Why Do We Celebrate Refugee Week? | Musa’s Story of Courage
It’s Refugee Week 2026! This week is all about celebrating the wonderful contributions people seeking sanctuary make to our community. It’s an opportunity to learn and to listen to the courageous stories of those who have fled conflict and persecution.
We want to introduce you to Musa (name changed), as this week we celebrate people like him. Musa was a university lecturer in his home country in the Middle East, before his life changed and he had to leave.
For most of my life I have lived through conflict and war, in my country. I prayed for peace but overtime I realised there would be no peace. This is no life you wish to live.
After we lost one of my family members, my parents encouraged me to leave my home behind so that I can be safe. At the time, it was hard to leave. But I now realise I had no choice, especially so that my future children won’t experience the same thing I faced.
I came to the UK and was placed in a hostel. I was alone with no idea what to do or where to go. Einir (Upbeat staff member) met me at my accommodation. She told me about a place I could come to for support, called Upbeat Communities. She said that I wouldn’t just be able to get help, but I’d be able to make friends too, so that I am not so alone in this country.
When I first met Upbeat, I was surprised to hear about all the things that they do to support asylum seekers. I was very excited to join the English classes, because they would help me take my English language to the next level.
I started to play table tennis with some of the other people there and it was amazing because it’s my favourite hobby! We would have competitions and it was like connecting with a memory of home.
Upbeat are so helpful because they really understand the situation for asylum seekers. I left my country looking for safety and human rights. I have found that here, in the UK. I am so happy to have such a lovely and supportive community around me now.
For the future, I hope that I can volunteer with Upbeat because they were my first family here. When I had no one, they supported me and gave me hope.
Join us to celebrate more stories and contributions from people like Musa at Hello Derby: A Festival of Welcome, Saturday 20th June at Derby Market Hall, 11am-3pm. We’ll be joined by many of our friends who are seeking refuge in the city—giving live performances, sharing artwork, running dance workshops, and much more!
Not available to celebrate this weekend? Why not leave a small donation so that we can continue to offer vital support for refugees. Even £5 could go towards a language classes that allows people like Musa to build community and break down language barriers. Click the button below to show your care this Refugee Week.
