Children's books with pro-migrant messaging that teach pupils 'everybody's welcome' are being read at British schools under a refugee-sector charity's scheme. More than 1,100 schools and nurseries are currently signed up to the Schools of Sanctuary programme, which aims to build 'a welcoming and inclusive society'.
Programme Details
As part of the scheme, member schools work through a 'rigorous' award process where they have to show they are 'working collaboratively to strengthen community approaches to welcoming refugee children and families'. Once they have achieved award status, said to take a whole year, they are asked to make a minimum donation ranging from £75 to £300, depending on their type of school. The programme is under the City of Sanctuary scheme, an advocacy network subscribed to by more than 60 local authorities.
Political Reaction
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott has called for the books to be withdrawn from the schools 'immediately'. 'Classrooms should be places of learning not promoting political ideology, schools have a very clear duty to stay out of politics,' the Tory MP told the Daily Mail.
Book Examples
Among the suggested reading list is Kind, by Alison Green, with the first page asking children 'what can you do to be kind today?'. The pictures are drawn by some of the world's best-known children's book illustrators, such as Quentin Blake and Axel Scheffler. On one page, it suggests learning some words from a foreign child's language. On another, a cartoon lion is sitting in a crowded boat with other animals. It reads: 'Sometimes people have lived through very hard times. They've had to leave their homes and their countries because of danger. They are brave and amazing and have extraordinary stories to tell.' It suggests that children could share their toys or draw pictures together to welcome them. On the next page, it says that sometimes people say 'there's no room for anyone more. But maybe you can say "There's plenty of room! Come on in!"'. 'After all, if you don't let people in, you'll never know what you're missing,' it reads alongside an image of a raccoon opening the door to a bear wearing a party hat and holding a cupcake.
New York Times best-seller Everybody's Welcome by Patricia Hegarty tells the story of a woodland mouse who welcomes displaced forest creatures into the home he is building. One page reads: 'Everybody's welcome, no matter who they are, wherever they may come from, whether near or far.' A title from the classic children's book series about patchwork elephant Elmer is also on the charity's list. In 2011's Elmer and the Hippos, a herd of elephants is angered by some hippos coming to live by their river as 'there isn't enough room for them and us'. Elmer is the mediator in the story and goes to speak with the hippos who say they 'know we're not wanted here' but argue that their river has dried up. He soon realises rocks are blocking the water from flowing and the elephants and hippos work together to clear the blockage. By the end of the tale, the hippos have got their river back and the two species have become friends.
Day of Welcome
Schools signed up to the programme are also encouraged to take part in 'A Day of Welcome' as it is an 'ideal moment to spotlight the stories of refugees and asylum seekers'. This year's day is held in June with a teacher's guide suggesting that schools have a non-uniform day to raise funds for Schools of Sanctuary or a local organisation 'that supports people seeking sanctuary'. Secondary school pupils can also register to meet South Sudanese refugee Giel Malual, who walked the length of Britain to raise more than £100,000 to open a school for displaced children from his home country.
Continued Criticism
Ms Trott told the Daily Mail that 'these people should not be allowed to supply materials to schools'. 'Portraying the arrival of small boats as a positive thing in books for children as young as five is indoctrination, this is an illegal practice. This organisation has already made clear its aim is to turn pupils into "ethically informed change makers" and that crosses a very clear line,' she said. 'We must get a grip on these third party resources infiltrating our schools and peddling political agendas to young children.'
City of Sanctuary UK told the Daily Mail that it 'works with schools to support a culture of welcome, inclusion and understanding for all members of the community'. The organisation added: 'Our suggested educational resources, including book recommendations, are designed to help children develop empathy, critical thinking, and awareness of the experiences of others.'
Schools of Sanctuary caused outrage last year and was reported to the watchdog for asking children as young as five to write Valentine's Day cards for asylum seekers. The charity was later cleared by the Charity Commission after it was found that the messages were displayed in schools and various centres rather than being sent to individuals. Helen Earner, director of regulatory services at the Charity Commission, said following the ruling: 'After examining the available evidence, we found the claims to be misleading, and that the Schools of Sanctuary programme is within the charity's purposes and complies with our guidance on campaigning and political activity.'
