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Who are we?

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We work in over 130 countries, protecting millions of people by responding with life-saving support, safeguarding fundamental human rights and helping them build a better future.

How to use these materials

The teaching materials on this page are free of charge and can easily be included in your lesson plans and curriculum. You cannot alter the materials (except when explicitly mentioned) - but you can include them as you see fit in your lesson plans, presentations and other teaching materials. Make sure you always mention UNHCR as the source.

Most materials can be downloaded in PDF, Word or Excel format directly from links throughout this page and printed if needed. Videos and other materials can be viewed via links to UNHCR's Teaching About Refugees YouTube channel.

Before you begin

Before you start teaching about refugees, asylum and migration and when working with refugee children, familiarize yourself with basic concepts and facts and figures on the topic. We recommend that you first read the Teaching About Refugees Guidebook for Teachers.

READ THE GUIDEBOOK ONLINE The Guidebook for teachers is an interactive PDF. This means you can open the document on your computer and click on the links in the Guidebook to view related teaching materials on this page, making it easy for you to switch between the Guidebook and the Teaching About Refugees web page.

READ THE GUIDEBOOK IN PRINT If you decide to print the Guidebook, keep your web browser open on this page and scroll down through the materials below when prompted in the Guidebook.

Words matter

Understanding the terms refugees, migration, and asylum begins with understanding a few basics. The word refugee is often used as a blanket term for people displaced by war, violence or persecution. But there are different categories of displaced people, each with specific needs. Knowing what these categories mean exactly is important and will contribute to a better understanding of this complex topic. It will also help you better understand the situation of refugees, asylum-seekers or others you may be teaching.

Watch these explainer animations yourself as a preparation for your lesson or lecture. Some of these materials are also included in the suggested teaching materials for secondary education.

What about stateless persons?

Stateless persons do not have the nationality of any country. They are no refugees, but they can be in some cases. UNHCR also has a mandate to help stateless persons. We've created a separate set of teaching materials on this complex topic, the Teaching about Statelessness page.

Facts matter

More than 82 million people are displaced today. This is the highest number since the end of World War II. Who are the people behind these staggering statistics?

Finding accurate information about refugees, asylum and migration for teaching purposes can be a challenge. Find out about numbers of refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced persons and stateless persons, their countries of origin and host countries in these fact sheets:

Watch the animations

Eye-openers

Age-appropriate teaching materials

Before you start teaching about the topic of refugees, asylum and migration, you need to carefully consider which materials you will present to your pupils. Materials should not cause distress, and the complexity of the subject matter needs to be age-appropriate.
Read our recommendations for each age group and download teaching materials with suggestions for age-appropriate teaching about refugees, asylum and migration.

UNHCR media materials

Behind the statistics on refugees are millions of ordinary people who live through extraordinary times. Understanding the human cost of war, violence and persecution through testimonies and telling refugee stories is a powerful tool to 'put a face on the numbers' and better understand the disruption, stress and loss associated with being displaced.

Watch some of the videos, infographics and other materials. When useful for your teaching context or out of simple interest, you can do some further reading to build your knowledge of the topic.

UNHCR Youtube channel

Find a large collection of refugees stories, explainers and other materials on refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons on the UN Refugee Agency's main video channel.

UNHCR's refugee data website

Find out what is happening in refugee emergencies in different parts of the world, as well as interactive maps, reports and other publications on refugees, on the UNHCR's refugee data website.

More information on refugee education

Including refugees in your classroom

Many refugee and migrant children will need to learn the language of their host communities when they start going to school in a new country. It may take them a while to reach a level of language proficiency that will allow them to learn efficiently in the host community language.

Another major barrier to learning for displaced learners is mental health. Some refugee children may suffer from stress or trauma because of difficult events they have experienced as a result of being displaced. Mental health issues can interfere with learning processes, so it is crucial that these are addressed to allow displaced children to return to regular learning as much as possible.

Understanding language acquisition

Language learning is a long process. It can take many years for newcomers in a host community to learn the local language up to a level where they can easily learn other subjects in school.

Guidance for teachers on stress and trauma

Children who suffer from stress or trauma may need professional help from qualified personnel. Teachers can help detect potential signs so children can be directed to adequate support structures. They should, however, never intervene when only qualified therapists should.

Effects of stress and trauma on learning

Executive function is often compromised when children experience stress and trauma. This video by Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child explains learning challenges that may affect children suffering from stress and trauma and the science behind these challenges.

