Celebrating Refugee Week at Heston
Over the course of the celebrations of Refugee Week, from 16th to 25th June, our English class in Heston buzzed with creativity, reflection, and connection as we came together to honour this year’s theme: “Community as a Superpower.”
With funding from Hounslow Council, we were able to run a meaningful, community-focused project that brought our learners closer to the idea – and reality – of belonging.
Exploring the meaning of community
Our celebrations began in the classroom. During the first week, Savannah, our ESOL and Activities Coordinator, designed and delivered English sessions that encouraged learners to explore what community means to them.
For Pre-Entry learners, Savannah created tailored resources to break down the concept into manageable and relatable ideas. These included visual materials made using Canva to help learners engage and express themselves confidently.
Download here:
Higher-level learners explored the historical roots of the local area, using a visual timeline of Heston 100 years ago. They discussed historical photographs, shared their thoughts, and even took part in a scavenger hunt at the Royal British Legion, uncovering and piecing together the building’s rich history.
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Creative expressions of community
In the second week, with a deeper understanding of community, learners were invited to express their personal interpretations through art. Each student created a drawing or design that captured what community means to them in Heston. These artworks were then mounted on a sign and are now proudly displayed at Heston Library.
The display gives learners something tangible they can return to – a reminder of their creativity, their voice, and their place in the community.
A huge thank you
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of Hounslow Council, whose funding allowed us to bring this inspiring project to life. Their support helped empower learners to reflect, create, and celebrate the power of community – something we all need, and something our learners now know they are part of.
