Refugee Week this year sees Islington Council celebrating the contribution made by the 10 per cent of the borough's population that come from refugee communities.<br><br>A week of events will provide information on healthcare, housing, education and social services. A high profile, multi-media art exhibition - 'The Journey Travelled' opens at Islington Museum on St John's St , EC1 on Tuesday 17 June.<br><br>Cllr John Gilbert, Islington Council's Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Services, said:<br><br>"Islington has long had a reputation for being a tolerant and welcoming place, providing a new home for many people fleeing prejudice, persecution or violence from many parts of the world. <br><br>"But starting a new life is not without its challenges and many newcomers experience poverty, are denied opportunities and don't take an active part in community life.<br><br>"We will continue to develop our services to target those whose needs are greatest whilst making sure we take every opportunity to support people, to fulfil their potential and make their contribution to Islington's diverse community."<br><br>Refugee Week is celebrated in the UK each year to coincide with World Refugee Day on 20 June. The purpose of the week is to deliver positive educational messages that counter fear, ignorance and negative stereotypes of refugees, through arts, cultural and educational events.<br><br>On 17 June, there will be a Private View at Islington Museum of 'The Journey Travelled'. The arts project brings together Islington Refugee Integration Service (IRIS), arts organisation All Change, and Islington Heritage Service to celebrating the story of refugee womens' settlement in Islington.The public exhibition continues until 13 September 2008.<br><br>On 19 June, Islington's Mayor Cllr Stefan Kasprzyk - himself the son of Polish immigrants - will open Islington Refugee Forum's community event, celebrating the contributions refugees have made and continue to make to the borough.<br><br>Case Study: Iolanda's Story<br><br>Iolanda Costide was born in Romania, the daughter of Greek and Swiss German parents. For many years the family endured an oppressive political regime that jailed her father, confiscated their assets and placed the family under the daily observation of the security services.<br><br>She defected on a visit to Switzerland in 1972 and later that year came to London - where her fiance was already living.<br><br>"When we first arrived in the West, the freedom of thought and action was extremely exhilarating and intellectually stimulating." says Iolanda. "We worked as architects - in Upper Street - while we completed our exams.<br><br>"We chose to stay here because we like the democratic principal in Britain and as a successful businesswoman I've been able to have independence in my professional choices.<br><br>"As a refugee, it was not easy to set up the business, find clients, and a way into the many social and established business networks. But we tried hard and we succeeded.<br><br>"Islington is my first home in London; I love its architectural beauty and its diversity. My principal projects are around social housing, the voluntary sector and special needs projects. Both my home and my practice are based in Islington.<br><br>"My children feel fully integrated, without ever hiding their Romanian origin - it's given them a very international outlook. I never insisted on them learning Romanian, but I always told them of the importance attached to their inheritance – cultural, national and ethnic."<br><br>Ends<br><br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009