CRADOC Primary School has become the first primary school in Wales to be recognised as a School of Sanctuary for its work in welcoming refugees and asylum seekers to Wales.

Kirsty Williams, Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, presented the award during Refugee Week (June 19-24).

Schools of Sanctuary is an initiative to celebrate the good practice of schools who welcome asylum seeking and refugee families into their school community and foster a culture of welcome and inclusion for all.

Pupils at Cradoc Primary School learned during lessons about the reality of being a refugee or asylum seeker from members of local community group Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees.

They were then involved in the organisation of a ‘Welcome Away Day’ for people seeking sanctuary living in Swansea – giving them the chance to see a part of Wales they might not have been able to get to in their present situation.

The day involved the school’s children and staff organising fun activities for refugee families to get involved in.

Mmebrs of the community also got involved by making donations ot clothes, food and toiletry items.

Gareth Davies, on behalf of the FAW Trust, organised the donation of footballs and T-shirts for the visitors, while trasnport from Swansea was provided with assistance from Williams coaches.

Bestowing the accolade, Ms Williams, the Welsh Education Secretary, said: “As a School of Sanctuary, Cradoc Primary School has demonstrated some of the most important values in our society – showing compassion, promoting equality, and upholding inclusion.

“Their Welcome Away Day in January was a perfect example of the great work Cradoc has done and it is fantastic to have the school recognised.”

Rebecca Scott, Wales Cities of Sanctuary co-ordinator who was also at the presentation, said: “The enthusiasm of the young people and staff at Cradoc Primary is an inspiration to us all.

“Their Away Day showed that you don’t have to have people seeking sanctuary living on your doorstep to provide a warm, Welsh welcome for people rebuilding their lives here.

“I hope that the activities at Cradoc Primary School and their new School of Sanctuary status will encourage other schools to engage in a similar welcome for all.”

Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees is part of a Wales-wide network of City of Sanctuary groups, which work with local organisations to foster a welcome for people seeking sanctuary in this country.

The City of Sanctuary vision is that wherever asylum seekers and refugees go, they will find welcome and understanding, and the opportunity to celebrate their diverse contributions to our society.

For more information on the Wales Cities of Sanctuary visit: https://cardiff.cityofsanctuary.org/what-we-do/wales-city-of-sanctuary.