Friends welcome Syrian refugee puppet
‘Little Amal's journey is vital in highlighting the increasing risks for people coming to the UK to seek asylum.'
Quakers were among those who welcomed a 3.5-metre puppet of a young Syrian refugee to the UK, as part of a travelling festival. ‘Little Amal’ has journeyed over 8,000 kilometres to represent all displaced children, many separated from their families.
Sheila Mosley, from Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network (QARN), described Little Amal as ‘a powerful symbol of refugee children looking for a place of safety’ and urged Friends to welcome her if she passes close by. The puppet arrived in Folkestone on 19 October, before travelling to Manchester for her final welcome on 3 November.
QARN members said that the living artwork was inspired by an unaccompanied Syrian refugee child that people from the Good Chance Theatre met in the Calais camp.
Libby Ruffle, from QARN and Woodbridge Meeting, who is going to greet the puppet in Canterbury, said: ‘Little Amal’s journey is vital in highlighting the increasing risks for people coming to the UK to seek asylum. The new Borders Bill will effectively criminalise anyone who hasn’t come via a Resettlement Scheme – which are few and far between. Amal will stir people’s imagination and compassion and the need for this has never been greater’.
The project ‘The Walk’ has been created by Handspring Puppet Company.
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