Royal Greenwich celebrates its status as a Borough of Sanctuary with display of school children’s art
Good news: The display has been extended until further notice!
A display of local children’s artwork has opened in Woolwich to mark the Royal Borough of Greenwich being recognised as a place that welcomes and values the contributions of refugees, migrants and those seeking sanctuary.
The Council was officially awarded Borough of Sanctuary status last year, in a unanimous panel decision by the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network.
To mark this momentous occasion, we asked local children to paint, draw, or create what ‘Our Home’ means to them. A private viewing of the artwork was held on Tuesday 16 July at the Tramshed in Woolwich. Children and their families, teachers, councillors and residents with lived experience of seeking sanctuary were all in attendance.
From Greenwich to Eltham, Woolwich to Thamesmead, the places shared with our loved ones, to the collective home we all share, planet earth; the artwork is a beautiful reminder of how we have more in common than what separates us.
Our status as a Borough of Sanctuary means we have been recognised for the substantial policy and practice changes we have made as a Council. It is also confirmation of our commitment to making sure that Royal Greenwich continues to be inclusive and welcoming, and that we will continue to listen to and amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
If you would like to show your support to the national sanctuary movement, either as an individual or on behalf of an organisation, please sign our pledge.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said:
“Royal Greenwich has a proud tradition of welcoming people fleeing violence and persecution. We will not turn our back on people who need our help. We have all witnessed the dangerous and unsettling rhetoric in recent years, so it is important for us all to stand up for the rights of refugees locally and across the UK.
“We are pleased to see that under the new government, one of the first things our Prime Minister has done is scrap the divisive and cruel Rwanda Bill. We’re optimistic that this could be the start of a new chapter for this country, and locally we will do everything we can to support a fair and compassionate system that doesn’t play games with people’s lives.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said:
“I would like to thank everyone who attended Tuesday’s event, and for sharing in the spirit behind it. We want to make sure that everyone in Royal Greenwich feels welcome, safe, and included, and celebrations such as this are so important in communicating that message.
“We have welcomed hundreds of people to our borough in the last few years and it’s our goal to ensure refugees, asylum seekers and migrants can fulfil their potential and contribute to Royal Greenwich’s community, culture, and economy, while living in safety and security.”
The display of art is available to visit at Tramshed in Woolwich until 29 July. No tickets are needed, just pop by any time.
A huge thanks to the children and teachers from the ten schools that have made such wonderful contributions:
- Mulgrave Primary School, Woolwich
- Hawksmoor Primary School, Thamesmead
- Charlton Manor Primary School, Charlton
- St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Greenwich
- St. Alfege Primary School, Greenwich
- St. Mary Magdalene Primary School, Greenwich Campus
- St. Mary Magdalene Primary School, Woolwich Campus
- Christ Church Primary School, Greenwich
- Sherington Primary School, Eltham
- Montbelle Primary School, New Eltham