World Refugee Day Activities for Schools, Churches, and Community Groups

World Refugee Day (June 20) is more than just a calendar observance—it’s an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to stand in solidarity with refugees. Schools, churches, and community groups can play a powerful role in spreading awareness, cultivating empathy, and encouraging action. This article offers a range of creative, age-appropriate, and meaningful activities to help your organization recognize World Refugee Day and make a real difference.

🎓 For Schools: Education That Inspires Empathy

1. Refugee Storytime & Book Discussions

Introduce students to refugee experiences through age-appropriate literature. Books to consider:

- “My Name is Not Refugee” by Kate Milner (Ages 4–7)

- “Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey” by Margriet Ruurs

- “Refugee” by Alan Gratz (Middle school)

- “The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees” by Don Brown (Graphic novel)

Activity idea: Have students draw or write about how they would feel if they had to leave home suddenly.

2. Create a Refugee Journey Simulation

Organize an interactive experience to help students understand displacement. Steps:

- Set up “stations” representing key stages: fleeing home, crossing borders, waiting in camps, arriving in a new country.

- Use role cards with fictional refugee profiles.

- Include challenges like packing limited items, navigating new languages, or finding shelter.

Purpose: Builds empathy through experiential learning.

3. Host a Poster or Art Contest

Encourage students to express solidarity and hope through visual storytelling. Theme ideas:

- “Everyone Deserves a Safe Home”

- “Welcome Means the World”

- “Refugees Are Our Neighbors”

Display submissions in hallways or at a World Refugee Day assembly.

4. Partner with Local Refugee Organizations

Invite guest speakers or organize a fundraiser for a refugee family or local resettlement agency.

Ideas include:

- Bake sales

- Book or supply drives

- Virtual Q&A with a refugee advocate

⛪ For Churches and Faith-Based Communities: Compassion in Action

5. Special Worship Service or Prayer Vigil

Dedicate a service to refugee stories and scripture-based reflections on hospitality. Include:

- Readings from sacred texts on justice and welcome (e.g., Exodus 22:21, Matthew 25:35)

- Candle lighting or moment of silence

- Testimony from a refugee or sponsor family

6. Host a Refugee Film Night

Screen a film or documentary followed by group discussion. Suggested films:

- The Good Lie (PG-13)

- Salam Neighbor (documentary)

- Human Flow by Ai Weiwei

- Flee (animated documentary)

Tip: Provide discussion guides and reflection questions to deepen engagement.

7. Launch a “Welcome Kit” Drive

Assemble basic supplies for recently resettled families. Items to include:

- Kitchen utensils, hygiene products, linens, school supplies

- Include welcome notes written by church members

Optional: Partner with local refugee services to deliver and follow up with pastoral care or mentoring.

8. Sermon Series or Bible Study on Refugee Themes

Offer a multi-week series exploring migration, exile, and divine hospitality in scripture. Possible titles:

- “Strangers No More”

- “Faith on the Run”

- “Welcoming the Sojourner”

🏘️ For Community Groups: Engagement That Builds Bridges

9. Multicultural Potluck or Food Fair

Celebrate refugee cultures through cuisine. How to do it:

- Invite refugee families or chefs to prepare traditional dishes.

- Ask local restaurants to donate food or space.

- Include cultural displays, music, and storytelling.

Outcome: Fosters community connection through food and shared experience.

10. Refugee Voices Panel or Storytelling Night

Center the stories of refugees and asylum seekers in your area.

Format:

- Host a moderated panel at your local library or community center.

- Offer time for audience questions and reflections.

- Collaborate with interpreters if needed.

Impact: Personal narratives break down stereotypes and build empathy.

11. Social Media Awareness Campaign

Mobilize your group online to raise awareness. Steps:

- Share facts, quotes, or refugee stories all week leading up to June 20.

- Use hashtags: #WorldRefugeeDay #WithRefugees

- Create reels or carousels featuring local events or actions.

Tip: Tag local representatives or organizations to amplify the message.

12. Art for Advocacy: Community Mural or Chalk Walk

Design a public art project to honor refugees in your city or neighborhood. Ideas:

- Sidewalk chalk quotes and drawings

- Collaborative mural project with refugee youth

- Photography exhibits in town halls or libraries

Goal: Visual reminders that invite conversation and inclusion.

🧩 Combine Efforts for Greater Impact

These groups don’t need to work in silos. Imagine the power of a school partnering with a church, or a faith group collaborating with a local refugee organization. Unity magnifies impact.

Final Thoughts

World Refugee Day isn’t just about remembering—it’s about responding with compassion and courage. By turning your school, church, or community group into a hub of understanding and action, you become part of a global movement that says: