Children urged to think about plight of refugees in poster contest

Looking for something creative and thought-provoking to do with the kids this half-term?
Children across East Cambridgeshire are invited to consider the meanings of the words “home” and “refuge” in a poster competition aimed at increasing awareness and compassion for Syrians escaping war and persecution.
The competition, organised by the Ely Refugee Resettlement Campaign, is open to children of all ages, with prizes sponsored by local businesses.
On its website, the ERRC says: “In the fifth year of the Syrian War and with the increased coverage in the media of the plight of the refugees, ERRC is working to raise the awareness of school children in the area of the refugees’ situation, and to show that we are all human beings, deserving of a safe home.”

Those behind the competition hope that it will encourage those taking part to “discuss what the refugees are without, what they are looking for and what would make them happy, for example, safety, security, shelter, love, haven, hideaway, respect, worth, compassion.”
The title and theme for the poster is ‘REFUGE’, or, for younger pupils, ‘HOME’. Entries will be split into Key stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, with the winning entries and posters being displayed at Ely Library and at various events across the city, including Isle of Ely Arts Festival, Aquafest, and during Refugee Week (19th- 26th June).
The competition, which closes on June 7, will be judged by Ian Lindsey, the Mayor Elect of Ely, local artist Barbara Grafton and Dr Dee McCormack, a local GP, who is part of the ERRC.
Prizes have been donated by Burrows Bookshop, City Cycle Centre, Ely Fudge Company, Tindalls, Toppings and Co, WH Smith and Wilkinson’s.
For more information see elyrefugeeresettlement.co.uk