Take One Action Volunteer, Kevin Perreau, takes a look at this year’s programme and how it connects to his experience volunteering with refugees / asylum seekers in Scotland today.
“From earliest times, humans – explorers and thinkers – have wanted to figure out the shape of their world. Forever, the way we’ve done that is through storytelling. It is difficult to let the truth get in the way of a good story “ – Adam Savage
It is simple to feel content within our social bubbles. A lot of people tend to stay within their respective circles; viewing with the same perspective, unaware of how different other groups have experienced their lives.
With no real motivation in life besides going to university, getting a job, playing football, etc., I was encouraged to volunteer at a young age with refugees. The first moment I had entered a small flat that had to house at least four families and be used as a school for ten children of various ages, my bubble had popped. My life had drastically changed, viewing how people so close to me geographically could live such contrasting lives was shocking to say the least. However, it enabled me to discover and learn much more than any of my other life events.
Moving to Glasgow and exploring the different opportunities to engage with the refugee community has continuously challenged my outlook on the world. Getting to know so many people from different cultures and understanding the hardships they face constantly reminds me of how lucky my life has been. It is also why I easily make the choice to remain volunteering with an issue that I can feel very passionate about and make a difference. Many of these people have voices, they want to be heard, not only about all the persecution and struggles they have faced, but on how their life might have changed for the better.
That’s why it’s so important to tell these stories; to enable everyone to understand and relate to their experiences. Take One Action is the perfect platform to share all the amazing and inspiring accounts that are happening all around us, especially the community driven events that are focussed on welcoming everybody into Glasgow. Be sure to check out the whole programme for a full range of films discussing various topics you could get involved in. Here are a few short films that I have found inspiring related to my volunteer work:
Antouni (Homeless)
Screening at:
Social Sunday Takeover | Sun 16 Sept | 11:00 – 15:00 | Kinning Park Complex
Food for Thought | Sat 22 Sept | 15:30 – 18:00 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Police Box Cinema | 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd Sept | Leith Police Box
Directed by Alik Tamar (2017)
A tale between a father, his plan of crossing borders, and his daughter finding out during their journey. Antouni captures how difficult it is for any party leave a place which they might have thought was called home. Not only could the excruciating journey be felt, but the personal struggle between a parent and their child is captured effortlessly in the story. Not to mention, the cinematography makes this film a masterpiece, really emphasizing human emotions.
Can you See the Future
Screening at:
Social Sunday Takeover | Sun 16 Sept | 11:00 – 15:00 | Kinning Park Complex
Food for Thought | Sat 22 Sept | 15:30 – 18:00 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Police Box Cinema | 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd Sept | Leith Police Box
Directed by Ismet Kale, Serdal Altun & Ali Ozgur Guner (2017)
In this very short film, not even 2 minutes long, child refugees are showcasing their enormous talents and abilities through their imagination. A film that strikes very close to me, showcasing that no matter who or where you are, young people deserve to be young. Everyone has aspirations, and they need to be given the same opportunity as everyone else.
Hadia (The Gift)
Screening at:
Social Sunday Takeover | Sun 16 Sept | 11:00 – 15:00 | Kinning Park Complex
Food for Thought | Sat 22 Sept | 15:30 – 18:00 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Directed by Sinem Sakaoglu (2017)
In this cute animation, reminiscent of a Calvin and Hobbes comic, a boy struggles to use his superpowers in his new city to find his mom the perfect gift. Hadia is unique, not only in animation style, but in storytelling. It’s a great film to showcase the circle of positivity.
Rebuilding in Miniature
Social Sunday Takeover | Sun 16 Sept | 11:00 – 15:00 | Kinning Park Complex
Food for Thought | Sat 22 Sept | 15:30 – 18:00 | Out of the Blue Drill Hall
Tales of Refuge | Mon 17 Sept | 19:00 – 21:00 | Maryhill Integration Network
Police Box Cinema | 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd Sept | Leith Police Box
Directed by Veena Rao (2017)
Stuck in a life where he doesn’t know the outcome of his own life, an Iraqi refugee decides to build his own home, since nobody else is willing to offer him one. A theme that I feel resonates with a majority of the population, what is home? Instead of waiting for a sign given to him, one refugee creates an exquisite masterpiece. Inspiring to pursue one’s passion, but also to exploring how to answer personal questions. And at the end of the day, all he really wants to do is share his world with everyone else.
By Kevin Perreau, Take One Action Volunteer