A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB NEWSLETTER Issue 57

A view from the edge Doncaster Conversation Club Newsletter

08 August 2019

STANDING ALONGSIDE REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS IN DONCASTER IN THIS ISSUE

‘I feel humble’ By Paul FitzPatrick

The traditional outing to the British meet new people and they speak one seaside provides all sorts of language of loving and smiling to opportunities for enjoyment, from each other. We became a one-world playing rounders on the beach to family’. swimming in the North Sea (which Perhaps the most challenging may be a completely new comment came from the person who experience) and to learning the said he felt humble to be part of the cultural significance of ‘fish and experience, seeing the beach, the chips’ (even if not actually tasting Re-visiting Moria camp Page 2 sand and the sea. Humility is not a them). ‘Pulling the rope’ and fashionable virtue in a culture which skipping under it evoked childhood seeks to be great (again) and which memories of Sudan. Such occasions celebrates its sense of unapologetic are also opportunities to get away entitlement to a dominant place in from the everyday tensions of the world. ‘Humility’ offers a awaiting asylum, while seeing more counterpoint. It is not demeaning, it of the country and meeting new recognises the other, it does not seek people. As one man said, ‘Such kind to dominate. It points all of us in the of activities will make direction of how we might develop a communication easier with others public conscience which values and it will help to build strong A visit to Bridlington everyone. relationships with people from Page 3 different countries and different places in the world. It is good to A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB 2 NEWSLETTER | Issue 57

stss Revisiting Moria enclosed Detention Centre, up into during Ramadhan, to help families to the olive groves on the hillside – to stay healthy. Detention Centre, an area named ‘Tent City’. We left the car and walked across the very Every day, refugees doing the ‘food Lesvos, and ‘Tent dry, rocky terrain clustered with line’ provided by the Moria Centre City’ to meet newly fruiting olive trees - 32° in the management to receive some basic sun – amid brown grasses and cooked food, in small quantities and refugees ‘structures’ covered in tarpaulin. with little nourishment for By Lilian Hollidge [DCC themselves and their families. Volunteer] Usually the men congregate and chat in the lengthy queues waiting for their turns. If the men have a family, they will collect the foods for themselves and their families. The difficulties tend to occur when men have disagreements and fights break out. If women without a husband and two or more children have to

wait for a long time – two hours or more – it can be difficult to manage We had purchased, from the where the children are, and to cope warehouse next door to the site, with their restlessness and still stay I set out with very mixed feelings quantities of yeast, flour, salt and oil, in the line for foods. Some families about my forthcoming visit to which were then shared between may not collect food in these Mytilini, Lesvos Island, not only the five teams of two refugee women, instances. journey but also seeing Moria again; from different countries, with one but the journey went well and we common goal, to prepare and bake None of this takes into account the as many fresh breads – roti, khubz arrived on Lesvos at around 5pm on weather conditions: in winter, and naan – as they could, in tandoors 8 June 2019. freezing, wet, windy conditions under the ground, designed by Azam queueing outside on the exposed and constructed by a skilful refugee. I was met at the airport by long-time terrain; or in the blistering heats of Refugee Volunteer, Fatos, who had These would then be shared with the summer months, when other registered women with three invited me to share her traditional temperatures can rise to 50° and or more children but no husband. old Greek terraced home in Mytilini there is no adequate shelter or

port for two weeks. shade. These ten bakers baked

Not sure what to expect! On my last approximately 50 breads each day, visit, I was working alongside other sharing 25 with their own families, volunteers and refugees, preparing while the other 25 would be shared vegetables and cooking hot, with other registered women with nutritional meals for women and three or more children, living on children from Moria detention their own, throughout Moria centre. We also collected and sorted Detention Centre and the ‘Tent City’ through clothing donations ready to areas. share with our guests at lunch-time from Moria Centre, when they R and F, both refugees, living in the

collected their foods. olive groves area, have been assisting

Azam to meet with registered women and children in a lay-by on So very different this time though! [Lilian’s account of her first visit to the periphery of Moria, prior to and On the first day, Azam drove us to Lesvos was published in The View the Moria site and up past the from the Edge no 41] A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB 3 NEWSLETTER | Issue 57

