The University of Portsmouth marks Refugee Week 2026
Every year, Refugee Week brings people together across the United Kingdom to celebrate the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Under this year’s theme, "Courage," the University of Portsmouth invites students and staff to join a week of reflection, conversation, and community.
What does courage look like when home is left behind?
For many people around the world, courage means leaving behind familiar places, loved ones, and memories in search of safety and a new beginning. Yet courage can also be found in everyday acts of kindness, connection, and hope.
Throughout Refugee Week, with help from the University Library, we invite you to reflect on what home, belonging, and courage mean to you and to share your thoughts with our university community.
The Library Display
From 15 June 2026, an interactive display will be installed in the University Library Atrium. Open throughout the week, the display offers a space for students and staff to pause, reflect, and contribute their own thoughts and experiences.
You do not need to attend the main event to take part. Everyone is welcome to contribute.
You are invited to respond to one of the following prompts
- What does courage look like when home is left behind?
- What would you take with you if you had to leave your home tomorrow?
- What does home mean to you?
- What gives people the courage to begin again?
Paper cards and sticky notes will be available at the display. Whether you write a single word, a short message, or a personal reflection, your contribution will become part of a growing collective artwork that will be exhibited during the main Refugee Week event alongside other creative works.
The Main Event
Join us on:
📆 Friday 19 June 2026
⏰ 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
📍 Portland Building, University of Portsmouth
The main event will bring together stories, creative works, conversations, and reflections inspired by this year's theme of Courage.
How to get involved
- Visit the Library Atrium display from 15 June and leave a reflection.
- Bring a small object or photograph to contribute to the Objects of Belonging display in the Library Atrium.
- Attend the main Refugee Week event in Portland on Friday 19 June, 11:00 am – 2:30 pm.
- Share this invitation with friends, colleagues, and fellow students.
Everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge or experience is needed; just come as you are.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about the event, contribute to the exhibition, or get involved in Refugee Week activities, please contact:
Haneen
Email: haneen.alkaraki@port.ac.uk
Majd
Email: majd.abuawad@port.ac.uk
Soudabeh
Email: soudabeh.pashaei@port.ac.uk
Dr Marianela Barrios Aquino, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
Email: marianela.barrios-aquino@port.ac.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to this year's Refugee Week events and hearing your reflections on the theme of Courage.
Contributed by
- Haneen Alkaraki, PhD student
- Majd Abuawad, Student Demonstrator, School of Architecture, Art, and Design, Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI)
- Soudabeh Pashaei, STF, School of Architecture, Art, and Design, Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI)
Project concept and development
With special thanks to Dr Marianela Barrios Aquino, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) whose contribution has been instrumental to this initiative.