Two local charities, Empathy Action and Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees, combined to present Desperate Journeys, an experience which explores the world refugee crisis and marked World Refugee Week 2025.
Year 8 Geography students took part in an immersive experience which enabled participants to glimpse the desperation which is facing so many in the 21st century to flee from their homes to risk an unknown future.
The event was delivered within a maze-like set and included a briefing, discussion session and reflective feedback. Improvisation and immersive theatre techniques, striking visual installations and a powerful soundtrack were used to engage the participants.
This was a unique and intense encounter, giving students the opportunity to walk in someone else’s shoes for a short time and to help grow their empathy and feel able to take some small action. We hope that students will remember and build on this understanding of the decisions people are forced to take.
The event was hosted at Sevenoaks Town Council as part of an effort to make Sevenoaks a true sanctuary for people in need of help. Sevenoaks is currently home to several families who have escaped from conflict and danger in their own countries.
Lower School students raised £467 through cake sales for the two local charities. The Sevenoaks Empathy Walk is on Sunday 6 July from 10:00 between Hollybush Park and the Vine Garden in Sevenoaks – if you can, please join the walk, have fun and raise money.
