Spotlight falls on plight of refugees
Date published: 14 June 2010
OLDHAMERS will mark Refugee Week with a host of cultural, educational and sporting events.
Activities will take place across the borough all week in a bid to acknowledge the contribution of refugees to the UK.
The planned events aim to encourage greater awareness of how people become refugees and create a better understanding between communities.
Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for citizens and neighbourhoods, said: “Oldham’s events for Refugee Week will challenge some of the misconceptions about refugees and show the positive contribution they make to the region.
“This country has a very proud tradition of sheltering people who are fleeing war and persecution. In keeping with that, anything we can do as a society to change some of the misleading perceptions about refugees has to be a positive step.”
Local events include an information stand in the Spindles Town Square shopping centre today and tomorrow, one-to-one advice sessions at Oldham Library on Thursday and a musical celebration evening at Oldham Sixth Form College on Thursday.
The week’s events will round off with a seven-a-side football match at Chapel Road from 3pm on Sunday.
All Refugee Week events and activities are free. For more information call Naveed Aziz on 0161-770 8015 or email naveed.aziz@oldham.gov.uk
