Europe in the Classroom this is volume 2 of the Europe in the classroom | Page 20

© Imperial War Museum
Tell Your Story
There are many reasons why migration occurs, but
there is always a story for everyone involved.
Karen McKenzie, Head of Human Rights at the
Commonwealth Secretariat has commented, “Many people
migrate to escape crushing deprivation or to seek out
economic opportunities and earn a better living. Others
move to complete their studies or to join their families.”
She added: “For a significant number of people migration
is not a choice, but rather something they are forced into
against their will. Some are fleeing conflict or escaping
persecution, others are leaving behind the devastation
of natural disa ster or are victims of trafficking.”
Print the activity sheet onto card (or onto paper and stick
onto backing card) and cut out the individual. Divide your
class into groups and give each group a set of statements.
Ask each member of the group to select the card, which
they think is most appropriate for their migration ‘story.’
For home learning ask each member to try and find out
some more family details that they can use to write about
their ‘family story.’
In the next lesson, ask members of the group to share
what they have found out with each other and list
commonalities and differences between the stories
within their group. Add this information to the display.
Discuss the cultural make up of your class, school, and
local area with your pupils. Were your pupils born in the
local area? Were their parents or grandparents born there?
If not, where did they live before? What countries might be
part of their family story? Find the places that your pupils
and their families have links to on a map or globe and make
a display to show this.
Curriculum Links: English, History, Citizenship, Personal, social and health education
Commonwealth Values: Tolerance, respect and understanding, human rights.
Core Skills: Collaboration and communication, citizenship.
Migration education pack
7