WINNIPEG, MB –The University of Winnipeg’s Education students from the “War-Affected Children” course, along with other student activists will participate in a smart mob on Wednesday March 7, 2012 at 12:15 pm to raise awareness about the rights and responsibilities of Canada as a host country to refugees, and acknowledge how we can make the lives of refugees better.
The smart mob will begin in Winnipeg’s Underground Concourse at 12:15 p.m. The smart mob will last for ten minutes with information being handed out to onlookers during this time. The smart mob will be completed by 12:25 p.m.
“Our goal is to raise awareness about how we can support refugees who come to Canada by changing people’s attitudes and addressing the common misconceptions about refugees,” said Dr. Jan Stewart, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education. “Our goal is to get Canadian’s to realize that it’s not that complicated to just be nice.”
Canada is a common destination for many refugees from all over the world. Millions of people are left without a home because of war and conflict. Canada is a location that many of these individuals end up in to escape this conflict, yet when they get here they are left with many new struggles. Canadians need to understand that the way we treat refugees makes a difference in their lives. We need to be a more welcoming refuge for these people and create supports to help with their transition.
This event is part of the “War-Affected Children” Education course at the University of Winnipeg by Dr. Jan Stewart. This course is designed to provide teachers with an awareness and understanding of issues concerning war-affected children and youth. The global concern for peace education, conflict resolution and basic human entitlements are addressed.
For more information on this event please contact Jan Stewart, at ja.stewart@uwinnipeg.ca or at (204) 786-9316.
