Find out more
In February during the half-term break, 27 members of Wellington College volunteered for a very different sort of weekend. The group, who were all members of WCPCI, the College’s Peace and Conflict Institute, travelled to Calais to spend two days supporting the work of Care4Calais in the refugee camps.
The WCPCI, integral to Wellington’s ethos, offers students insights into global conflicts and pathways to peace. Previous journeys have taken pupils to places like Rwanda and Northern Ireland, fostering a tradition of service and shaping future leaders eager to contribute to a better world.
James Tapley, Teacher of Philosophy & Religion, reflected on his four trips across five years to the refugee camps: “We have observed an increase in the number of refugees whose tents have been destroyed or whose possessions have been confiscated.”
As the group gathered in Calais, they dove into their tasks with vigour. Mornings were dedicated to organising and distributing essential supplies in the warehouses. With temperatures dropping at night, tents, sleeping bags and food provisions were in high demand.
In the afternoons, the students ventured into the heart of the camps. Splitting into smaller groups, they engaged in various activities aimed at providing comfort and companionship. Some manned hot drink stations, others offered basic English lessons, and games were played with refugees who had endured arduous journeys to find safety.
James Tapley emphasised the importance of continuing to support this initiative: “Two principal reasons: (a) because the refugees are human beings who deserve better dignity and kindness; and (b) we hope to educate the students (decision-makers of tomorrow) about the reality of the situation for refugees in order to cultivate a more sensitive understanding.”
Anoushka, a pupil who was on the trip, shared her profound experience: “I am extremely grateful for the Calais trip as it gave me the opportunity to make human connections with people affected by some of the most devastating conflicts occurring around the world. I met people from many different parts of the world who bravely shared their stories with me. Their stories were of immense struggle and sacrifice they had endured on their journeys to get to France. I met a young man called Mohammed from South Sudan, who I helped teach English to. We spent the afternoon reading and laughing; he told me about the natural beauty of his home country and taught me phrases in Arabic. When I discovered that he was the same age as me, I was confronted with the harsh reality that the only difference between myself and him was the places where we were born. This experience allowed me to meet incredible people, most of whom shared the same interests and passions as me. This trip was an invaluable experience for me, as I was able to deepen and develop my empathy. I will never forget the people that I met who are living in Calais and I hope that in the future I will be able to go back and continue to meet people like Mohammed.”
The next Calais trip is scheduled for October 2024, showcasing the ongoing commitment of WCPCI to making a meaningful difference in the lives of refugees.
