Every year on June 20th, the world celebrates World Refugee Day. Importantly, we offer relevant resources for free. This day was established by the UN to honor refugees around the world. Significantly, this year the UN is focusing on the right to seek safety. Additionally, World Refugee Day highlights the challenges that refugees face and their courage. We encourage educators to foster empathy and understanding of refugees all year.

Collage of movie posters for World Refugee Day: Music of Strangers, The Cup, He Named Me Malala and Francesco

Free Resources for World Refugee Day

He Named Me Malala is a documentary of the true life story of Malala Yousafzai. At age 11, she began detailing her experiences in Pakistan for the BBC. Unfortunately, her father received constant death threats. Subsequently, terrorists shot and almost killed Malala. Fortunately, she survived. She continues to advocate for gender equity around the world. Her story, with our corresponding free discussion guide, inspires students. Our extensive curriculum guide explores the history of the Taliban, the geography of Pakistan, and much more.

The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble is a documentary about an artistic collaboration that brings global music and stories to audiences. Moreover, our curriculum features a lesson about the conflict in Syria. Clearly, this lesson is timely for World Refugee Day. Also, The Cup tells the story of two young Tibetan refugees who arrive at a monastery in India. One of them must watch the finals of the World Cup. So, he sets out to organize the rental of a TV set for the monastery. Significantly, Lesson 7 in the curriculum guide is called The World of Refugees. 

Finally, Francesco is a beautiful film providing an intimate look at a global leader, Pope Francis. Without a doubt, he approaches challenging and complex issues with humility and wisdom.  Lesson 3 of our guide focuses on migrants. Additionally, Share My Lesson featured this lesson. Notably, this guide is available in English and Spanish. 

Now, tell us how you honor the experience of refugees in your classroom. How do you educate your students about the experiences of migrants and refugees? How are you using film in your classroom?

 

Written by Jennifer Fischer