In an under-resourced education system, the support needed by refugee and migrant children is often overlooked. Children facing the challenges of urban poverty, disadvantage and transition need special support in order to thrive. Experiences of displacement and trauma can affect how they interact with schools and with each other. At the same time, in the wake of an acute shortage of teachers, there is a need for preschool age children to be supported at a crucial stage of development.

We plan to support “Big Partners” with refugee backgrounds to engage with “Little Partners” from neighbourhood nurseries, to deliver creative sessions that boost learning and wellbeing for both. Our programme helps fill gaps in available services, by providing support for learning in the early years and by promoting positive mental health, resilience and leadership skills for the secondary school children.