In early 2020 the University of Birmingham ran a photo competition for all volunteers and refugees involved in Community Sponsorship in the UK. A number of entries were received, with a winner announced for each group. This online exhibition is a showcase of all of the photos that were entered into the competition.
Volunteer group entries
Volunteer group members were invited to enter the competition by taking a photo on the theme of “What you enjoy about being a CSS volunteer”. The Winning entry was submitted by Karen with the following caption:
“Very proud moment to be at this young man’s graduation from Language School. Lots of dedication and hard work, many early mornings, long days and multiple bus rides with a great result. As the Principle said: “thank you for being a wonderful student, we have so enjoyed having you.”
The following photos were also entered into the ‘volunteer group’ category.
“We raised awareness about refugees’ lives.” 
“We organised events to bring people together.” 
“I enjoyed making a house welcoming for a family.” 
“I enjoyed sharing food.” 
“As an immigrant myself in the UK, Community Sponsorship made me feel at home.” 
“The teamwork between our group of volunteers has been a great encouragement. I have thrown myself into childcare and am so honoured that these lovely parents have trusted me with their children. The toddler snuggled into my arms immediately. The two older children were curious about the contents of my bag (which always has surprise toys and activities). It was a privilege to be invited to the family Eid Celebration. I have laughed as well as been moved to tears during visits like this one.” 
“There are over one hundred specialist words to learn for the UK driving theory test. Basel has learnt them all and practised 700 questions. I have learnt how far to place the warning triangle behind a broken-down car and the different colours of the lane markers on a motorway. By keeping to the left and braking gently, we have both been on a gradual learning curve. Perfect mentoring.” 
“Initially we wanted to be involved because we are grateful for the security that we have in the UK. When our family, arrived it became so much more personal and they are now ‘real people’ who we have got to know and who have become part of our lives. This picture shows a bike ride to Houghton Hill (Mariam and I) where we enjoyed a cup of coffee in a cafe on a warm Summers day. The reward is seeing her develop her English and increasingly feeling settled in the UK.” 
“At first, we wanted to be able to do something to help a family living in such difficult circumstances, with no home of their own. Now, we enjoy being able to do some fun and often simple activities with the family: things that we take for granted. Shopping, watching films, having a b-b-q, eating together have all been part of enjoying getting to know them Then seeing the enjoyment that they have experienced as a result: here, going to the beach and wading in the sea with a very active three- year old.” 
“So enjoyable and satisfying to be at the school Arts Week for the final parade where the whole school sang…. ‘Look out ’cause here I come And I’m marching on to the beat I drum (The Greatest Showman, This is me).” 
“School Arts week exhibition, June 2019. Bit of a tear- jerker but so good to see the little girl we are resettling finding her place in her class and taking part in the end of project show. ‘I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies, this is me’ (The Greatest Showman, This is me).” 
“Rana and I are friends, even though we don’t speak the same language! We have lots of fun playing together at school and out of school. At school, I always look out for Rana and I like helping her.” 
“After many, months of planning, preparation, hard work and co-ordination……it’s party time!”
Refugee family entrees
Refugee Family members were invited to enter the competition by taking a photo on the theme of “what makes me feel at home”. The Winning entry was submitted by Mohammad with the following caption:
“I feel home because we celebrated my daughter’s birthday with friends. It was an amazing and enjoyable day. We shared food and lots of cakes!”
The following photos were also entered into the ‘refugee family’ category.
“Making friends quickly and making a life with them and make community with them. We love all the people in our group.” 
“I love to invite my friends to visit us and we visit them and sharing the celebration together:Fireworks Night and New Year and you sharing with us in our celebration at Eid and sending the messages to us. Also, going to holiday to Grafham Water and Wimpole Hall (pictured here) and Heacham beach.” 
“Rana is happy in school and she has lots of friends. Ziad loves his pre-school. Here is homework for the ‘Castles Project.” 
“Finally my kids found a place to put their toys” 
“England we loved you don’t leave us alone!!??“ 
“We went to see a football game and had a beautiful day.” 
“I feel home because I can share a shawama with friends.” 
“My daughter is very happy playing with her friend Sam in our house.” 
“My daughter like playing in the park.”
The Age of Superdiversity 
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