Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr’s journey to become a School of Sanctuary

Wales, and Swansea in particular, has a long history of welcoming refugees from all over the world. These people have contributed to our communities and broadened our horizons.

Swansea as a City of Sanctuary is an initiative whereby a range of professionals and volunteers work collaboratively to make our city and schools, a welcoming and warm place for refugees and asylum seekers. In 2010, Swansea became the first city in Wales to achieve the status as a City of Sanctuary. Since then, they have been collaborating with schools, universities, and other institutions in the city to educate and share what it means to be a ‘sanctuary city’.

In 2021, Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr began its journey to become Ysgol Sanctuary. Under the leadership of the Department of Humanities, it was great to see that department receive a “Department of Sanctuary” award in June 2022. Since then, we have been building on the solid foundations laid promoting a culture of inclusion, tolerance, and friendship for all. As a school, we are committed to being a centre that is safe and welcoming for all, especially for those seeking asylum.

We aim to encourage our learners, staff, and the wider community to understand what is meant by a ‘school of sanctuary’. We believe in offering the hand of friendship to welcome all as equal and valued members of our school community. We are a school that prides itself on being a safe and inclusive centre for all.

As a Sanctuary School, we are committed to…

Creating a culture to welcome all, especially refugees, asylum seekers and others seeking sanctuary.

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Promoting the voice and contributions of those who have either sought or received sanctuary, to our society.

Increasing the school community’s understanding of migrants’ experiences and seek to challenge the stereotypes associated with refugees and asylum seekers.

We believe that our journey to become a School of Sanctuary is in keeping with our values as a school, and that it reinforces the school’s motto – “Gorau Byw, Cyd-fyw”

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