Book Description

This document is a collection of writings by refugee and minority children from the George Orwell School in London (England) and the Montessori College in Oost, Amsterdam (the Netherlands). About one-third of the students at the George Orwell School, were refugees. These students were aged 11 to 16 years old. About 30 to 40% of the students at the Montessori College were refugees. These students were 12 to 19 years old. All of the students who contributed these narratives were in the process of learning a new language and beginning life in a new country, coping with a new culture and with racism, and having left family and friends behind. Their narratives are divided into: (1) "The Country Where I Used To Live"; (2) "Family and Friends"; (3) "Life in a New Country"; (4) "School"; (5) "Aspects of Identity: Culture, Language, and Religion"; and (6) "The Future." Notes for teachers are included, with some activities for discussions and student worksheets. It is noted that the publication will assist British curriculum Key State 3 and 4 teachers in the delivery of the general requirements for English and can be used to meet General National Vocational Qualification requirements. A map of contributors' countries and regions of origin is included. (SLD)