Overview of the 60‑Year Celebration
On Friday 31 October, the University of Kent marked six decades of academic, cultural and community life by holding a spectacular evening in Canterbury Cathedral. The event, titled *Raising Our Voices for Sanctuary*, brought together students, staff, alumni, local partners and the wider Kent community to sing, speak and share stories that illuminate the university’s commitment to safety, belonging and the protection of vulnerable people.
Music and Choirs as the Heartbeat of Sanctuary
The evening opened with the University Gospel Choir and the Canterbury Christ Church University Gospel Choir, their voices carrying across the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings. The powerful performance was joined by Clive Brown & Urban Sound, bringing contemporary gospel rhythms that resonated with the ancient stone. The music was more than entertainment; it was a declaration that voices can unite in hope and resilience‑building, a core idea of the Sanctuary project.
Resilient Voices in Focus: Stories Shared
Special guests such as BBC Radio 1 X‑Tab DJ, alumna and mentor Fee Mak, actor Simon Paisley‑Day and broadcaster Muiywa Olarewaju OBE, each delivered poems and songs that highlighted the experiences of Sanctuary students. Their narratives shed light on how belonging, acceptance and a safe learning environment empower students who have come to the UK in search of refuge or simply a better future.
Unpacking the Meaning of Sanctuary for Kent Students
The Sanctuary framework is an institutional practice designed to provide a safe educational environment. It is not merely about physical safety but also about psychological security, social inclusion and restorative learning. The University of Kent’s Sanctuary Fund, launched to support students in the asylum process, aims to bridge the gap between protected status and academic opportunity.
The Sanctuary Fund’s Direct Impact
- Funding covers course fees, accommodation and essential living expenses.
- Dedicated support staff help asylum seekers navigate the university’s processes and local services.
- Peer‑mentoring programmes connect experienced students with new arrivals, fostering inclusive networks.
- Collaboration with local charities and the Kent Council ensures a comprehensive safety net.
The fund’s first cohort of 32 students received combined support worth over £120,000 in its inaugural year, a move that has opened doors for many who otherwise would have faced financial and legal hurdles.
How to Engage With the Sanctuary Initiative
Anyone who wants to help can do so in a number of ways:
- Donate to the Sanctuary Fund – Read more about contributions.
- Volunteer as a mentor or tutor – Explore volunteer opportunities.
- Partner organisation: businesses and NGOs can collaborate on training and placement programmes.
- Raise awareness – share stories on social media or host a community event.
Every action strengthens the safety nets that allow University of Kent and Canterbury to serve as genuine sanctuaries.
A Vision for Canterbury: City of Sanctuary
The 60‑Year celebration reinforced the city’s ambition to be recognized officially as a City of Sanctuary. This designation would officially acknowledge Canterbury’s inclusive policies, dedicated safe spaces and the city’s willingness to welcome asylum seekers into the civic fabric.
Institutional Commitments and Partnerships
Strategic alliances between the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, local councils and faith groups were highlighted at the evening. These partnerships will deliver joint initiatives such as:
- Inter‑institutional language and residency support programmes.
- Shared housing projects for asylum‑seeking students.
- Community arts projects that celebrate cultural diversity.
- Regular dialogues between city officials, religious leaders and university staff.
Such collaboration is integral to building long‑term safety and integration for all residents.
Celebrating Together, Building a Safer Tomorrow
Through music, storytelling and collective decide, the event proved that community actions can influence policy and protect vulnerable lives. By bringing the cathedral’s rich history into contemporary relevance, the University underscored a message that sanctuary is not a modern ideal but a natural human right that every supporter can help uphold.
How You Can Get Involved Today
Ready to make a tangible difference? Begin with a small step:
➡️ Discover our Sanctuary resources – Explore tools and guides to help asylum seekers and understand how you can assist.
➡️ Join the next event – Register for upcoming community gatherings that promote safety and inclusion.
➡️ Volunteer or partner – Sign up to become a mentor or sponsor and create a positive impact on individual lives.
Each action, whether it is attending an event, offering a donation or sharing a story, adds to a growing coalition that champions the right to safety, education and belonging for everyone.
Additional Resources and Next Steps
To learn more about how the University of Kent supports Sanctuary students or to find further ways to collaborate, visit the dedicated Sanctuary page or reach out through the College’s Community Office.
**Contact Information:**
Phone: +44 (0)123 456 789
Email: support@[email protected]
By staying informed and engaging, you help build the next generation of institutions that value safety, equal opportunity and community solidarity.
