Our ‘Tree of Welcome’ is currently on display at St. Sidwell’s Centre in Exeter as part of an Awareness Week programme of events aimed at highlighting the ongoing refugee global crisis and the difficult journeys, risks and hardships which continue to face those seeking sanctuary.The tree will be on display until mid February ’17
In June 2016 we began working to create a ‘Tree of Welcome’ as part of our awareness raising activities. The ‘Tree of Welcome ‘is a public display of messages extending welcome, friendship and support towards the Syrian families arriving in Exeter. Personal messages were created on Hands of Welcome by Year 6 children at Alphington Primary School and members of the public during Refugee Week 2016. These have been added to subsequently by three Yr. 6 classes at Ladysmith School. The messages and images contained on the Hands of Welcome are beautiful and inspiring and offer a clear and powerful voice, which collectively welcome newly arrived refugees with warmth and compassion.
The ‘Tree of Welcome ‘will continue to grow and gather Hands of Welcome at further workshops in Exeter. It will also be on public display to inspire others and to demonstrate that Exeter City welcomes asylum seekers and refugees.