stss Our day at the seaside water. A good sunny day perfect for first beach of her life. She really have beach. Bus is a bit warm. Wish could a wonderful day. She get to meet open window for fresh cool air. new friend and enjoy the coach and Thank you for food and everything. I good food. Thank you very much. We feel everywhere is take away my really enjoyed. worries and leaving me happy and light every time. Blessings. We’re enjoying very much. I am very happy about today and good food It was really good been in the beach. and nice journey to the beach. I think I enjoy making friends especially it is nice day for all but for myself I’m Thanks to a grant provided by the playing football on the beach. I also very happy. Southall Trust, a party of 81 of us enjoy seeing the sea and having a were able to enjoy a day out in few dip in the sea edge. It was good It was a great experience and I enjoy Bridlington at the beginning of seeing the kids happy playing with the trip a lot. People is friendly and August. The tide went out and the sand and having a swim as well. It kind. Personally it gave me a moral skies cleared and we enjoyed games was really great adventure. motivation and push to be mentally on the sand and the sea. stable. I’m looking forward for the Unfortunately, the coach’s air I have been enjoyed with this today next events. conditioning was not working which trip. I want to be thankful for all that made for a rather uncomfortable who help us for invited us for this Visit to Bridlington was great. We journey. trip. I saw a lot of happiness and I had fun in seawater – made Our party consisted of had little stress before this trip. You sandcastles with my family. Kids made us happy for this journey. played football and other games. 1 Thank you very much. (But without Food was provided which was lovely. Albania 1 family every happiness is impossible We had a fun filled day at Beach Algeria 2 for me). today. Thanks very much. El Salvador 4 Eritrea 4 Ethiopia 5 The trip was wonderful. I enjoyed I am really crossed. I don’t want to India 1 every bit of it. It was good. I had fun. write anything because the trip was Iran 1 I walk around the seaside, I wish next perfectly organised and the place Iraq 16 time will come the same place. It was was soooo beautiful and I didn’t Libya 1 very good. I am happy to be part of want to come back. I wanted to stay Nigeria 5 this trip. Thanks to the team who for a longer time. Hope next time will 4 make this possible. stay for more. Big thank you from the Saudi 1 Sudan 12 bottom of my heart. Syria 11 We really enjoyed the day. My Tunisia 2 children really liked to come and We enjoyed everything especially the Uk vols 9 thank you guys for bringing us here. view of the sea Zimbabwe 1 We had a fun day and we liked everything. Thank you so much. Total 81 Hope we could go back there again There were 21 children in 9 family soon. We would like to go to groups. swimming please. Some views of those who joined in My daughter enjoyed herself at It’s a wonderful family day out. Lots Bridlington today. She has never of fun with friends. Playing football, been at the beach before. This her running after children not to go far in A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB 4 NEWSLETTER | Issue 57

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Football: both QARN AGM playing and Some of the party assembled outside The Quaker Asylum and Refugee the ground before the match started. Network held its AGM in Doncaster

watching at the beginning of July.

DCC United have continued to participate in the Monday night six-a- In their report they noted: ‘After a side league, which has now moved wonderful Syrian lunch, we heard from the Keepmoat Stadium to the about the many activities of the DCC, Balby Carr sports complex. ranging from ESOL to employment In recognition of their achievements advice and friendship, and their links in the first league competition, players with other organisations. Interest

were awarded medals. generated by the Conversation Club Some background is leading to projects seeking to Doncaster Rovers play in League acquire 'sanctuary' status thereby One of the English Football League. shaming the Council's decision to Saturday was the first day of the new season. In other parts of the country, reject the idea of applying for City of there were reports of racist abuse Sanctuary status. We heard from two directed at players and supporters. A asylum-seekers, and members of statement from the anti-racism charity Doncaster Meeting who spoke about Kick It Out said: ‘On the first weekend of the season, these incidents should the value of football, bicycles, and be a reminder for everyone in football the Conversation Club projects to

