01.03.2004
Local refugees had the opportunity to find out more about higher education opportunities at a HE Information Day.
Over seventy people came along to the Friends Centre in Brighton to speak to staff from organisations including the Universities of Brighton and Sussex and the Careers Service.
The event was organised by the Community University Partnership Programme (Cupp) at the University of Brighton as part of its "Refugees into HE" project. This is a partnership between the university and other education providers and Refugee Community Organisations in Brighton and Hove.
Cupp has recently completed research which highlights the main barriers refugees’ face when thinking about progressing through the English education system and particularly on to university.
Cherie Woolmer, Widening Participation Co-ordinator at the University of Brighton and organiser of the event said
" The work we are doing in this project is an important part of the university’s commitment to widening access to higher education for under-represented groups, in this case, refugees.
"The aim of the research was to help us gain a better understanding of what the needs and aspirations are of individuals with refugee status and to make sure we could provide the kind of information that was needed.
"Most of the people that we talked to at the Information Day worked as doctors, teachers and care workers in their country of origin and hold higher level qualifications. So the issue is how can people get recognition for their education and skills in England and thus contribute to our economy. Other people we have spoken to require information on how and where to find the relevant information about doing a course which will enable them to apply to university".
An integral part of the project is the partnership work between the university and organisations within the local community. The project is also looking at issues of English language support, recognition of overseas qualifications, mentoring programmes and student support with the possibility of creating a dedicated service for refugees within the city.
For more information on the Refugees into HE project visit www.cupp.org.uk or contact Cherie Woolmer on 01273 64 2713, email
For more information on the Community University Partnership Programme visit www.cupp.org.uk or contact Elaine McDonnell or David Wolff on 01273 643004.
The research report Refugees into Higher Education: A report from the Health and Social Policy Research Centre at the University of Brighton for the Community University Partnership Programme, Banks and Macdonald, 2003 is available at www.cupp.org.uk or can be obtained from Elaine McDonnell on the above number.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
