The South Downs Refugee Project held a launch meeting in Hassocks last month. The group are working to welcome a refugee family to the area and help them settle into the local community. Lots of people attended to support and learn about the project, and more chairs had to be set out!
Ahmed Yabroudi, a member of the Sussex Syrian Association, recounted his experiences as a refugee. He recalled: “When my house was destroyed, I lost my father, my two sisters and 17 of my cousins, all on that day. I took my five children and wife in my car, and we ran. I never ever thought I would leave my country.” Ahmed, who lives in Brighton, is proud that two of his children have since graduated from Brighton University, one as a computer engineer and the other as a software engineer. “We want to give something back to the British community,” he explained.
Stephen Louis, member of a refugee project group in Wendover, talked about his community’s experience of sponsoring a family. He said: “it’s been a real privilege to welcome a family who fled from Damascus when the war started. They had been living in a refugee camp: a husband, wife and two small girls. Our group has really enjoyed working together on the project.” He added: “Going to the airport to welcome the family with a male and female interpreter was an incredible experience.” Once they’ve arrived, the family need continued support. “Learning English is important,” says Stephen. “The children learn quickly at school, but we raised money to help the mother and father learn English.”
The South Downs Refugee Project group is delighted with positive local reaction to the project. Tom Bailey said: “When I first saw an article about the sponsorship scheme, I thought, Hassocks, this village could do this, and we will all benefit. It’s an enriching process all round and I would welcome you to become involved.” The group is looking to develop their volunteer network as the project develops. “A massive pool of people has supported our fundraising this year, through events and Justgiving,” says Tom.
So far, the group have raised £8,850 towards a £15,000 target, and they are planning a village ceilidh on 26th November to help raise more funds. “The property search is going to be a challenge for us,” said Tom. “We are hoping to find a philanthropically minded landlord who wants to directly support the project, and the family, in this way. In return, they will have guaranteed rental income for two years (minimum) and know that their tenants will have a committed group of supporters to help them throughout the tenancy. “Thank you to Hassocks Life magazine, who have been very supportive from the off,” says Tom, “and who have helped the wider community to hear about the scheme.” For more information, see https://southdownsrefugeeproject.org