that racism and discrimination cannot Thanks to our links with Club counter the negative impact of being be ignored. Doncaster Foundation, we were in the asylum process. We heard

invited to attend the first home match ‘Clubs and the football authorities from the CAST theatre, which has a of the new season – Doncaster must be relentless in calling out this ‘Social Seats’ programme to Rovers vs Gillingham. disgraceful behaviour, and be encourage diverse participation, and prepared to issue strong sanctions We met all together at the Meeting which is hoping to become a Theatre and education sessions to any House and went on foot to the supporter involved. of Sanctuary very soon. We also stadium. ‘We went through many heard from the Housing and Welfare streets in this town. It was beautiful, ‘Discrimination casts a shadow over well organised and clean. I talked Officer of G4S, who maintains football in this country, and we will not with friends while walking. I liked excellent and friendly relations with stop highlighting the problem while it very much the way of organizing remains rife in the game.’ DCC and who will soon be moved things, of cheering the team. It was over to Mears which has taken over my first time to be in a stadium in the All of us at DCC value the support of UK. Unfortunately the town team, the contract. Club Doncaster Foundation in Doncaster Rovers, did not win. A enabling a very diverse group of draw was a good result.’ refugees and people seeking asylum In fact, we had such a good time, and

to enjoy watching professional were made to feel so welcome, that ‘It was a beautiful day. Everything football in a safe and secure was wonderful and a lovely day. I we will return to Doncaster next July environment. hope to visit again.’ for our 2020 AGM!’

Djeson said ‘I love football. I come FORTHCOMING DATES again to football. I play football. 19 August Barnby Dun - ‘Come on!!! Good day. I love a good canoeing and BBQ. (Not suitable for children under 10 day. I love a good day and I came years). again. OK! I play Donny College. 02 September First Aid course Football is the best game in the at Meeting House run by the world. Donny is the best team!’ Red Cross. 1.30pm - 3.30pm 07 September Hope Valley A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB 5 NEWSLETTER | Issue 57

stss A visit to Lifewise weeks. Course day and exact As Abel said, ‘I learned more times will vary with demand. If you Around 3 dozen asylum seekers information about life in the UK. have language difficulties, our and refugees enjoyed what has What is danger and what is safety bilingual staff and volunteers may become an annual trip to South for us. The most informative was be able to assist you with any Yorkshire Police’s Lifewise centre about safety for fire in the kitchen, questions regarding these at Hellaby. in the home, how you can control courses. any fire and report it’. This is an interactive, purpose We also offer ‘Conversational built unit, ideal for learning about Free English classes from English’, Reading & Writing, short life in the UK. ‘English’ ESOL taster September sessions and ‘Life in the UK Test We were divided into groups by Preparation courses who do not At Changing Lives, Prince’s language, complete with an wish to commit themselves to a Street, Doncaster interpreter, and spent a pleasant full course yet. We provide basic

day learning different aspects of ICT computer classes for people Entry ESOL 1, 2 & 3 classes: UK life. who do not know how to use a Women only, free childcare, term computer and are a recognised time only. There were 7 different scenarios UK online Centre.

for us to engage with: Enrolment days are as follows: South Yorkshire Police - Your DEMRP also host a number of

Police Force; valuable training courses. ESOL Entry 1 & 2 South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue 5TH September either 10-12 or - bedroom safety; For more information and to 12.30 -2.30 South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue express an interest, contact

- house safety; DEMRP 01302 341600 or ESOL Entry 3 South Yorkshire Police - Hate email [email protected] 3RD September or the Crime; 5th September M25/Ongo - housing and benefit 12.-30 -2.30 advice; There will also be a new class at

Apna Haq - Domestic Violence the Meeting House to be run by For more information please among BME communities; Hope English. either call 01302 309800 or email: Red Cross - Family Tracing and A 15 week basic literacy course Carmelle.harold@changinging- Family Reunion. will be held on Friday mornings at lives.org.uk the Meeting House, starting from

The day ended, as usual, with the September 6th. Also we have a Women-only BME much loved trying on of Police drop-in Support group, term time and Fire Personnel Uniforms. only, every Monday 10-12pm. Photos of uniform-clad asylum Also free childcare facility seekers were sent worldwide! available.

