Refugee Week 2009

 Sunday 14th June

9.30am  to 4.00pm ‘Kick-it-out’ Tournament. Refugee Week kicks off this year with football teams participating in the Kick Racism out of Football Tournament. Over the past 5 years refugee teams have been participating in this grand tournament of up to 100 players from a wide range of international backgrounds. Come along and cheer us along! on the rubber crumb and sand-based pitch above the Sports Centre at Exeter University.

Monday 15th June

7.30pm – 9.30pm Still Human, Still Here.  Come and find out more about the difficulties destitute asylum seekers face when they cannot return home. Mike Kaye, Advocacy Manager of the Still Human Still Here Campaign will bring news and information, films and discussion, and ideas on how we can support the campaign. Music Room, Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter.

Tuesday 16 June

6.20pm – 8.15pm Film – The Visitor  A simmering drama about a pair of illegal aliens (Tarek, a Syrian, and his Senegalese girl-friend Zainab) in New York, and the college professor who tries to help them. The Visitor is a superbly written, beautifully acted and thoroughly engaging human drama that is ultimately both deeply moving and unexpectedly romantic. The Picture House, Bartholomew Street West, Exeter (ticket price applies).

 Wednesday 17th June

6.30pm – 9.00pm “Sounds of Freedom” - World Music Night – An evening of music, songs and poetry celebrating love, freedom and diversity. Come along to support the artists, or if you would like to perform, please get in touch – info@rsgdevon.org.uk  Music Room, Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter.

  Thursday 18th June

12.00 – 2.00pm Cultural Kitchen Lunch Cafe. A feast of traditional foods from the eastern world cooked by members of RSG’s women’s outreach group. Prices will range from £2.50 – £6.00 for lunch.  St Sidwells Centre, Sidwell Street, Exeter

 1.00pm - 2.00pm World at Lunch. Bring your lunch and share a discussion on local refugee and asylum issues. Global Centre, Exeter Community Centre, St Davids Hill, Exeter

 Friday 19th June

10.00am - 12.30p .Coffee morning. Come and meet key organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers in Exeter and Devon and find out what is happening locally and nationally. A selection of Middle Eastern cakes, cards and embroidered work will be on sale from the Women’s Outreach Project. St Stephens Church, High Street, Exeter

7.30pm -9.30pmAsylum Monologues Scripted by award-winning playwright and founder of Ice & Fire theatre company, Sonja Linden, the Asylum Monologues tells the first-hand stories of people who have been involved in the system. Read by students from the University of Exeter, this is a powerfully moving piece of theatre not to be missed. Followed by an informal discussion.  The Black Box, Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter.

  Saturday 20th June

12.00 - 2.30pmMulti-faith celebration. Organised by Exeter Amnesty International Group, the celebration will consist of readings and prayers by representatives from various faith groups in Exeter plus world music and a candle-lighting session.  Bring some food (that can be eaten cold) to share afterwards.  All are most welcome. Quaker Meeting House, Magdalen Road, Exeter

All Week: Look out for displays from Refugee Support Group Devon, including photographic exhibition from Exeter refugee in Devon libraries, colleges and other public places (Exeter, Tiverton, Torrington, Barnstaple, Okehampton).