Posted by Bryony Hutt, Friday 5th March 2010 @ 5:00pm
Burmese activist Ko Aung and young refugee Jonatane Budiaki tell us their very different yet equally inspirational stories. Find out about the barriers they have overcome and learn what you can do to pull these barriers down so that others need not suffer as Aung and Jonatane have.
Tuesday the 9th of March
7:30pm
Arts LT2, 3/5 Woodland Road
Truly unmissable! You will leave a different person.
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Friday 5th March 2010 @ 4:52pm
This coming Wednesday Student Action For Refugees (STAR) are showing
INVISIBLE CHILDREN
At the Picture House, 44 Whiteladies Road, 7:30pm
Synopsis...
In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers (Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole) traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered the untold tragedy of Uganda. This tragedy revolves around Africa's longest running war, where children have become the victims and the weapons. Rebel armies, known as the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), have been abducting children and using them as troops while they wage war against the Ugandan government. This originally caused the children to night commute, or walk miles nightly to avoid these troops. It is estimated that 90% of the LRA is abducted children. The film tells their story.
Trailer Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0XQEysQJPQ&feature=fvw
This showing is completely free
Please Come!
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Saturday 28th November 2009 @ 7:56pm
People seeking asylum do not have the same right to university education as their British born peers. As a student network STAR believes that this is wrong and that we are in a unique position to challenge this injustice.
STAR is campaigning to ensure that asylum seekers have Equal Access to higher education and can join us at university as equals.
To find out more...Join Star for free Christmas canapes at The White Bear 6pm this Tues eve.
Hear the stories of asylum seekers who have experienced the difficulties of getting into the higher education system and get involved with helping us change policy at our university, even if you just sign your name on a petition. This is students acting for students and a chance to really make a difference.
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Friday 13th November 2009 @ 3:34pm
Another chance to give us your input in our Equal Access to Higher Education campaigns plans.
Lots of exciting events coming up so if you want to get involved now is the perfect time.
Also time to finish the banners for the upcoming Campsfield Detention Centre protest.
PLUS a chance for new members to catch up on the current asylum situation in the UK and what STAR aims to do about it.
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Friday 13th November 2009 @ 3:28pm
HOME TRUTHS FROM THE HOME OFFICE
An Insider's View of the Asylum Process
Wed, 25th Nov, 7.30-8.30pm
Arts Lecture Theatre 2
Entry through 3 Woodland Road
Lu Perrett, Bristol Postgraduate student and ex Home Office employee spent 3 months this summer working for the UK Border Agency as a caseowner, making decisions on asylum claims. In this revealing talk, she speaks of the ignorance and racism she encountered there and reveals how hugely the odds are stacked against those seeking sanctuary in our country. Lu also has some useful hints and tips for those who support asylum seekers as they go through the arduous process of applying for refugee status.
This is a free event and there will be a chance for Q&A at the end.
Brought to you by Bristol STAR (Student Action for Refugees)
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Monday 9th November 2009 @ 1:30pm
The viewing of Blood Diamond will be postponed until later this term as National Conference has really pushed campaigning to the front of our minds. The inspirational speakers and supportive staff we met have convinced us that we are the people to make change. As students we are perfectly placed to force decision makers to allow asylum seekers better access to Higher Education, but to do this, we need to start making some noise and making the issues known.
Please join us in MR5d. from 6.30-8pm this Wed 11th Nov. Sorry for the short notice!
We will be making some big decisions on the Equal Access campaign and planning for some exciting upcoming events.
Please come with big ideas and a passion to make a change.
Star love x
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Saturday 31st October 2009 @ 12:22am
Popcorn Film Night with STAR
Come cosy up with STAR to watch Blood Diamond:
Set against the backdrop of the chaos and civil war that enveloped 1990s Sierra Leone, "Blood Diamond" is the story of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ex-mercenary from Zimbabwe, and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende fisherman. Both men are African, but their histories and their circumstances are as different as any can be until their fates become joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond, the kind of stone that can transform a life…or end it.
A dramatic insight into the sort of conflict many asylum seekers are escaping from.