At the Minster Literacy Project

th Classes restart on Wednesday 4 September at 1.00pm, at the Minster and at St George’s House next door.

At DEMRP, 61A Carr House Road DN1 2BY ESOL classes are delivered twice weekly, and last a minimum of 10

A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB 6 NEWSLETTER | Issue 57

stss strange and abnormal. Since country are made out of light linen Afghanistan is an Islamic country, and are characterized by loose AFGHAN islamophobia takes control of the fittings. Among the most popular hearts of people and people fail to traditional attires in Afghanistan is realise that we are all the same. We the . Afghanistan may be from different backgrounds has traditional clothing for males and ISTAN but we’re all still human. Its females such as, the ladies wear long obnoxious to see people judge maxi colourful dresses whereas, the By Mariam Ahmadzai [DCC without knowledge. It isn’t just males wear plain trousers and long Volunteer] Afghanistan that is being judged, its tops called ‘kameez’. many other countries too. We as a Food in Afghanistan My Experience civilisation need to grow up and stop thinking that we’re better than Afghan cuisine is a reflection of the In February 2019, I visited everyone else. Being closed minded nation’s cultural diversity. The staple Afghanistan, I spent 5 months there means that we can’t move forward. crops in Afghanistan are rice, barley, because of my family and relatives People tend to believe whatever wheat, and maize. Rice is the and believe me I had a great time. I nonsense they see on the web but dominant food item in many Afghan went to the capital city Kabul the fail to see how biased the kitchens, with a local rice dish known heart of Afghanistan, all of my family information may actually be. It’s as as the ‘Kabuli palaw’ being and relatives live there, the most though we’re sheep, having no minds recognized as Afghanistan’s national important person for me in of our own. dish. A popular drink in the country is Afghanistan is my sister who is the ‘doogh’ which is made using married therefore, I would love to go Open your minds and think. yogurt, water, and mint. The drink and visit every year just to see my Language and Religion in can be prepared at home or sister and her 5 children. When Afghanistan purchased in restaurants and people hear the name ‘Afghanistan’ groceries. they automatically get the bad Afghanistan has a rich and diverse impression and I see why that is, as culture that has taken shape for there are , bombs, and much thousands of years. There are two more. But however, if you actually go official languages in the country; Dari and visit Afghanistan trust me you and Pashto. Islam was introduced to would not want to come back since the country in the early 8th century you will be having an amazing time and had grown to be the nation’s just like I did. dominant religion by the 9th century.

Don’t believe what people tell you Clothing in Afghanistan about a country or their people, do your own research and find out what that country is really about. Every Music in Afghanistan country has good and bad just like Afghanistan. It may be a poor Music, like many other aspects of country due to its vulnerability Afghani culture, revolves around the against civil war but there are people nation’s dominant religion, Islam. there who genuinely enjoy living Traditional music in Afghanistan is there, people who thrive for their diverse, with different regions of the country and wouldn’t want to be country having distinct traditional anywhere else. musical styles. Indian, Pakistani, and Persian culture has also influenced People tend to judge countries that The types of clothes worn in the music of Afghanistan. Down have similar properties to Afghanistan are a reflection of the below are the images of the most Afghanistan because they believe cultural composition of the country. traditional instruments used in that the people and culture there is Many of the traditional attires of the Afghanistan. A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB 7 NEWSLETTER | Issue 57

stss Mission of the State of Eritrea to the year-old man suffering from the UN in Geneva. effects of tear gas.

