SHAZA: “IT’S DIFFICULT TO BE A REFUGEE. PEOPLE DON’T THINK YOU’RE A REAL PERSON.”

Refugees dominate the news. But all too often the discussion is about them, not with them. At Humanity House, however, refugees have their say. Why does somebody leave everything behind and flee? And what does a refugee encounter during and after their journey?

On our Journey of a Refugee, you step into the shoes of a refugee. After that, you meet eight people who tell their personal refugee story. For example Shaza Manla (12) from Syria, a musical talent with big plans for the future. And Akhrat Selevani (17) from Iraq, who explains what it was like to spend eight years living and waiting in various Dutch asylum seekers’ centres.

What will the pupils do?

Before your pupils set off on the Journey of a Refugee, we talk to them about their lives. What do they normally do every day? What makes them happy? We also talk about children who find themselves caught up in a war. Do they think they would be happy growing up in a country affected by war?

Then your pupils personally ‘check in’ and set off together on a journey with a workbook in their hands. Afterwards they share their experiences. What did the journey trigger?

In short: in our museum, your pupils are not only observers, but also participants, thinkers and doers.

Combine!

Combine the Journey of a Refugee with a personal encounter with Sahar, Ayham, Qorban, Yaman or someone else who has fled their home. Your pupils discover that ‘a refugee’ is a human being just like them, with dreams, feelings and fears. Somebody who goes to school or work, likes to spend time with family and friends, and likes to have fun. In short: a refugee leads a life that is not all that different from theirs.