- Young people who arrived in Northern Ireland seeking sanctuary have created a powerful new exhibition to mark Refugee Week
- The 12 to 21-year-olds designed t-shirts sharing personal stories of resilience, identity and hope
- One young person said: “Because of war I had to leave my home…I felt sad and tired…but I remember that I have a dream and my future is still ahead of me”
Young people who arrived in Northern Ireland seeking sanctuary have shared their personal stories of resilience, identity and hope in a powerful new exhibition to mark Refugee Week.
The group of 12 to 21-year-olds, all supported by Barnardo’s Ubuntu service, presented the Wear our Courage exhibition at Stormont.
Each of the 31 T-shirt designs reflects the unique journey of a young person, accompanied by written and audio narratives explaining what courage means to them. For some, courage has meant starting again in Northern Ireland after fleeing war, persecution or separation from loved ones.
One young participant shared:
“I have lived through war and difficult days. And I have seen how life can change in a single moment. My journey was not easy, but I learned that courage is not the absence of fear. It is strength to continue despite it. The border was not the end of my story. It was the beginning of realising my strength.”
Another young person said:
“Because of the war I had to leave my home. At first, my situation was very hard. I felt sad and tired and everything was new and confusing. But I remember that I have a dream and my future is still ahead of me. I did not give up. This is my courage: to start again and carry hope in my heart.”
The exhibition was developed by the Barnardo’s Ubuntu NI Youth Voice Network, a group of young people who come together to connect, share experiences and influence change. It invites visitors to reflect on the stories shared and consider how they can support those seeking sanctuary, helping to build a more inclusive and welcoming society.
The wider Ubuntu project, funded by a £4.6 million grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, over four years, supports families seeking sanctuary to build connections and settle into their communities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Hertfordshire.
The term Ubuntu, often translated as “I am because we are,” reflects the project’s focus on connection, compassion and collective resilience.
Michele Janes, Director of Barnardo’s Northern Ireland, said: “Barnardo’s is proud to have been supporting children and families seeking sanctuary for many years. Many of them have fled war, persecution or violence. They arrive in Northern Ireland seeking safety, with a hope to rebuild their lives.
“Unfortunately, in the last week in Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK, some of these people have been retraumatised and targeted in shameful attacks. Hate has spilled onto our streets - but, despite this violence, we’ve also seen the courage of our communities pulling together and stepping forward to stand against racism and protect hope.
“Behind every artwork in this exhibition is a story of courage. Behind every story is someone who deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. I’d encourage everyone in Northern Ireland to consider the courage that the young people have shown and help celebrate - and welcome - that courage.
“Only through a child-centred and compassionate approach can we make sure that those who have already endured so much are given the chance to build safe and happy lives.”
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw, who sponsored the event at Stormont, said: “Wear Our Courage is a powerful exhibition that gives young people seeking sanctuary the opportunity to share their stories, experiences and identities in their own voices.
“Each T-shirt is a reflection of resilience, hope and determination, and together they show that courage can take many different forms.
“This exhibition reminds us that courage is often found in the everyday acts of rebuilding a life, learning a new language, making new connections and continuing to move forward despite uncertainty. The young people involved have shared their stories with remarkable honesty and creativity, and their resilience, talent and determination are something we should all recognise and celebrate.”
The exhibition will now travel to venues across Northern Ireland including the Hill of O’Neill in Dungannon and The Guildhall in Derry/Londonderry.
Any organisation interested in hosting the exhibition should contact [email protected]