Since I began my journey abroad, I felt that I needed to learn more about the refugees who have been forced to flee their homes. Of course, I knew what was happening when I lived in the United States, but during orientation my NYU London community brought the refugee crisis to the forefront of my mind. Our director broached the subject matter by sharing "A Tale of Two Tents." One tent was the tent used for The Great British Bake Off, a popular British television show. The other tents were the tents that the refugees were being evacuated from in Calais, while the majority of the United Kingdom was watching a baking competition. Of course, the title was referencing Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities; however, it was also a title that forced me to think about the refugee crisis.
This community is in need of shelter and food. They also need access to healthcare, hygiene items, clean water, and sanitation facilities. The displaced children are in need of a safe and nurturing environment. They need access to schools, and their parents need employment options in order to be able to care for their children. According to the British Red Cross, there are an estimated 117,234 refugees living in the United Kingdom. That may seem like a lot, but it's only 0.18 percent of the total population.