Plus FREE POPCORN :-)
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Friday 2nd October 2009 @ 5:41pm
ABC Asylum Wed 14th Oct 6.30-8pm
SU MR5D 5th Floor North (just off Avon Gorge room)
A comprehensive guide to the UK asylum system and the facts about who refugees are and where they come from. Presented by James Fisher from STAR National Office and members of the Bristol STAR committee. The essential intro for anyone who wants to get involved with STAR, be that through volunteering or campaigning, it always helps to know your stuff!
ALSO Would you like to meet people who've fled from across the world and help them improve their English language skills? Do you fancy giving support to a young refugee in Bristol? Are you able to spare a couple of hours a week to assist in running a welcome centre for local asylum seekers?
This is your chance to sign up to one of STAR's volunteer projects.
Added bonus: FREE CAKE!
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Friday 2nd October 2009 @ 5:28pm
JOURNEY TO SAFETY Wed 7th Oct 6.30-8pm
SU MR5D 5th Floor North (just off the Avon Gorge)
Join us for an exciting interactive session in which you will experience an asylum seeker's 'Journey to Safety'. Facilitated by the Red Cross, this experience will really open your eyes as you flee from war, hide from militia and attempt to cross foreign borders.
PLUS a snappy introduction to STAR, who we are and how you can get involved.
Please join us for post-meeting drinks at Bar 100 in the Union from 8pm into the night!
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Tuesday 9th June 2009 @ 3:14pm
12.30 - 20.00 SUNDAY 14TH JUNE - CELEBRATING SANCTUARY FUN DAY, QUEEN SQUARE You are invited to a day of live dance, music and art from international artists Daphna Sadeh, Kakatsitsi and Genna Ethiopian Arts and Theatre. With Polish dancing, Eritrean storytelling, Tibetan music, nomadic home and
Sand Mandala, Somali Aqaal, stories and artefacts. There are drum,
dance, voice and Gambian woodcarving workshops, poetry, theatre, films,
wellbeing area, bouncy castle, games, face painting, henna, ShelterBox,
Playbus and international food, as well as lots of useful and interesting information about local projects and services.
This is a great opportunity to get a global experience without having
to travel too far! Everybody is welcome - bring a picnic, come with
friends, family and neighbours meet new people and create happy
memories!
This is a free event organised by Tribe of Doris in partnership with Bristol City Council Health & Social Care Directorate.
And Sunday is only the beginning. The celebrations will be going on all week with lots of art, lots of films, lots of info. Check out http://bristolrefugeeweek.co.uk/ for more information.
Bristol Star would particularly recommend you go have a cup of tea with a refugee at the BRR Welcome Centre (BRRWC) in Newton Hall,
Newton Street - off Stapleton Road opposite the Leisure centre - between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m on Thursday 18th June. Lots of friendly people from all over the world in probably the most
ethnically diverse drop-in centre in Bristol! A chance to chat, look at
artwork and other projects, and find out what life is like for people
seeking asylum in Bristol. A great opportunity, especially if you're considering volunteering with Star at the drop in centre next year. It'll really give you a taste of what it's all about.
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Saturday 6th June 2009 @ 1:02pm
Yes that's right, STAR has a new committee!
President - Bryony
Vice President - Mitzi
Secretary - Shreya
Volunteer Co-ordinator - Tasha
Campaigns Officers - Miriam & Hazel
Token Man - Sam
So that's the team for 09/10 and it's gonna be a good one.
Star love x
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Thursday 14th May 2009 @ 10:12am
Monday night brings with it Bristol Star's AGM, at which drinks will flow and the new committee will be voted in.
Join us to have a say in who'll be running Star next year and to celebrate a successful year of action for refugees.
Out with the old and in with the new!
Star love x
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Thursday 23rd April 2009 @ 7:46pm
The evening will include a moving performance of the Asylum Monologues by 'actors for human rights' company Ice and Fire, preceded by an informative session on the asylum process.
Scripted by Sonja Linden, Asylum Monologues is a first-hand account of the UKs asylum system in the words of people who have experienced it. With
personal testimony at its core combined with public opinion, political statements and statistical fact, this production disseminates what it really means to be displaced in the UK. It was launched in London at Amnesty International in June 2006 and has been on a rolling tour around the country ever since.
