The Open University (OU), the public university in Milton Keynes, has been awarded the status of University of Sanctuary, an accreditation to highlight efforts in supporting forcibly displaced migrants.
Forced displacement occurs when people and communities are forced to flee or abandon their homes or places of habitual residence due to the effects of events or situations. Armed conflict, widespread violence, violations of human rights, natural or man-made disasters, and/or development projects are all considered as forced displacements.
The OU has supported forced migrants in accessing education, creating a spirit of inclusivity, teaching themes of migration and sanctuary, and in improving a culture of sanctuary in higher education.
In becoming a University of Sanctuary, the OU join a network of other UK institutions that provide a welcome for those displaced by conflict, human rights abuse, persecution or natural disasters, including the impact of climate change.
Forced migrants often face substantial barriers to education. For example, for those claiming asylum or for many of those with limited leave to remain, the cost of university fees is prohibitively expensive for them to be able to study.
Dr. Neil Graffin (Head of Department and Senior Lecturer in Law) and Chair of the Sanctuary Advisory Network at the OU said “Our recognition as a University of Sanctuary reaffirms our vision and commitment in integrating three core principles: learning what it means to be seeking sanctuary; taking positive action to embed concepts of welcome, safety and inclusion within the institution; and sharing our visions and achievements.”
As part of the OU’s efforts to support displaced individuals, the Open Futures Sanctuary Scholarship, launched two years ago, and now accepting applications for 2024/25, offers free study to UK-resident students forced to leave their homes due to political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures.
Dr Griffin continued on to say “We would like to acknowledge the invaluable support and insights provided by our Sanctuary Students at The Open University. We will continue to grow the Sanctuary network at our institution and to pursue joint activities towards making our university a truly open and welcome place for those from forced migrant backgrounds.”
Many of those who have previously applied to receive the scholarship had their studies or careers abruptly halted when having to leave their homes, putting their ambitions and futures on hold while they tried to foster new lives in the UK.
The OU also offered postgraduate scholarships for those affected by the war in Ukraine.
Jhumar Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor of the OU, added “It is a well-deserved testament to the incredible work of teams and colleagues across the OU that we have been named a University of Sanctuary. Improving access to education and inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, and it is wonderful that these efforts have been recognised.”
The news of the OU’s accreditation comes during Refugee Week (17 – 23 June), the university will be hosting a series of seminars in celebration of the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
Maryam Taher, University of Sanctuary lead, City of Sanctuary UK, commented on the OU’s award “We are thrilled to have the Open University as the newest awarded University of Sanctuary. The OU is uniquely placed to provide opportunities to students who would otherwise be locked out of higher education, and so it has been incredibly inspiring to see the journey the university has taken to expand educational access for people seeking sanctuary. We're excited to work with the sanctuary team at the OU to build on their success and grow more life-changing opportunities for people seeking sanctuary.”
To find out how to apply for the Open Futures Sanctuary Scholarship https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding/sanctuary-scholarship
Applications close at midday on 17 July 2024.
