‘Seeking Sanctuary in Higher Education’ builds on insights from the “(Re)imagining the Higher Education Border” research project, initiated by Dr Rebecca Murray and delivered in collaboration with 10 REHEB project researchers, as well as two of the UK’s leading NGOs focusing on forced displacement and education: Refugee Education UK (REUK) and Student Action for Refugees (STAR).
The REHEB researchers are experts by experience in relation to displacement, studying in HE as sanctuary students and active in campaign initiatives lobbying to improve access to and opportunities within university.
The project produced a series of comic strips and animations that sought to communicate:
- Why opportunities to study and work in higher education are so challenging to access, yet play a vital role in the lives of people seeking sanctuary, and;
- How staff and students can take individual and collective action to ensure that universities are safe and welcoming place for people seeking sanctuary.
The comics and animations are the output produced by the group to work towards the fulfilment of Obj. 1. and reflect three core principles for making higher education more accessible and inclusive: Access, Welcome, and Protection.
Read the comic strips, view the animations then complete this google form to share feedback, seek further information and follow our next project.
Access, Welcome, and Protection are three pillars that encapsulate sanctuary students’ experiences across their journey through university. First, they need access—not only to the university itself but also to vital information and resources that can guide them through the application process and beyond. Second, they need to feel genuinely welcomed, with a strong sense of belonging, as though they are valued members of the university community. Lastly, the pillar of protection speaks to the importance of students feeling safe, supported, and part of a collective, where a sense of togetherness fosters both security and solidarity. Together, these pillars form the foundation of what sanctuary students need to thrive in higher education.
By distilling the research into three clear and powerful pillars Access – Welcome – Protection, our intention is that, the information is both digestible and compelling. Our goal was to translate the university experience of sanctuary students into everyday activities that any person could relate to, while also highlighting the unique struggles and barriers that prevent access to these same opportunities—opportunities that others often take for granted.
Dr Rebecca Murray (PI) & Dr Patricia Nabuco Martuscelli (CI)
Enioluwada Oluwajoba & Angel Nakhle (Research Associates)
Abdullah, Abdulrahman, Arooba, Aysha, Daniel, Maryam, Sam & Tamana (REHEB Researchers)
Susana Vinolo (Illustrator)
Dominic Foster (Creative Editor)
Don’t forget to complete this google form to share feedback, seek further information and follow our next project.