Play & learn space for Afghan kids in London hotel
Donation protected
Context
There are around 10,000 Afghan refugees currently living in hotels in UK cities. We are hoping to support around 200 children living in one central London hotel. Alongside volunteers from the Afghan community, we are working to facilitate art, exercise and educational activities for the children stuck in this in-between, liminal space.
The families are likely to remain in the hotel until at least February 2022. Currently council funding provides accommodation, food and basics; but there is no funding available to support the wellbeing of the young people. There are no organisations or charities operating in the hotel - only a handful of independent volunteers, who are busy sorting and distributing essentials (e.g. clothes, shoes and baby supplies) donated by the public.
What we want to do
Volunteers and toys arrive sporadically, the children run through the halls, and there is no education or entertainment for them during the long days of waiting. At The Liminal Play Project, we want to give children the experience of playing and learning in a somewhat-structured way, to support their psychosocial development and transition into the UK school system. With Farsi-speaking volunteers, we aim to run weekly activities in creative play, drama, music, and movement, integrated with teaching introductory English.
Why we need donations
We are in need of arts and crafts, whiteboards, sports equipment, instruments, books, and a thousand other things which would make the children smile. So far, materials for 4 hours of craft activities with 20-30 children have cost around £30. Therefore, a £7.50 donation could provide an hour of play for 20-30 children.
Your donations, financial or material, will contribute to giving young people a sense of control while living in limbo in an unfamiliar city.
Love,
There are around 10,000 Afghan refugees currently living in hotels in UK cities. We are hoping to support around 200 children living in one central London hotel. Alongside volunteers from the Afghan community, we are working to facilitate art, exercise and educational activities for the children stuck in this in-between, liminal space.
The families are likely to remain in the hotel until at least February 2022. Currently council funding provides accommodation, food and basics; but there is no funding available to support the wellbeing of the young people. There are no organisations or charities operating in the hotel - only a handful of independent volunteers, who are busy sorting and distributing essentials (e.g. clothes, shoes and baby supplies) donated by the public.
What we want to do
Volunteers and toys arrive sporadically, the children run through the halls, and there is no education or entertainment for them during the long days of waiting. At The Liminal Play Project, we want to give children the experience of playing and learning in a somewhat-structured way, to support their psychosocial development and transition into the UK school system. With Farsi-speaking volunteers, we aim to run weekly activities in creative play, drama, music, and movement, integrated with teaching introductory English.
Why we need donations
We are in need of arts and crafts, whiteboards, sports equipment, instruments, books, and a thousand other things which would make the children smile. So far, materials for 4 hours of craft activities with 20-30 children have cost around £30. Therefore, a £7.50 donation could provide an hour of play for 20-30 children.
Your donations, financial or material, will contribute to giving young people a sense of control while living in limbo in an unfamiliar city.
Love,
Amy and Lilly
Organizer
Liminal Play Project
Organizer
England
