Charity fundraiser to bring joy to lives of refugee children in Battersea

Wellbeing workshops, stimulating discovery trips and valuable learning experiences will be on offer this summer – if an activity charity can raise the money.

The activities for refugee children and young people in Battersea will offer fun ways to learn.

“Combining learning with having fun makes for effective education and forms lasting and valuable memories,” said Aaron Barbour, director of Katherine Low Settlement.

“After months of lockdown and deprivation, KLS Champions for Children 2020 aims to open the door to allow refugee children to make the very best of the summer, learn new skills and knowledge, and enjoy themselves after weeks of Covid-19 lockdown.

“The money we hope to raise means we can offer refugee children – of all ages, nationalities and religions – a great many memorable and fun-filled experiences to help develop their confidence, gain new life skills and learn more about the capital city and the country in which they have made their new home.”

Refugee children face special challenges, he said, especially those who are new to the United Kingdom.

To successfully assimilate into the community they may have to get over, for example, frightening experiences from the country they left.

Additionally, they have to quickly learn the English language, understand this country’s customs and fit into a completely new culture.

He added: “Positive activities and stimulating trips during the summer holidays are a crucial part of every child’s education and development. Refugee children are no different. Like other young people, they are eager to learn and explore, adapt to new circumstances and enthusiastically make a new life for themselves.”

Organised by Katherine Low Settlement and all within relevant and official Covid-19 guidelines, the range of inspiring and fun-orientated activities will include visits to places and events otherwise unaffordable or inaccessible, providing practical packs for virtual, online workshops covering activities such as making art and design works, baking bread, cakes and other foods, holding small group activities and educational workshops in the open air, arranging trips to Battersea Park and the Royal Parks, and family days out to other parts of London to learn more about the capital city and this country.

Every donation – large or small – made to KLS Champions for Children 2020 will be doubled in value, thanks to a generous match-funding contribution scheme from Francis Holland School in Chelsea and the Childhood Trust, and running on the UK’s largest match-funding platform, The Big Give.

From today, KLS Champions for Children 2020 will run for a week and end at noon on Tuesday, June 30. Online donations may be made here.