International Migrants Day takes place on the 18th December every year and is an annual day of recognition organised by the United Nations. It’s an opportunity to understand the reasons people move, how people have moved throughout human history and explore their diverse experiences, the challenges they’ve faced, and how migration has shaped the world, our communities and our own families.
This December, Schools of Sanctuary and the Migration Museum are asking your school to
recognise International Migrants Day by researching learners’ home and family stories of
migration, past and present, and sharing them across your school community.
As divisions widen across communities and debate, this is an opportunity to recognise that
migration should not be something that separates us – but something we all have in common.
The best part: with the two-week school holiday and festive period bringing families together ,
this is a great activity to set as homework to bring back to school to share in January. As a follow-up, ask learners to share photos of family members, relatives and ancestors in different parts of the world and pin their connections to the wider world on a map to visualise your school’s global connections.
Key resources
- The UK’s Migration Tapestry Animation – Schools of Sanctuary
- Migration Story Profile – Schools of Sanctuary
- Migration Story Discs – Migration Museum
- Family Tree Activity – Migration Museum
Teaching thoughtfully about migration and seeking sanctuary helps young people to navigate
the complex and contested narratives around migrants and migration that are so widespread.
By encouraging interest in and respect for difference, perspective-taking and a shared sense of solidarity, ultimately it can also foster safer, more inclusive classrooms and communities for
everyone.
This is more than a one-off activity and should be intentionally woven through the curriculum.
Want to learn more?
- How to Teach about (Forced) Migration Teacher’s Toolkit – Schools of Sanctuary
- Teaching Migration History Toolkit: A practical guide using primary resources – Migration Museum
- Resource Bank – Migration Museum
