Members of our local community are invited to join students, colleagues and support organisations for a morning of talks and workshops, recognising Royal Holloway’s position as a University of Sanctuary.
Courageous Stories will take place on Tuesday 2 June 2026 from 10am to 1pm in the Shilling Lecture Theatre on the University’s Egham campus and refreshments will be provided. The event forms part of this year’s Refugee Week celebrations, with the national theme for 2026 being Courage.
Following Royal Holloway being recognised as University of Sanctuary, this marks the second year in a row in which this Symposium has been hosted. The event aims to bring together people from across the local community to share experiences and strengthen support for refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
As part of Royal Holloway’s ongoing role as a University of Social Purpose, the University’s position as a University of Sanctuary underlines it as a place of safety, support and inclusion for those rebuilding their lives in the UK.
Attendees will hear from a range of speakers, with the full agenda as follows:
10am-10:05am - Opening Remarks
10:05am-11am - Archives Workshop with Dr Alex Sessa (Bedford Archivist) and Anne-Marie Purcell (Acting Head of Cultural Services)
11am-11:20am - Coffee Break
11:20am-11:50am - Kehinde Ojo (Sanctuary Ambassador and Former Sanctuary Scholar) Presentation
11:50am-12:15pm - Dr Naimat Zafary (Chevening Scholar, Sussex University) Presentation
12:15pm-12:55pm - Mary Maker (UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador) Talk
12:55pm-1pm - Closing Remarks
Attendees can register via our online form. For more information, please contact Emily.Gee@rhul.ac.uk.
