By Robert Van de Noort
Last week, I am proud to say that the University of Reading was officially recognised as a University of Sanctuary.
This means that, as an institution, we are a safe, welcoming and compassionate place for refugees or asylum seekers wishing to participate in higher education.
A lot of hard work by my colleagues goes into co-ordinating our sanctuary work across the University, and in developing new initiatives that support the principles of the University of Sanctuary scheme.
A huge thank you to all involved.
When faced with global crises, it can be hard to understand how we can help, as individuals or as organisations. I am pleased that, as a university, we have good experience in helping refugees and others seeking sanctuary.
Through our Sanctuary Scholarships Scheme, we offer up to 12 funded scholarships for refugee students each year.
We started a Sanctuary Coffee Bank in our campus cafes for local refugees and sanctuary scholars to access free hot drinks. Our International Study and Language Institute works with Royal Berkshire Hospital to provide English language support for staff. And through our community engagement projects, we have worked with local partners, such as the Refugee Support Group and Sanctuary Strikers FC, to provide additional support to refugees across Berkshire and the Thames Valley region.
This follows on from our pledge to Reading City of Sanctuary, first signed in 2017, where we committed to support the town’s values of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers to the area, and promoting inclusion and wellbeing initiatives to help people adjust to their new lives in the UK.
The University’s history of supporting refugees stretches back further than that though.
Professor Edith Morley is celebrated for her role as the first female professor at an English university, a position she secured at Reading in 1908. During her time at Reading, she supported refugees in both the First and Second World Wars, setting up the Reading Refugee Committee in 1938. In 1950, she was awarded an OBE for her work with refugees.
When thinking of people forced to flee their homes because of war or discrimination, it’s easy to think of it as a problem from Edith Morley’s era. Sadly, conflict and persecution are not confined to history.
There is currently a refugee crisis around the world, as people search for somewhere to be safe. We can all play our part to help these people feel welcome and included in our society.
As a university with a diverse student and staff population, we welcome people from all backgrounds to our campus. And indeed, we appreciate the opportunity to understand new cultures and perspectives.
This gives us a better view of the world and helps us find new approaches to tackle the global issues that affect us all.
Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading
