More than 200 people gathered at Brecon Cathedral on June 20 for the awards evening of the 2024 Schools’ Sanctuary Competition, organised by Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR).

The event celebrated the creative work of local pupils responding to the theme “Safe Passage”.

Now in its third year, the competition invited students from eight local schools to explore issues around seeking sanctuary through poems, articles, and artwork. More than 500 entries were submitted, reflecting on the unequal access to safe and legal routes for refugees. While resettlement schemes have provided safe passage for people fleeing Ukraine and Hong Kong, many from countries such as Syria, Eritrea, and Iran still face dangerous journeys to reach safety.

The winning 62 entries included collaborative projects such as a collage of migrating birds and a poster and video presentation by a young Ukrainian pupil and his mother. These works were first exhibited at Brecon Cathedral and later displayed at Hay Castle, with all entries also available to view online.

Certificates and prizes were presented by local dignitaries including Powys County Council Chair William Powell, Deputy Leader Matthew Dorrance, Brecon Mayor Marie Matthews, Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds, sanctuary seekers Ludmila Souproun and Michael McBaye, and Major Khusiman Gurung from the Nepali Village Project.

The event was opened by Margaret Blake, Chair of HBTSR, with a short introduction from Rowland Jepson, HBTSR Schools Lead.

The evening concluded with a moving film by Sacha and Iryna, who shared their journey from Ukraine to Crickhowell and their hopes for a safe life in Wales.

HBTSR expressed gratitude to the schools, teachers, judges, volunteers, and Brecon Cathedral for supporting the event, as well as to Rowland for coordinating the project.

More information and a full gallery of winning entries can be found at hbtsr.cityofsanctuary.org