Refugee picnic at the University and Professional Development Centre, in Bury St Edmunds, is hailed a success
A refugee picnic held in Bury St Edmunds was a celebration of community, connection and cultural diversity.
More than 100 staff and students from across Eastern Education Group came together on Tuesday for the event at the University and Professional Development Centre.
It was held as part of Refugee Week 2025 and reflected this year’s theme: ‘Community as a Superpower’.
Many of those attending were students of the group who have come to the UK as refugees, mostly from Ukraine and Afghanistan, who are now working to build their English skills, and, in some cases, to rebuild their lives entirely.
Olha, a refugee from Ukraine who has been studying English at West Suffolk College, for three years, shared how much the sense of belonging means to her and her peers.
She said: “For me, and I think for my friends, the day when we attend college is one of the best days in the week, because we feel supported, we see our friends, we see our lovely teacher, who we love.
“College for us isn’t just a place for studying, it’s a place to be in contact with other people who are in the same position.”
In Ukraine she was a lawyer and, along with others who have come over from her country, ‘we have started all over again’.
She added: “I think people in this country have been really understanding of our situation. We would say thank you very much to the Government, thank you to everyone; from the local council to all the staff at the college, we feel the support, and this support helps us to believe in a better future.”
Omran Nayab, a 17-year-old refugee from Afghanistan who studies English at West Suffolk College, wanted to thank the UK Government and all the staff and all the teachers at West Suffolk College.
“I’m so happy I came here,” he said. “In the future, I want to be the best doctor in this country. For that reason, next September, I will start the health and social care course here at West Suffolk College.
“I want to do something for work where I’m helping other people and helping our society, that’s my biggest wish for the future.”
The picnic united students with staff in an afternoon of food, conversation, and activities. Guests took part in a woven bracelet workshop, added heartfelt wishes to a wishing tree, and marked their home countries on a global map – a celebration of the rich diversity within the group.
Attendees were also able to view the ‘I Welcome’ photographic exhibition from Amnesty International, produced in collaboration with Magnum Photos.
Speaking at the event, Anne Short, head of ESOL and digital skills at West Suffolk College, said: “Every refugee has a story; stories of courage, determination, and the pursuit of safety and belonging.
“At Eastern Education Group, we recognise that education is a powerful force in rebuilding lives and fostering understanding.
“Today’s picnic gave us the opportunity to listen and be inspired by the voices and experiences of those who have overcome extraordinary challenges, and to recognise the incredible contributions of refugees in our college and local community.”
Eastern Education Group has hosted similar events in recent years, having launched the annual Refugee Picnic after lockdown.
Michael Apichella, programme lead for EAL (English as an Additional Language) at West Suffolk College, said what doesn’t happen enough in the news is humanising displaced people.
He added: “Events like this are really good because it’s an opportunity for everyone to actually meet some of these students who are refugees and start building these connections with them, and for people to realise that these individuals are a huge part of our community, our society, and our workforce.”
