UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in cooperation with the Youth Awareness Committee, is launching today the 23nd National Student Contest, which has been held annually since 1994. The theme this year is “Things that don’t fit in a suitcase”. Primary and secondary school students, including refugee students attending reception classes, […]
“Things that don't fit in a suitcase”
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in cooperation with the Youth Awareness Committee, is launching today the 23nd National Student Contest, which has been held annually since 1994. The theme this year is “Things that don’t fit in a suitcase”.
Primary and secondary school students, including refugee students attending reception classes, throughout Greece, are encouraged to participate, working individually or in groups to share their ideas, views and messages. Entries can be in the form of essays, posters, sketches and collages.
All entries must be submitted by school principals to UNHCR’s Athens offices at Michalakopoulou 91 street to the attention of the Communication/Public Information Unit. The deadline is 14 February 2020. A special committee will assess all entries and winners will receive instant cameras, while all participants will be given commemorative diplomas from UNHCR. The UN Refugee Agency and the members of the Youth Awareness Committee will publicize the best efforts on the Internet and elsewhere.
Every two seconds, one person is forcibly displaced as a result of conflict, violence and human rights violations. People are being uprooted trying to find safety, protection and a a second chance for themselves and their families. Most of the times, they carry little luggage with them. With the right opportunities, they can all contribute, in unique ways, to the countries where they have sought refuge. They carry with them their talents, knowledge, skills, hopes, dreams and so much more. Things that don’t fit in a suitcase.
What would our world be like if so many people in history had not found refuge in other countries when their own could no longer protect them? How much would our societies lose if refugees lost the opportunity to pursue their talents and skills? What if Albert Einstein had not found refuge in America? What would the science of psychoanalysis be today if Sigmund Freud had not fled to Austria? If Victor Hugo didn’t have the opportunity to continue writing after leaving France?
The Youth Awareness Committee includes members of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, National Centre for Educational Research of Primary Schools, Greek Council for Refugees, Hellenic Theatre/Drama and Education Network, Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights, Centre for Intercultural Education of Athens University, Research and Documentation Centre of the Federation of Secondary Education Instructors, Panhellenic Association of Arts Teachers, Panhellenic Association of Literature Teachers, Greek Ombudsman and UNHCR.
See more on the contest’s categories here:
https://www.unhcr.org/gr/mathitikos_diagonismos_2019
We thank McCann Athens for creating this year’s posters for the Contest.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
