Teachers volunteering in France to aid refugees

Edlumino are a group of non-political volunteer educators from different countries collaborating to make sure that the children have an opportunity to continue their education, irrespective of their current circumstances. The organisation is currently interested in hearing from current or recently retired teachers who can commit to regular periods of time in France. Edlumino teach an international curriculum mainly in English as many of the refugees speak English as a first or second language. They also hold classes in with French speaking teachers to improve language and communication skills.

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A group of teachers are doing their bit for the refugee crisis by volunteering with children in the French refugee camps. The Edlumino team work with public donations to teach in the settlements in Calais and Grande-Synthe to teach the young learners from countries such as Syria, Somalia, Iran, Iraq and Sudan. These teachers focus on an international curriculum of Maths, English, French, Science and Humanities. Those looking to get involved can donate or volunteer at edlumino.org.

The small organisation is currently seeking people can people who can help with web design, legal support, charity administration with a focus on French employment and a sponsored office space in France. At present, the group has no secure facilities, and are therefore only asking for donations through their JustGiving page and Amazon wish list. Hertfordshire-based teacher Natalie Scott and her Edlumino teammates are also encouraging whole schools to get involved.

“If you have already made us an offer to donate or support, or would like to know what else would really help us, please have a look at bit.ly/school4all,” wrote Natalie on her blog, Miss Scott Said What? “We will contact you once we are in a position to go ahead and take you up on your generous offers. Anyone who registers interest with an email address will be added to our mailing list and we can then update you on our work, in the camps, more regularly.

“If you can’t support a non-uniform day or offer your time / any resources at present, why not speak to your students, and raise awareness in your school through projects or assemblies? Teach them empathy and the importance of honesty over bias, whatever the key stage or your specialism. Teach them about humanity and privilege. We are all teachers of values, humanity and compassion. So if nothing else is possible, please do that. We will try to support you if we can!”

Incredibly proud of my Y10 class! You can help too! @edlumino #pedagoofriday pic.twitter.com/JXroox4aS1
— Rachel Smith (@lancslassrach) 18 March 2016

Cheshire-based Primary school teacher Carole Harding baked 200 cupcakes and took them to teaching conference Primary Rocks Live, held on 19th March. These delicious treats raised £116 for the cause.