Refugee Week reflections: Courage, Culture, and Community in Richmond

Last month, we marked Refugee Week with more than ten community-led celebrations across the borough. Hear from SFIDA as they share highlights from their event, 'Courage, Culture, and Community'.

Firstly, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for supporting our Refugee Week event, 'Courage, Culture, and Community'. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this year's theme of Courage whilst bringing together members of our local community to reflect on identity, belonging, resilience and the positive contribution refugee communities continue to make across Richmond.

Our event was held at Richmond Library Annexe and welcomed members of the ethnic Albanian communities alongside local residents. 

Throughout the afternoon we heard a series of inspiring presentations that reflected both professional expertise and lived experience. Solicitor Naim Hasani spoke powerfully about belonging, reminding us that belonging is not simply about where we live but about feeling accepted, respected and connected to those around us. His reflections particularly resonated with those who had experienced displacement, reminding everyone that although many refugees leave behind their homes, they can still create new homes through kindness, solidarity and community. 

Clinical Psychologist Dr Teuta Rexhepi-Johansson delivered another particularly moving presentation, reflecting on identity, trauma and resilience. Drawing on both her professional knowledge and understanding of refugee experiences, she reminded us that resilience is not simply surviving difficult circumstances but finding the strength to rebuild a meaningful life whilst preserving dignity, identity and hope.

Her reflections encouraged many in the audience to see their own journeys differently, not as stories defined by loss, but by extraordinary courage, adaptation and personal growth. It was evident from conversations afterwards that many people found comfort in hearing their own experiences recognised and validated.

Dr Greta Jata also shared her reflections on growing up in Britain as part of a second-generation refugee family. Speaking honestly about balancing two cultures, she described both the challenges and the privileges of embracing dual identities. Her presentation encouraged younger members of the audience to feel proud of their heritage whilst recognising the opportunities they have been given in the United Kingdom. 
 
The event was further enriched through art and culture. Actor Sokol Cahani delivered a powerful spoken-word performance that transformed personal experiences into a moving artistic narrative. Traditional Albanian çifteli players Egzon Dida and Ylli Shuti performed patriotic music that evoked strong emotions throughout the audience. For many older attendees, the music brought back memories of home, family and childhood, whilst for younger generations it provided a powerful connection to their cultural heritage. The event concluded with a vibrant performance from the Illyrian Dance Ensemble, whose colourful traditional dances demonstrated that culture continues to thrive across generations and remains an important source of identity and pride.

Following the formal programme, guests enjoyed traditional Albanian food, providing further opportunity for conversation, networking and new friendships. Many attendees remained long after the event had officially finished, continuing discussions about community, heritage and future projects.

Another particularly meaningful aspect of the event was the exhibition of artwork created in 2004 by children who had recently arrived in the UK after fleeing the conflict in Kosovo and Albania. Through their artwork they expressed memories of war, separation, fear and the uncertainty of beginning life again in a new country. Displaying these paintings side by side offered a powerful visual journey from trauma to resilience.

What made the exhibition even more moving was knowing where many of these children are today. They have grown into successful adults working across a wide range of professions, including doctors, NHS healthcare professionals, data analysts, construction business owners, property managers and other skilled careers, while continuing to make positive contributions to their local communities. Their journeys demonstrate that, with safety, opportunity and support, refugee children can flourish and achieve remarkable things. Many attendees spent considerable time viewing the paintings, with several commenting that they were among the most powerful parts of the event because they transformed the refugee experience from something spoken about into something deeply personal, hopeful and profoundly human.
 
As part of Refugee Week, SFIDA also attended Richmond Council’s Refugee Week celebration at York House. It was wonderful to celebrate alongside so many other organisations working across the borough to support sanctuary-seeking communities. The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet new partners, exchange ideas and reflect on the collective impact being made across Richmond upon Thames. It reinforced how valuable partnership working is in creating welcoming communities where everyone feels they belong.
 
Reflecting on the event, we feel its greatest success was not simply the programme itself, but the atmosphere it created. The afternoon demonstrated that cultural events can do far more than celebrate heritage, they create understanding, reduce isolation, challenge stereotypes and build genuine relationships between people from different backgrounds. The event embodied the true spirit of Refugee Week by recognising not only the hardships that refugees have overcome, but also the resilience, skills, culture and richness they continue to bring to our communities.

The success and impact of the event also received recognition beyond those who attended. Both 'The Albanian Post' and 'Fjala e Lirë' published articles highlighting the event, helping to share its message of courage, resilience, cultural identity and community with a wider audience.
 
We are extremely grateful to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for making this event possible. Their support enabled us to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people could celebrate diversity, strengthen community connections and honour the courage that lies behind every refugee journey.

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