Durham for Refugees in Calais

The French authorities have recently announced their plans to commence the official dismantling of the Calais 'Jungle' on Monday 24th October. Thousands of refugees currently residing in the camp are now facing one of the government's most extensive plans to evacuate and relocate these facilities to date. With the prospect of these events looming just over the horizon, some Durham University Students have taken the opportunity to share with us their reflections on the trip they made to the camp itself.

​When you think of France, you might think of the country of love, of a country with a rich culture of music, film, and great gastronomy. Doubtless, you will recognise France as a relatively well-off country, influential on the world stage: a potential holiday destination, perhaps. Whatever your thoughts on France, the Calais “Jungle” is probably not the first thing that springs to mind, and it does not sit easily with what is stereotypically expected of a European culture.

Mentioned in the media only to aggravate anti-refugee and outright racist sentiments, it seems that the rest of the world either hates the Calais “Jungle” and its residents, or simply does not acknowledge its existence. This summer, a group of Durham students crossed the English channel: not for a holiday, but to volunteer in the Calais refugee camp. In doing so, they discovered France in a new light, revealing a side to Calais not normally shown in the media.

It looks like everyone's enjoying tucking into the lovely food served by one of the camp's restaurants!

​Whilst it would be futile to deny that tensions and danger exist within the camp, the perception of this refugee settlement as a segregated mini-town could not be further from the truth.
There are indeed separate areas within the camp that keep themselves somewhat insular, with people from the same country tending to stay in the same area. It would not be unreasonable to suggest that this may be because people who have fled the same horrors in their native country seek refuge in one another.  A common language may also provide a source of comfort in such an alien world. Nevertheless, different nationalities mix within the camp, and my fellow students and I in fact found a community far more inclusive and welcoming than that which we had been led to expect.

Much like a town, the camp has its own ‘high street’, filled with an array of makeshift restaurants built by the entrepreneurial members of the community. Decorated with flags of various nations, and with small televisions showing American blockbusters, these structures are far more than just a place to eat — they really are a place for cultural mix where all are welcome. This is precisely why the recent attempt by the French authorities to flatten these restaurants was a devastating blow, particularly to the community spirit, which has flourished in the camp. The fact that the restaurants sprang back up so quickly is a testament to the importance of areas like this for the refugees in camp.

An illustration of the camp's layout.

Jessie Turner holding the sign for the sports day.

Lucy Sheard in goal.

​As well as food, sport and art are loved and shared by all nationalities of the camp. We volunteered with an organisation called Care4Calais: they ran art and English workshops as well as a sports day of football, cricket, volleyball and more. Volunteers took to the pitch alongside men from Sudan, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria; there was a mixture of abilities showcased, but fun and team spirit proved consistent for all. Country, language, and religion were irrelevant, as we were reminded by the close presence of a makeshift Church and Mosque overlooking the “pitch”: a patch of sand.

Amy Hawkin and Tom Musson playing some music.

Care4Calais is also involved in the distribution of aid, a process that highlighted just how little these people have. Doctors, engineers, and students queued up for hours to get a second-hand pair of shoes. Despite some people always leaving empty-handed, we faced no trouble and were even able to joke with people in the queue, who through human interaction seemed able to momentarily ignore the harrowing situation they were faced with.

Most of us agreed that, despite having briefly exchanged a few words during distribution, we were not able to communicate fully with the refugees during this time. It was the art and English classes run by Care4Calais that really allowed us to get to know those living in the camp. Art served as a great universal communication tool (we all giggled at our somewhat questionable drawing skills), yet it was the desire to communicate verbally that seemed to drive so many people.  Refugees were immensely enthusiastic to learn both French and English, many of whom already had a good grasp but were desperate to improve and continue learning. We met a vast range of talented individuals, who mastered the English language so readily and easily (especially compared with our attempts at Arabic and Pashtu) that it really was a joy to spend time with them. As well as showing just how important language is as a tool for communication, these classes were a time to share stories and cultures and say what we all loved about our country and heritage, sharing this with other interested individuals.
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​Though the existence of the Calais “Jungle” is a far from ideal situation, people are really trying to make the best of it. The demolition of the Jungle is not only a demolition of tents, the only shelter these people have, but also a demolition of their culture, friendships, and homes that they’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

In the warehouse (left to right) Jasmine Wilkinson, Jessie Turner, ​Katie Condon, Maddey Watson, Lucy Sheard, Beth Anderson

​If you would like to find out more about Durham for Refugees, why not join the team that made it all possible at the upcoming launch event for this fantastic, new society? Let's show them some support at St. John's College on Wednesday 26th October!

Written by
​Beth Anderson and Lucy Sheard