17/12/2024

Ysgol Pencae in Llandaff has taken a significant step in its bid to become a School of Sanctuary by participating in a cultural exchange project with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students from Cardiff and Vale College.

The project brought together Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Pencae and a group of refugee and asylum-seeking students for a unique linguistic and cultural exchange.

Through a series of video messages, the pupils and students shared insights into their languages and traditions, creating meaningful connections and fostering mutual understanding.

Ysgol Pencae pupils offered practical help by teaching Welsh phrases and sharing their experiences of speaking Welsh in school, at home, and within their community. In turn, the ESOL students introduced the children to aspects of their native cultures and languages, enriching the understanding of diversity within the Cardiff community.

The gathered insights became part of a collaborative project exploring the culture, history, and language of Wales, enabling both groups to deepen their appreciation of heritage and inclusivity.

Siwan Dafydd, headteacher of Ysgol Pencae, celebrated the initiative as a transformative experience:"This exchange scheme was a golden opportunity for our pupils to extend a warm welcome and offer practical support to the students. They learned about different cultures, picked up new words in other languages, and took pride in sharing Welsh traditions and language. This project embodies the values of a School of Sanctuary—promoting inclusivity, understanding, and community spirit.I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Davies for her work in organising this invaluable experience for our pupils."

What is a School of Sanctuary:

• A place that fosters a culture of welcome and safety for people seeking sanctuary, including asylum seeking and refugee families.
• Educates the whole school community about the human right to sanctuary and identifies practical means for schools to demonstrate that commitment.
• Builds empathy and intercultural awareness through promoting the voices and contributions of people seeking sanctuary, encouraging an understanding of the experiences of displaced people and helping to combat stereotypes.

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "By working toward School of Sanctuary status, Ysgol Pencae continues to build an environment where refugees and asylum seekers feel welcomed, valued, and supported.

"We want all of our schools to be welcoming places of safety for all, offering sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution and I hope that more schools begin their journey to become a School of Sanctuary."

For more information about becoming a School of Sanctuary, please contact EMTAS /GCLlEThatEMTAS@cardiff.gov.uk