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Global campaign ‘i am a migrant’ launches

Farasat Ahmed, a student from Pakistan; Melody Hossaini, an entrepreneur from Iran; Mihir Bose a journalist from India; and Maria Golasowska, an architect from Poland have all joined the campaign. Photo: The PIE News.

"We’re not the same, we’re different, and that’s a great thing to celebrate"

The campaign aims to change public perception of migrants (including immigrants and emigrants) around the world and show the contribution they make to societies both economically and culturally.

But, in the wake of hugely increased numbers of migrants in Europe, Saira Grant, CEO of the JCWI, added urgency to the campaign’s message.

“This is when we need this debate more than ever, when we are faced with almost a million migrants on Europe’s shores and the greatest displacement of people since the Second World War,” she told The PIE News.

“For international students, when we see criticism of migrants or immigration, then we’re also affected”

To participate, migrants can log on to the campaign’s website to upload pictures and share their story. They will get a digital poster which they can print out and distribute.

JCWI will promote the campaign globally for first three to sixth months but are hopeful other countries will sign on. The office of the Interior Minister in the Mexican Government, IOM Mexico and UN Women have already adopted the campaign.

‘Soy Migrante’ posters will be on display throughout Mexico from January 2016. The campaign is also receiving the support from Facebook in Germany through donations of online advertising space.

The campaign is an extension of JCWI’s ‘I am an immigrant’ campaign launched this year to combat anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK.

Grant said UK educators were integral to the campaign’s success and hopes global educators will follow their lead. JCWI plans to create a teaching pack to accompany the campaign.

Farasat Ahmed, a student from Pakistan in his second year at the University of Greenwich, has shared his story though the campaign.

“For international students, when we see criticism of migrants or immigration, then we’re also affected. We’re dismissed from jobs, we’re attacked because of racism or our nationality,” he said.

“To stand up with this campaign will make people aware that we can’t judge anyone on the first impression. That’s also helpful for international students to complete their education successfully.”

Melody Hossaini, a former BBC The Apprentice contestant, and founder and CEO of education organisation InspirEngage International who is originally from Iran, has joined the campaign as well.

“One of the great things about the world is that there are international students and there is a movement of talent and minds and culture,” she said, adding, “The fact that they’re studying and have a right to do so can be looked upon as a negative thing.”

“It is an international issue and yes it is a challenge unfortunately, and I think that for educational institutions to carry on celebrating it, we shouldn’t shy away from talking about it. We’re not the same, we’re different, and that’s a great thing to celebrate.”

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