Source: The Tablet 14 July 2019 The Omdurman Teaching Hospital also received a man wounded by a 2. News from Sudan rubber bullet. Two others were At least five secondary school brought in, suffering from injuries to students have been killed and 40-50 their legs after tear gas canisters hit more reported wounded after them. members of the Rapid Support On Sunday, sit-ins were held at the Forces (RSF), Sudan's main Music and Drama Faculty of the government militia, opened fire on a University of Khartoum, the spontaneous demonstration in the Art has been part of the Afghani University of Science and North Kordofan capital of El Obeid culture for hundreds of years. The Technology, and the Banking today. oldest oil painting on earth is from Academy. Afghanistan. For many years, art in The doctors reported as well a large the country revolved around Islam, Source: Radio Dabanga number of injuries, ‘some of which but in the modern age, artists are are critical.’ 3. Crossing the Mediterranean drawing inspirations from many other sources for their artworks. The International law obliges the master National Gallery of Afghanistan has of a ship at sea to provide assistance an extensive collection of local to people in distress, ‘regardless of artworks and is the place where the nationality or status of such many of the top artists in the country persons.’ At the same time many exhibit their masterpieces. Other European countries and the EU itself institutions where Afghani art can be are trying to restrict such activities, seen include the National Archives even as the death toll in the and the National Museum, both of Mediterranean rises. which are found in Kabul. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, appears to Also, in response to the report by the have come up with an ingenious investigation committee into the solution: use drones. The legal Brief news headlines violent dismantling of the sit-in in obligation to aid a vessel in distress front of the army command on June 1. Hospital closures in Eritrea does not apply to an unmanned 3, street protests erupted in aerial vehicle, or UAV. You can avoid The last Catholic hospital in Eritrea, Khartoum in the late afternoon of the politically fraught argument located in Zager, about 20 miles from Saturday 27 July and continued into about who should take care of the capital Asmara, and providing Sunday. rescued migrants if you never rescue maternity and general medical Security forces used tear gas to them in the first place. This is part of services, was closed on 5 July. disperse protesters who barricaded a long trend in policy designed to Over the past month, 22 Catholic streets and major roads. ensure that migrants are unable to hospitals and clinics have been cross the Mediterranean. If we are The doctors’ committee said in a obliged to rescue those who ask us closed by the government, in line report on Sunday that Baban for help, the solution seems to be to with a 1995 regulation. ‘Religious Hospital in Khartoum received a man ensure we cannot hear their request. institutions are not allowed to hit by a rubber bullet and nine others conduct development activities in with respiratory problems because of Source: The Guardian 6 August 2019 areas of their specific choice as this is excessive use of teargas. The ‘Using drones to watch refugees fraught with discrimination against International Hospital treated an 18- drown exposes the inhumanity of non-adherents’ said the Permanent border enforcement’ by Phil McDuff A VIEW FROM THE EDGE DONCASTER CONVERSATION CLUB 8 NEWSLETTER | Issue 57

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To receive a copy of this newsletter by email, send a message to A view from [email protected] the edge Please send your contributions and suggestions to the same address. Doncaster Conversation Club offers opportunities for local people Doncaster and people who have sought asylum in the UK to join together to share friendship, while offering support and practical help. Conversation The Club seeks to create a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment, Club and works on the principles of Ownership – everyone can get involved Newsletter Impartiality – it is not affiliated to any political or religious body Confidentiality – what you say is private Respect – for each other’s differences and individuality.

Based at the DCC is pleased to acknowledge the support of Doncaster Society of Friends (Quakers), The Red Cross, The Refugee Council, Migrant Help, DIAL Doncaster, The Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Quaker Meeting House Group, IAPT, St Leger Homes, Club Doncaster Foundation, Ongo, YMCA, DARTS, CAST, DEMRP, Changing Lives, The Health Bus, Off St James St Fareshare, The Brelms Trust, The Ruth Hayman Trust, Doncaster Minster, Doncaster Central Library, Doncaster Museum, Doncaster DN1 3RH Doncaster Prison Bikes project and Doncaster College.

The Doncaster Conversation Club is run entirely by volunteers with the support of occasional grants for specific activities.

The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors.

Paul FitzPatrick Doncaster Conversation Club Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Registered Charity number 1159775 Issue 57

08 August 2019