Tickets will be on sale in the refectory Thursday and Friday lunchtimes or to reserve tickets, please contact Bryony Hutt on bh7507@bristol.ac.uk
There is a recommended donation of £3 but essentially entrance is free of charge. Donations will go towards the cost of putting on the performance and Bristol Refugee Rights' Welcome Centre in Easton.
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Thursday 26th February 2009 @ 4:20pm
SWAP CASH FOR VOUCHERS!
Every Monday, 1-2pm
Refectory entrance
Come and swap money for Sainsbury's, Tesco or Asda vouchers cards
to help asylum seekers who are forced to live off vouchers.
3 out of 4 asylum seekers in UK are not granted it. Many refused
refugees do not return to their countries of origin, for reasons which the
government accepts e.g. there is a war and no rule of law! They can stay
here, sometimes for many years, but are not allowed to work.
Instead of receiving money they get supermarket gift vouchers worth £35.
So they must live entirely from TESCO or ASDA or SAINSBURY. They can't use
the cards to buy halal food, for transport (to solicitor or doctor), or to
top up mobile phones.
You can help by exchanging gift cards for cash, and using the cards
yourself to shop. This will give cash to people who seek refuge here, and
a little more dignity.
Please swap cash for cards! It will such a great help to many who are
refugees.
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Monday 23rd February 2009 @ 11:44pm
Student Action for Refugees
ASYLUM TRAIN @ THE CROFT - fundraising music night
Sun 8th March
8 til 2
Bristol STAR is putting on a music night to raise awareness of the 2009 'Let Them Work' campaign, raise money for Bristol Refugee Rights' Welcome Centre in Easton and generally have a good time!
We have 3 great acts...
Indie band Roxy's Wardrobe
Camaroonian/Afro-jazz by Alphonse and friends
Beatboxers PieMan and Minamus.
...and to take us into the early hours will be DJs...
Jumeaux (techno)
Paraside (hip-hop n dub step)
Doors open at 8pm and the first band is on at 9pm, and entry is a mere £3 - all proceeds go to the Refugee Drop-in Centre.
All this plus a RAFFEL with some great prizes up for grabs such as a 2 course meal for two at Cosies wine bar, tickets to the Watershed, and tickets to the Tabacco Factory.
AND in keeping with the 2009 campaign, there will be a FANCY DRESS with a WORK-CLOTHES theme!
Hope to see you there to help raise money and generally have a good party for a good cause!
STAR x
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Saturday 14th February 2009 @ 9:38pm
We will be outside the sports centre raising awareness, petitioning and making some noise about the inhumane goverment policy which refuses asylum seekers the right to work.
The policy expects asylum seekers to live on financial assistance which stands at 70% of income support. This forces asylum seekers into dependence on government assistance; they are not scroungers who come to Britain with a desire tolive off benefits. Over 280,000 refused asylum seekers are living in the UK. They are denied permission to work and deprived of government support, which forces them into destitution. This policy is an attempt to starve asylum seekers into returning to their home countries. This is both inhumane and ineffective.
We will also be holding a cake sale to raise money for the refugee drop in centre in Easton which provides great personal and advocay support to many people who are seeking asylum living in Bristol.
Come along to get more info and to show your support for the so many people who are living this terrible reality.
Thank you x
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Thursday 4th December 2008 @ 11:51pm
On Tuesday we'll be having our STAR Christmas get together and we want you all there!
We'll be going to Aroma Restaurant, a really tasty Somali restaurant in St Pauls, then we'll be heading to the Bell pub, just off Jamaica Street, for some drinks and then ending up in Native (Small Street) for their wicked Drum n Bass night.
Bring yourselves, your friends, whoever you want!
We'll need to book the restaurant as there will be quite a few us so if you could all get back to me by sunday night, that would be great.
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Wednesday 3rd December 2008 @ 7:48pm
We will be selling homemade cakes, gifts and cards to raise money for the Refugee Rights Drop-In Centre in Easton.
The centre is almost out of funds and are in desperate need of money to be able to contine the drop-in centre. The centre is a great and invaluble place for people who are asylum seekers and refugees to come together and also recieve financial and legal support. It is the only such centre in Bristol and it would be devastating for the service users if it were to be closed down.
