College of Sanctuary and Asylum Seekers

Gower College is working towards College of Sanctuary status

But what is a College of Sanctuary? Before answering that first it’s important to know why people leave their countries and what it means to be seeking sanctuary as an asylum seeker.

Why do people leave their countries?

There are many reasons why it might be too difficult or dangerous for people to stay in their own countries. For example, children, woman and men flee from violence, war, hunger, extreme poverty, because of their sexual or gender orientation, or from the consequences of climate change or other natural disasters. Often people will face a combination of these difficult circumstances.

People who leave their countries are not always fleeing danger. They might believe they have a better chance of finding work in another country because they have the education or capital to seek opportunities elsewhere. Others might want to join relatives or friends who are already living abroad. Or they might seek to start or finish their education in another country. There are lots of different reasons for people to start a journey to build a life in a new country.

Definitions: What exactly is a refugee, an asylum-seeker and a migrant?

The terms “refugee”, “asylum-seeker” and “migrant” are used to describe people who are on the move, who have left their countries and have crossed borders.

The terms “migrant” and “refugee” are often used interchangeably but it is important to distinguish between them as there is a legal difference.

Who is an asylum-seeker?

An asylum-seeker is a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn’t yet been legally recognized as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim. Seeking asylum is a human right. This means everyone should be allowed to enter another country to seek asylum.

What is a College of Sanctuary?

A College of Sanctuary is a college that is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. This could be people whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a space of safety.

A College of Sanctuary is a college that helps its students, staff and wider community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal, valued members of the college community. It is a college that is proud to be a place of safety and inclusion for all.

What can you do?

Students can get involved  by engaging with our Asylum and Refugee awareness week, Volunteer to befriend asylum seeker students, start a language exchange group and help run activities that promote inclusion and welcome. For more information contact our equality and diversity officer Paul.Vincent@gcs.ac.uk