School Presentations & Visits
Throughout the last two years, local schools have seen an influx of children arriving from Ukraine, Afghanistan and beyond. We also know from discussions with teachers that children are curious and want to learn more about their peers, where they have come from and what they have been through.
We believe it is crucial to encourage this desire to learn and be educated. We also believe a key factor of integration and acceptance is educating and teaching children about important world issues; this is where our team of dedicated volunteers comes in.
We have produced a presentation that offers an introduction to refugees and asylum seekers, ranging from definitions and meanings to the reasons why individuals need to leave their homes and the issues they face in doing so. Through our interactive discussions and activities, we facilitate an open forum for discussion that encourages understanding, inclusion and acceptance, with the aim of creating a welcoming school environment.
The presentation can be delivered in 45 minutes. It can either be delivered by one of our team, or it can be downloaded from our website so your teachers themselves can incorporate this into their lesson plans. We offer this service free of charge, all that is required from you is a space within which we can work.
The feedback we have received on this project has been fantastic and we look forward to working with more schools soon.
In-person is always better
‘Bridge to Unity’s work with AVA had a profound impact on our whole community... we’ve seen real progress in how our pupils relate to one another and celebrate their differences’.
Mrs Shelley Tuke
Headteacher, Avon Academy
We offer conflict resolution management for schools by acting as an experienced, culturally sensitive, and proactive external partner.
Our team can step in when schools face challenges integrating new student populations, particularly those from different cultural backgrounds, which can lead to misunderstandings, tension, and conflict.
Recently, we were asked to intervene at a school in Salisbury to assist in managing escalating tensions between pupils, teachers and parents regarding the integration of new pupils from Afghanistan.
Providing cultural insight
Our team brings direct experience, including staff from the specific cultural backgrounds of the new students (e.g., Afghan students). This allows us to bridge communication gaps by speaking in native languages and understanding cultural nuances.
Facilitating open dialogue
We can create safe spaces for both new and existing students (e.g., Afghan and British pupils) to voice their concerns, ask questions, and address misconceptions about cultural differences. This is done through small group workshops, sometimes separately and sometimes together, to encourage honest conversations without judgement.
Addressing misinformation
We understand the importance of dispelling rumours and misinformation that circulate within schools and the wider community. We can help schools educate students and staff about the reasons behind new arrivals and cultural expectations, fostering understanding and empathy.
Equipping staff with practical ttools
We provide feedback to teachers about pupil discussions and offer practical advice and strategies for managing cultural adjustments, addressing bullying, and promoting inclusion more effectively in the classroom. This helps school staff move from reactive problem-solving to proactive conflict prevention.
Engaging parents and the wider community
Bridge to Unity extends its support to parents, holding meetings to address their concerns and educate them on cultural expectations within the UK school system. This collaborative approach ensures that all stakeholders are involved in creating a supportive environment.
Proactive, early intervention
Early intervention is key. Our approach helps schools proactively address potential issues before they escalate into significant conflicts, transforming school culture from one of reaction to one of shared respect and empathy.
We are the bridge, connecting different groups within the school community to foster understanding, resolve conflicts, and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
Managing conflict with sensitivity