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We work in over 130 countries, protecting millions of people by responding with life-saving support, safeguarding fundamental human rights and helping them build a better future.

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Local Migration Histories - Global Connections - Education Toolkit

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Local Migration Histories - Global Connections - Education Toolkit

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We are a national network of over 400 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for refugees and people seeking asylum.

Driven by teachers, school staff, parents, governors and community groups, this network supports the thousands of young people seeking sanctuary in the UK, raises awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system, challenges misconceptions and builds social cohesion.⁣

Schools are supported every step of the way either by an accredited Local Lead or by the Schools of Sanctuary Team at City of Sanctuary UK.

Interested in joining this movement of welcome?

This website, our Resource Pack and our half-termly newsletter are available to any school that wishes to learn more and get involved.

Ready to begin your journey to becoming an awarded School of Sanctuary?

Sign the pledge and see the next steps.

If based in the Republic of Ireland, please visit the Schools of Sanctuary Ireland website.

Latest Schools Posts from across the City of Sanctuary Network

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We all have a part to play in building a welcoming and inclusive society. We are a national network of over 400 primary and secondary schools, nurseries and sixth forms all committed to creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for refugees and people seeking asylum.

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Hwb - Refugee Children - Young Person's Mental Health Toolkit

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Hwb - Refugee Children - Young Person's Mental Health Toolkit

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HWB.GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. Non-essential cookies are also used to tailor and improve services. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.

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HWB.GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. Non-essential cookies are also used to tailor and improve services. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.

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The Young Interpreter Scheme®: peer mentoring with a difference

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We empower asylum seekers and refugees to build a new life in Wales We need your help more than ever. Please help us build a fairer, more compassionate asylum system that reflects the humanity and care of British society. £5 could provide mobile data. £10 could go towards English language skills.

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Oasis provide crucial support to Refugees and Asylum Seekers from all around the globe. They offer a range of sessions which enable the clients to gain new skills and prepare them for employment and independent living. Newydd Housing Association would love to raise some funds in order for Oasis to carry on providing the crucial support.

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Barnardos - Family Wellbeing Service Cardiff

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Barnardos - Family Wellbeing Service Cardiff

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Under international law, the UK has a duty to offer asylum to people who flee their own countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution.

Families seeking asylum have fled wars or famines in search of a better life - and they have often faced poor health, poverty and hunger on their way to the UK. Despite their parents' best efforts, the children often suffer most and can be incredibly vulnerable.

At Barnardo's, we:

run foster services for children and young people who arrive here on their own

help children get the healthcare and schooling they need while they are in the UK

give parents practical support, such as an interpreter

give families clothes and food

Whether they remain in the UK or not, we believe we should protect and help children seeking asylum and their families while they are going through the asylum process.

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Under international law, the UK has a duty to offer asylum to people who flee their own countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution. Families seeking asylum have fled wars or famines in search of a better life - and they have often faced poor health, poverty and hunger on their way to the UK.

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Reading Well for children provides quality-assured information, stories and advice to support children's mental health and wellbeing. Books have been chosen and recommended by leading health professionals and co-produced with children and families.

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Hello, thank you for visiting TGP Cymru's website.

To contact one of our services, please follow the ' What We Do ' tab above and select your preferred service. Contact details and/or online referral forms can be found this way.

Get in touch if you have any queries about our services or any questions about how we may be able to help.

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To contact one of our services, please follow the ' What We Do ' tab above and select your preferred service. Contact details and/or online referral forms can be found this way. Get in touch if you have any queries about our services or any questions about how we may be able to help.

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The Trinity Centre works with some of the most disadvantaged people in our community to address inequality, tackle poverty and support people to create and implement plans to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their families.

Trinity Centre is a charity of the Cardiff Methodist Circuit, but is supported by, and is for, people of all faiths and none.

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The Trinity Centre works with some of the most disadvantaged people in our community to address inequality, tackle poverty and support people to create and implement plans to achieve positive outcomes for themselves and their families. Trinity Centre is a charity of the Cardiff Methodist Circuit, but is supported by, and is for, people of all faiths and none.

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BAWSO support people from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds who are affected by domestic abuse and other forms of abuse, including Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage, Human Trafficking & Prostitution.

BAWSO currently runs 25 projects supporting over 6,000 people every year in Wales through the provision of purpose built refuges, safe houses, and an extensive Outreach & Resettlement Programme and Floating Support Programme. We provide support, advice and information from our offices in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham.

