission.
Here are some of my initiatives to foster inclusion, support communities and to contribute to strengthen the sense of belonging:
• Reviewed and contributed to QUB Sanctuary Award application.
• Worked on organising three meetings between a Representative from the operational group of QUB Path to Sanctuary and Syrian Asylum Seekers and refugees and with Representatives from the Sudanese and Egyptian Communities to exemplify our university's commitment in addressing key societal issues, promoting mental health support and supporting marginalised communities. I contributed to the building up of new relationship and expand the networking of the university. By working together with these groups, we continue our journey towards creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all.
• I regularly update the Belfast City of Sanctuary on QUB progress towards the Sanctuary mission.
• I will meet the Lord Mayor of Belfast “Councillor Micky Murray “at Belfast City Hall on the 26th Nov 2024 to request support on some issues related to this role.
• Councillor for the African Scholars Research Network (AfSRN). This role feeds very well with QUB sanctuary mission. Through this role, I support the recognition and flourishing of both academic and non-academic researchers in Northern Ireland, who are African-born or of African-descent. This network is dedicated to fostering inclusion, addressing inequalities, and supporting initiatives within the university environment.
| Period | Aug 2024 → … |
|---|---|
| Degree of Recognition | Regional |