As of March 15th, we decided to collect donations in the form of clothing for refugees as part of our CAS project. Essentially, the main purpose of the project was to directly help in  through the form of donations of clothing collected by families at SIS. This was not the only purpose however, and the second, perhaps even more so important, aspect of the project was to raise awareness on the importance of assimilation and tolerance towards refugees into places like Sweden. We have met these aims by collecting a huge amount of clothing and by informative presentations to classes in the MYP.

We,  rapidly received clothes within the space of a day, with donations growing expeditiously, resulting in the need to empty and store the clothes in a storage room in the school before handing them over to  be the Islamic Relief foundation situated in the central mosque of Södermalm. The clothes will be distributed directly by the humanitarian and mosque workers to refugees all over Stockholm.

With the refugee crisis being one of the most important and significant crises of today affecting everyone the project aims to lessen the stigma associated with refugees and the negative connotations that often became likened towards those in such dire need of help, support and acceptance. Our aim was to defeat many unfair stereotypes and prejudices so that the students at SIS would be able to recognise the importance and effect of their actions and how they can positively help those who are  less fortunate than themselves. This was achieved by outlining the situation as it is now, discussing the purpose and placement of the boxes and illustrating the degree to which change can be made.

The donation drive lasted for  a month and in this short time, the amount of clothes received was far more than what was expected. An extremely positive surprise. Transporting the clothes took several car journeys to and from school. We  can confidently say the collection was very successful. What is most important to remember is that while efforts can be made to advocate tolerance and acceptance, change  begins with even the smallest act by others.  Even a single item  of clothing is appreciated by those receiving them.