SUPPORTING THE AFGHAN AND UKRAINIAN REFUGEE COMMUNITY ACCESS TO SCHOOL PLACES FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES

Leyla Williams, Deputy Director of West London Welcome

I really enjoy the Sciences because we have lots of equipment to do all the experiments. I am doing GCSE Art, Emanuel has the most fabulous resources. We started with usual painting with gouache and are now modelling.

We have been able to offer two fully funded places to displaced Ukrainian students since the conflict began in February 2022.

Yeva (Year 10) is one of the pupils who joined us. She shares her experience.

“I have made so many good friends here and all of the teachers are really warm and helpful. We have great opportunities in all of our subjects. I am having extra English sessions with a teacher which is incredibly helpful too.

I am having so much fun and enjoying the rowing sessions. This was my first experience on the water and I like that we have coaches with us as that helps and makes us do much better and I love the races.

I also really enjoy all the trips. We have had many so far and I have had so much fun. They have been hugely varied including paddle boarding and an Art trip to the V&A.

I feel lucky to study here.”