This is a 60-minute lesson plan designed for students aged 10–16, aiming to develop empathy and understanding towards people who have experienced migration. It is co-produced by ambassadors from the VOICES Network and individuals with lived migration experiences. This resource includes a starter activity, learning activity, an application activity, empathy exercises, and a reflection/action activity, all promoting empathy, critical thinking, and active engagement with the refugee experience. The starter activity encourages learners to reflect on the feelings associated with being forced to leave home. The learning activity utilizes a bird migration animation to explore the choices and challenges faced during displacement. The application activity features a podcast clip from Mada, a Syrian refugee, prompting discussions on difficult decisions and emotional responses. The empathy exercise includes a “messy room” interactive simulation to challenge assumptions and foster understanding. The reflection and action encourage the students to consider actions they can take to support refugees and asylum seekers in their communities.
FE: Secondary and high school, FE: Higher education, NFE: Youth, NFE: Communities, TP: Teachers, TP: Social workers, TP: Public officials, TP: NGOs, TP: Journalists, TP: Humanitarian workers, TP: Development workers, TP: Human rights monitors
