MIGRANTS’ journeys are being celebrated in Warwickshire on International Migrants Day.
Warwickshire County Council is showcasing the personal stories of migrants who have made the county their home.
These stories were initially created during Refugee Week earlier this year, and in recognition of International Migrants Day, today (Wednesday), they are on display in libraries across the county including Warwick, Stratford, Leamington, Rugby and Kenilworth.
The stories were shared with English for Speakers of Other Languages staff from WCC’s Migration Team, following work in classes on the theme of ‘Our Home’.
The learners, who come from countries including Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Hong Kong, range from beginners to advanced English speakers. They shared their personal accounts reflecting on their memories of their homelands and their new lives in Warwickshire, offering a glimpse of the differences between life in their home countries and their experiences in the UK.
Entisar reflected on her homeland, Nuba Mountain.
She said: “When I think of Nuba Mountain, I see forests, animals, and beautiful mountains. I hear people singing and dancing around a fire. I smell the grass after the rain. I feel loved. Now, I am in Stratford. I see a town with beautiful buildings: the RSC and Shakespeare’s house. I hear cars and buses. I smell flowers on the trees and grass in the park. I feel safe.”
Warwickshire’s Migration Team supports migrants with advice on housing, employment, and community integration. A key part of this support is the free, online ESOL classes, which help learners improve their English and build local connections.
