On Monday 23 June, the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford,
Councillor Christine Hudson, and her sister Lynda, the Mayoress of Salford,
members of the Salford Interfaith Network and special guest speakers, along
with pupils, staff, and members of the public gathered at the Albion Academy,
London Street, Salford for the beginning of the school’s Spirit of Salford
week. Pupils across year groups had
created artwork and art installations that showed different aspects of life in
Salford, which celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the city. Also on display, presented by the students,
were plans created by them for an innovative multi-faith space on the grounds
of the academy.
As this event just followed Refugee Week, and Albion is home
to pupils from a variety of nations, the Academy planned in conjunction with
the Salford Interfaith Network a segment called ‘Salford Stories’, in which
four local residents shared their experiences of having arrived in this area as
refugees. The four men, Mr. Werner
Lachs, born in Germany, Mr. Paul Oshokoya, born in Nigeria, Mr. Treasure
Sithole, born in Zimbabwe, & Mr Sefat Tanahy, born in Afghanistan, were
interviewed by Rev. Daniel Burton, Rector of the All-Saints Team and active
committee member of Salford Interfaith Network.
Though the four had come from different places with unique
circumstances, the audience also heard similarities in their stories, which
included the warm welcome they all received from the people of Salford.
At the conclusion of hearing these powerful stories,
everyone was invited to look at the students’ displays, as well as sample a
buffet of foods from around the world, prepared by the families of Albion
pupils.