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Bawso provides support to black minority ethnic communities and individuals in Wales affected by abuse, violence and exploitation. Free helpline: 0800 7318147

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Any organisation, regardless of legal status, can show their affiliation with us by signing up as a Supporting Organisation by signing the organisation pledge.

"We support the 'City of Sanctuary' vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to). We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our context. We expect our branches or local groups (if any) to support their local City of Sanctuary group if one exists, and will facilitate contact between them and their local City of Sanctuary group."

We are willing for our organisation's name to be added to a list of supporters of City of Sanctuary, linked to our website. We are also willing to be contacted by City of Sanctuary with further ideas for how we can turn our support into practical action and to discuss ways we might work together to promote the vision further.

You may also wish to make a voluntary annual donation (scroll below for suggested amounts) to show your solidarity.

All supporting organisations will be listed on our Supporting Organisations page and can use our Supporting Organisation logo.

You can make any donation but we suggest the following amounts based on an organisation's income levels

Organisations with income under £5000

Free

Organisations with income £5,000 to £100,000

£50

Organisations with income £100,000 to £200,000

£100

Organisations with income £200,000 to £500,000

£150

Organisations with income over £500,000

£250

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Any organisation, regardless of legal status, can show their affiliation with us by signing up as a Supporting Organisation by signing the organisation pledge . "We support the 'City of Sanctuary' vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.

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You can download the latest version of the pack or order a printed copy using the buttons below. Download the pack Order a printed copy OUT NOW! Download the Welsh language Schools of Sanctuary Resource Pack below. Download the pack Please note that due to funding limitations we are unable to send printed copies of [...]

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Elementary - 4 weeks 4 hours pw - FutureLearn 

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Elementary - 4 weeks 4 hours pw - FutureLearn 

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Unable to play video. Please enable JavaScript or consider upgrading your browser.

Hello and welcome to this English language MOOC developed for elementary learners by King's College London. In this MOOC you will learn language for everyday situations. You'll become more confident in understanding and talking in English. Each week you will listen, read and write answers, fill in the gap, click a button, or listen and repeat what you hear. You can also reply to each other in the comments section. This course will help you use English in everyday situations and help you practice what you have learned. You will hear people describing each other's personalities, their jobs, where they live, what they do in their spare time, and how they are feeling. Some of the people you will meet are at university.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Identify language used in everyday situations, such as studying, communicating with classmates, and talking about work

Develop confidence in key language items useful in a range of different scenarios

Apply language skills for everyday conversations

Demonstrate understanding of relevant language that can help the learner progress along the path to studying at a university

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

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Basic English - Online Language Course - FutureLearn

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Start learning English online today with this free introductory course from King's College London created for refugees and displaced people.

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HWB - resources - Understanding sanctuary, refugees, conflict, and Russia’s war in Ukraine

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HWB - resources - Understanding sanctuary, refugees, conflict, and Russia’s war in Ukraine

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HWB.GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. Non-essential cookies are also used to tailor and improve services. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.

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HWB.GOV.WALES uses cookies which are essential for the site to work. Non-essential cookies are also used to tailor and improve services. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.

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Explore teaching resources at the British Red Cross

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Lesson plans, assemblies, quick activities and briefings for teachers. Suitable across the curriculum, particularly in citizenship and PSHE.

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More information about this annual event that celebrates the contribution of refugees and promotes understanding of why people seek sanctuary can be found on the Refugee Week website (and resources). Many organisations support Refugee Week and may provide resources on their website. These are Refuge…

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Pre-intermediate - 4 weeks 4 hours pw - FutureLearn 

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Pre-intermediate - 4 weeks 4 hours pw - FutureLearn 

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Develop your English for a range of everyday situations

On this course you will build your English skills. You will develop your use of English in a wider range of everyday situations and grow your listening ability.

You will develop your English skills by hearing people speak in a range of situations, and you will test your knowledge by writing short responses to simple discussion questions.

By the end of the course you will feel more confident in your ability to speak and understand basic English.

If you would prefer an easier course, please try Basic English: Elementary.

What topics will you cover?

