Gwen Kearley is the Chaplain St Michael’s Junior Church School, in Twerton, Bath. She has shared with us a wonderful story of hope, togetherness and understanding, as the school community offered a warm welcome to Syrian families and how that in turn led to a greater tolerance and understanding of different peoples and faiths. Here's Gwen's story.
"Signs of Hope came in many guises during 2020/21 at St Michael’s Junior Church School where I have the privilege of serving as Chaplain.
"Planting sunflower seeds with the children and watching them grow; getting alongside individual children and families through times of grief and when we had the rare opportunity to visit, times in church gave opportunities for children to explore the Easter story. These, together with countless other moments of hope we shared as a school community, are a tribute to a committed and hardworking staff and God’s faithfulness to us as a school through this last challenging year.
"Something special happened during the year too with a small yet significant number in our school community, bringing Hope as they shared generously with us.
"Over the past five years we have had several Syrian Refugee families settle in the local community and join our school. As a school we have helped practically over the years, helping them to settle and meet various needs, but it was as if something shifted last year which we can build on as we start a new year in the life of the school.
"Two of the boys in Years 5 and 6, chose to observe Ramadan by fasting and they shared with us in a time of worship. Not only did they share about their early morning ‘get ups’ (4.00 am some days!) but their struggles and their honesty helped us understand and respect them and their faith in a greater depth. Preparing together with them and talking together as people of faith, we shared the things that are important in Christianity and Islam. Then, Eid gave the school an opportunity to express our compassion for them as we gave each family some Eid treats.
"Later, during Refugee Week we were overwhelmed by the generosity of these Muslim parents who cooked food for each class to enjoy. Some of the children shared with their classmates about their journey to the UK, their home life and Muslim faith, and with this came a greater understanding and respect amongst the children.
"During my years at St Michael’s, I have been humbled at the way children here have embraced and welcomed new members to the school. These small steps we took in getting to understand our Syrian families last year were significant. Like the sunflower seeds we planted in the Spring, our friendship with them and respect for them will only grow as we keep nurturing, talking and learning from each other. To me that speaks of Hope in a world often divided by misunderstanding and intolerance. Thanks to our Syrian families to all that you have taught us."