Students at Sheffield university are laying plans to improve refugee access to higher education. At a special meeting held in the Arts Tower the president-elect of the student union pledged his support for moves to assist refugees and asylum seekers who can’t afford to train or learn in the city.
The meeting heard from a Zimbabwean refugee who has been supported by the Refugee and Migrant Support Hub at the University of the West of England in Bristol. The unit helps refugees and migrants to access funding, employment and work placements, offers mentoring, pastoral support and much other assistance in overcoming obstacles to study and employment.
The national officer from Student Action for Refugees (STAR) told the meeting about their campaign lobbying for reduced fees for refugee and asylum seeking students.
Those present agreed to investigate the possibility of creating a support hub in Sheffield. STAR will work with City of Sanctuary to achieve this, starting with a public meeting at the start of the next academic year, this autumn.