Asking for directions

Describing your town and where you live

Talking about your daily routine and activities

Talking about technology

Language for shopping and other daily tasks

Language for preparing for University

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

Identify language associated with everyday situations, such as studying, shopping, and talking about time and schedules

Develop confidence in key language items useful in a range of different scenarios

Apply language skills for everyday conversations

Demonstrate understanding of relevant language that can help the learner progress along the path to studying at a university

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for refugees, displaced people and the communities supporting them in the MENA (Middle East and Northern Africa) region who want to learn English for studying and for work. It has been created as part of the PADILEIA project.

However, it will also be of interest to anyone looking to develop their skills in basic English.

We recommend learners have a minimum of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) A2 to get the most from this course.
Supported by UK aid - Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education, Innovation and Reform

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning

Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities

Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners

Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course

Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning

Whenever you're ready, mark each step as complete, you're in control

Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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Develop your English Skills - Online Course

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On this course you will build your English skills. You will develop your use of English in a wider range of everyday situations and grow your listening ability. You will develop your English skills by hearing people speak in a range of situations, and you will test your knowledge by writing short responses to simple discussion questions.

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Materials - The English Hub for Refugees

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Materials & ResourcesLevel A1-Level A1Level A2Level B1Other ResourcesIf you have a couple of minutes, we'd love to hear your feedback!Give Feedback

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Film highlighting the importance of arts to communities

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New film highlights importance of arts to communities

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A powerful new film demonstrating how the people of Cardiff are using arts, education and culture to improve diversity and encourage inclusivity in the city has been launched on the internet this week. It features leading figures from Cardiff’s arts, theatre and music scenes along with teachers, cou…

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CAFOD - Just one world - Refugee Resources for Primary Schools

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CAFOD - Just one world - Refugee Resources for Primary Schools

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Refugee resources for primary schools | CAFOD

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Learn about the refugee crisis with our resources for Catholic primary schools

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Background: BBC Newsround: Asylum Seekers in hotels: Why it's a big issue in the YK now

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Background: BBC Newsround: Asylum Seekers in hotels: Why it's a big issue in the YK now

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Asylum seekers in hotels: Why it’s a big issue in the UK right now

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Across the UK, there’s been a lot of debate about where asylum seekers live while they wait to find out if they can stay in the country.

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Hope, Journeys, faith, Refuge, Joy & Welcome

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Hope, Journeys, faith, Refuge, Joy & Welcome

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The Art Of Belonging | Welbeck Primary School

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SOS Challenging conversation in a challenging world P4C

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Guidance and Resources for Schools for Ramadan - Schools of Sanctuary

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As we start the month of Ramadan, it’s important for schools think about how they will support Muslim students and staff and recognise an important month for all Muslims. This post aims to share reflections schools should make to ensure that Ramadan is approached considerately and resources schools can use to engage students (and staff!) […]

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Hearing the voices and learning about the lived experiences of people seeking sanctuary is an important part of being a School of Sanctuary. We encourage schools, however, to not focus on people’s difficult experiences abroad, but also learn about their lives now in the UK and hear the positive aspe…

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Including practical examples to inspire and guide schools, the intention for these case studies is to demonstrate the diversity of ways schools have approached becoming a School of Sanctuary. If you would like to share a case study of your school, please get in contact with Megan at megan@uk.cityofsanctuary.org.

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The Belonging Toolkit - PHSE ASSOCIATION 

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The Belonging Toolkit - KS2 & KS3 - insight into the experiences of migrant children and young people.

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The Belonging Toolkit - KS2 & KS3 - insight into the experiences of migrant children and young people.

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For KS2 & KS3 (Eng) and P6-S3 (Sco)

The Belonging Toolkit was co-produced with Coram Life Education and Coram's Young Citizens, giving invaluable insight into the issues facing migrant children and young people. It was funded as part of the HALO programme by The Queen's Trust. It includes lesson plans, teachers' guidance, films and activities for KS2 and KS3, all clearly linked to the PSHE Association Learning Opportunities, as recommended by the DfE.

To get access to your free Schools Toolkit today, enter your email address below. We will also ask you for your contact details, and some details on how you plan to use the Toolkit. By supplying us with these details, as well as gaining access to the resource, you are consenting to us contacting you by email to ask you to ask about the usefulness of the resource. We will not pass your details on to any third party but they are shared under certain conditions with Mailchimp, our email provider and their privacy policy is here. To find out how we use your data, please review our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe from emails at any time.

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The Belonging Toolkit was co-produced with Coram Life Education and Coram's Young Citizens, giving invaluable insight into the issues facing migrant children and young people. It was funded as part of the HALO programme by The Queen's Trust.