We were delighted to kick off Refugee Week 2025 on Tuesday 17th June with one of our favourite events of the year – the Schools of Sanctuary Awards! This year we gathered at St Mary’s Church to recognise and celebrate the hard work, creativity, and compassion of our local schools who are dedicated to building a culture of welcome for all.
This joyful annual event is made possible thanks to the continued collaboration between Swansea City of Sanctuary, Swansea Council’s Education Directorate, and the team at St Mary’s Church. Our long-time volunteer and Management Committee member, Funmilayo Olaniyan, opened the event with warmth and enthusiasm, setting the tone for an inspiring morning of celebration.
Helen Morgan Rees, Director of Education in Swansea, welcomed attendees with a powerful message:
“Swansea is a welcoming city, and the work our schools have done to go the extra mile to provide safe environments for our children is nothing short of amazing.”
She reminded us that “growth, belonging and safety” are essential values in our schools, and that becoming a School of Sanctuary is not just a moment of recognition, it marks the beginning of an ongoing commitment to inclusion and kindness.
Celebrating Our 2025 Award-Winning Schools
We were thrilled to welcome three new Schools of Sanctuary into our local network this year – a fantastic achievement and testament to the work they’ve done to create inclusive and welcoming school environments.
But receiving an award isn’t the end of the journey. This year, we also celebrated the reaccreditation of five schools who have continued to demonstrate their deep commitment to the City of Sanctuary vision. These schools were all recognised for their ongoing efforts to promote understanding, nurture empathy, and extend a warm welcome to all those seeking sanctuary.
Each school gave moving and creative performances that reflected their work and values.
Reflections from City of Sanctuary UK
We were honoured to welcome Sian Summers-Rees, Chief Officer of City of Sanctuary UK, and Zaina Aljumma, Sanctuary Ambassadors Coordinator, as our guest speakers. As a proud native of Swansea, Sian reminded us of what sanctuary truly means:
“Welcome is everyone’s business… It’s not just about smiling at the door. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued as we are.”
She urged us all to actively choose welcome and speak up for sanctuary, especially in our schools. Zaina and Sian encouraged us to create spaces where questions are safe, differences are respected, and where every child can belong and thrive.
“Be proud,” Sian said, “that you will be the reason somebody feels safe to grow in their community.”
Thank You
We are immensely proud of all the pupils, staff, and families involved in these inspiring journeys. Your creativity, compassion, and commitment to inclusion help make Swansea a truly welcoming city for all.
A huge thank you also goes to this year’s Schools of Sanctuary Panel: Carys, Cerian, Elaine, Funmilayo, Martha and Stephanie, who gave their time to visit schools and review applications.
A heartfelt thank you to Ruth from Swansea Council’s Education Directorate, who once again coordinated this wonderful event. It simply wouldn’t have been possible without her. Diolch!
As Helen Morgan Rees put it so perfectly:
“Education is about creating the best human beings possible.”
We believe our Schools of Sanctuary are leading the way in doing just that.
If your school is interested in becoming a School of Sanctuary, please visit the Schools of Sanctuary page on the City of Sanctuary UK website or get in touch with us: swansea@cityofsanctuary.org