Changemakers
The Changemakers programme is for young refugees and asylum seekers who are passionate about advocating for inclusive and accessible education for all displaced learners in the UK.
As a Changemaker, you'll work with other young people to influence decision-makers, lead research, and campaign for change in refugee education.
Hear from some of our Changemakers about their journeys into education in the UK.
You can join if:
you are a refugee or asylum seeker aged 16-25
you have experience accessing education in the UK
you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or the North of England
If this sounds like you, we’d love for you to join the team!
Who can be a Changemaker?
-
Lead research projects in your region to build evidence on the barriers which refugee and asylum seeking learners experience in their education journeys.
Develop recommendations for change and run advocacy campaigns targeting decision-makers in refugee education.
Co-facilitate training for practitioners on supporting refugee learners in schools, colleges and universities across the UK.
Take part in speaking opportunities at conferences, webinars and parliament - ensuring your voice is heard by key decision-makers in refugee education.
-
Access a range of training opportunities on leadership, effective communication, research skills, campaign building and more.
Access out expert practitioner advice sessions on getting into education in the UK.
Gain experience in advocacy, research, and leadership to support your future education and career.
-
Join a group of young refugees and asylum-seekers across the UK working towards systems change in refugee education.
Build professional networks, with opportunities to meet with and learn from experts in different sectors.
Work together with peers to develop campaigns for refugee education change, building lifelong friendships, and creating your own peer support network along the way.
-
Credited by name (unless you would prefer otherwise) on all research and policy projects you are involved in.
Written references for any future jobs you may wish to apply for.
Use the Refugee Education UK Changemaker badge on Linkedin to publicly share your involvement in this work.
Why become a Changemaker?
Most Changemakers serve for three years, with opportunities to reapply or take on mentoring roles for new members after their term.
Meetings will usually happen monthly (a mix of online and in-person), with opportunities for extra involvement based on your interest and availability. The time commitment is flexible and designed to fit around college, university, work, or other commitments.
What is the expected time commitment?
Yes! While monthly meeting attendance is unpaid, Changemakers will be compensated with vouchers for time spent on specific projects.
Travel and food costs will be borne by Refugee Education UK for any work related to the programme.
Do Changemakers get compensated for their time?
If you have any questions about the Changemakers programme, please email our Youth Advoacy Manager, Divya Jose (divya@reuk.org).