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Our ESOL Volunteer Coordinator, Caroline Herring, is raising money for HWSF by taking part in the Prudential 100 Miles Bike Ride at the end of July. If you'd like to support Caroline's challenge by donating to HWSF, please visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/carolineherringhwsf  HWSF was delighted when a local supporter got in touch to offer Eid gifts to the Syrian refugee families in Watford and Three Rivers. The new member, along with a group of friends, raised an incredible £500 within three days! They put together seven packages to give to each of the families, including special Eid cupcakes, chocolates, cards and a purse with £20 for each child. The packages were delivered by HWSF volunteers who wished the families Eid Mubarak (Blessed Celebration!). The families were touched by the packages and by the HWSF well-wishers who’d made them possible.
 HWSF recently organised an evening titled “Arrivals and Departures” exploring issues of migration in collaboration with St Albans Folk Club and St Albans Amnesty International Group.
The evening began with a musical performance by local folk band Na Mara about the evacuation of children from wartime Bilbao. Irene Austin, the chair of HWSF, interviewed two young refugees who now live in St Albans. They discussed the unique challenges of living in a new country with different customs, rules and expectations. Both refugees highlighted the importance of learning a new language and overcoming challenges in their quest for an education. Local historians, Kate Morris and Ken Griffin, offered a historical perspective, describing the people who had arrived at and departed from St Albans over the centuries. Syrian and Middle Eastern food was served throughout the evening, and the night was topped off by more songs performed by Na Mara. |
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