On sale will be CAKES, CARDS, MUGS, KEY-RINGS & GIFT CARDS which will all make lovely Christmas presents! The images on all the items are taken from a series of paintings entitled "Darfur: Exile and Memory" by Mohamedin Bakhat a young refugee artist from Darfur and was a well known member of the Drop-in Centre where he spent time painting some of the pictures.
We need lots of cakes so if you fancy a bit of baking (nice and simple is good!) bring it along on Friday. The more we sell the better!!
Posted by Bryony Hutt, Thursday 27th November 2008 @ 9:14pm
Every year, thousands of asylum seeker children are held in detention centres while awaiting deportation. Several students at the City Academy Bristol have experienced this first hand. To highlight the issue, this student-organised event will bring together MPs, councillors, young people and community members in discussion.
The format of 'Time for Questions' will be like the television programme, where the audience will be asked to submit questions to a panel of local politicians and experts. Students of City Academy will take the lead but all are invited for a chance to pose questions and have their voices heard.
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Saturday 22nd November 2008 @ 5:26pm
SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER
CAMPSFIELD DETENTION CENTRE PROTEST (OXFORD)
12-2PM
Detention centres are the symbol of the UK's inhumane and disgusting
treatment of asylum seekers who have committed no crime apart from that of
seeking sanctuary.
This month is the 15 year anniversary of Campsfield detention centre - 15
years too long!
Come and make some noise and show your support for those on the inside and
to demonstrate with other groups against our government's actions.
We hope to get a minibus but if that doesn't work out we'll be getting the
train to Oxford. It takes about 1.30 hours and will probably cost about
£11-15 pounds with a young persons railcard.
If you would like to come please email me so I have a general idea of how
many people are coming.
***
DETENTION CENTRES UK
Over 2,600 people, nearly all of them asylum seekers, are locked up in
detention camps and prisons in Britain, without trial and without time
limit and with no automatic right to bail. The government is building new
detention centres with a target capacity of 4000. The asylum seeking
process is arbitrary and punishes innocent refugees not for anything they
have done, but in the hope of deterring others from exercising their right
under the Geneva Convention to claim asylum in Britain
- Campaign to Close Campsfield - http://www.closecampsfield.org.uk/
- Barbed Wire Britain - http://www.barbedwirebritain.org.uk/
***
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Sunday 26th October 2008 @ 10:12pm
Tuesday 4 November
7.15pm
Woodland's Church, Woodland Road
"Dave Neita is regarded as the People's Lawyer and the People's Poet due to his representation of excluded individuals and marginalized groups and because of his grassroots treatment of social issues in his poetry."
In addition to offering legal sevices in Education Law, Dave also gives diversity training and workshops, Conflict Resolution services, interpretation services in Jamaican Patois and English and other empowerment and educational programs.
Dave is also an author and poet, performing at a range of events, and we have the great pleasure of having him lead a poetry workshop for us related to issues of asylum and refugees.
No need to sign up, just come along to this informative and thought provoking workshop!
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Saturday 11th October 2008 @ 8:08pm
Show your support for Kamal by joining his friends, family and teachers protest outside the Council House.
The more people, the bigger the voice, the greater the effect!
Kamal Bakarkhan, a student who attended Fairfield High School in Bristol, was halfway through his A-Levels at Cotham Sixth Form College when he was told his visa would not be renewed. After hs best attemps at appealing he was forced to return to Mauritius while his friends started a petition to support his appeal. After handing in the petition with more than 1200 signitures and 20 character references Kamal was told he would have to wait up to 19 weeks before he gets a response regarding his visa status. The longer he waits the more his education will suffer.
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Saturday 11th October 2008 @ 7:41pm
Refugee Action, one of the leading bodies working for the welfare of refugees and Asylum seekers in Britain, will be holding a workshop for Star on everyday experiences of the asylum system, myth-busting and a general overview of where Britain's refugee population comes from and for what reasons.
An eye-opening and a really interesting introduction to asylum and the effects of on those who experience the system first hand.
Posted by Hana Hamaz, Saturday 11th October 2008 @ 7:16pm
Come along to our first meeting for some drinks and snacks, to meet the committee and fellow Star members, and to find out more about what events and campaigns are planned for this year and how to volunteer with Star.
Manage
News & Announcements
