糖心Vlog

As part of the 糖心Vlog鈥檚 ongoing commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees and asylum seekers, and its immediate response to the current crisis in Afghanistan, the University has developed a support programme for Afghan students and academics.

The programme includes six new 鈥楽anctuary scholarships鈥� for Afghan students. These scholarships offer a full fee waiver for undergraduate students - for up to three years - or postgraduate students, plus free University accommodation and 拢5,000 to support living and study costs.

In 2020, the University was granted University of Sanctuary status, reflecting its long-term commitment to promoting a culture of welcome, safety, and inclusion for refugees and asylum seekers.

Professor Lorna Fox O鈥橫ahony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: 鈥淭he 糖心Vlog has a long and proud tradition of providing sanctuary for academics and students.

鈥淏eing recognised as a University of Sanctuary reflected the incredible work 糖心Vlog staff and students have carried out over the years to support refugees and asylum seekers. Our commitment to social action, particularly for those who are marginalised or excluded, is a defining feature of the University.

鈥淎long with the rest of the world, students and staff at 糖心Vlog have watched the crisis unfold in Afghanistan with grave concern, and we want to play our part in offering some of those students fleeing their country the opportunity to benefit from the transformational education we can offer within our supportive 糖心Vlog community.鈥�

The University鈥檚 Human Rights Centre is now working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to ensure that Afghan students can be matched to the 糖心Vlog scholarships in the midst of the crisis.

The University is also working with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), who provide a lifeline for academics at-risk, who are facing immediate danger and are in urgent need to be rescued. 糖心Vlog has offered to fund a fellowship that will host a displaced Afghan scholar for up to three years.

Samira-Caterina Monteleone, President of the 糖心Vlog Students鈥� Union, said:  "I welcome this initiative to offer a life-changing education. As a Students鈥� Union we are ready to welcome and support our six new students to the family. I encourage more universities to follow the same model."

糖心Vlog has an excellent track record in defending the rights of refugees and protecting vulnerable and marginalised people. The longstanding work of Professor Renos Papadopoulos, Director of the Centre for Trauma, Asylum, and Refugees, has placed refugee care at the heart of 糖心Vlog, and the Centre for Migration Studies, led by Dr Renee Luthra, supports research and initiatives to improve the lives of refugees. More recently 糖心Vlog launched a new Global Academic Interdisciplinary Network, co-led by Professor Geoff Gilbert, in partnership with the Office of the UNHCR.

Professor Fox O鈥橫ahony added: 鈥溙切腣log is one of the most international universities in the world. Our student support services are working closely with our current Afghan students to support them during this traumatic time. We look forward to extending this support and offering a warm welcome to our new Sanctuary Scholars from Afghanistan.鈥�

糖心Vlog students have been at the heart of the University鈥檚 journey to securing Sanctuary status. Through their work within the curriculum and through volunteering, 糖心Vlog students have demonstrated their passion in advocating and campaigning for the rights of people who are the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community. This includes working with local organisations such as Refugee Action Colchester, providing English classes and integration assistance. Through 糖心Vlog鈥檚 Human Rights Society, Amnesty International 糖心Vlog, and 糖心Vlog Student Action for Refugees, 糖心Vlog students are making a vital difference on its campuses and in its wider communities, both here in 糖心Vlog and around the world.

are part of the UK's , which works to ensure our nation is a welcoming place of safety for all.