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More than 120 people from over 20 countries on 4 continents gathered at St Helen’s Primary School in Swansea to officially launch ‘Swansea City of Sanctuary’.

The group consisted of refugees, asylum seekers and representatives of local businesses, organisations and groups.

The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor Gareth Sullivan.

Audience listening to the opening speeches
Audience listening to the opening speeches

Jayne Woolcock, Head of St Helen's Primary School
Jayne Woolcock, Head of St Helen’s Primary School

Yemani Behake, Eritrean Community Association
Yemani Behake, Eritrean Community Association

Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor Gareth Sullivan opens the proceedings
Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor Gareth Sullivan opens the proceedings.

After the opening speeches, the meeting broke into small groups to
discuss how we can work together to make Swansea a more welcoming place
for people seeking sanctuary.

Round table discussions
Round table discussions

The team are working towards having Swansea officially recognised as a ‘City of Sanctuary’ early in 2010. 

Photos courtesy of Keith Ross – see more photos here…