Hello one and all…

I first learnt about Second Tree after Freya applied to volunteer with them almost three months ago. Initially I was just happy she was finally being proactive about getting a job (it only took her SEVEN months)… but after reading their website I could tell immediately this organisation was more than just your average refugee NGO, which is why I have decided to do a short fundraising walk for their World Refugee Day Campaign this year. 

What sets Second Tree apart is their commitment to challenging the power imbalances in charity and humanitarian work. They operate on a clear manifesto and their “CARE” model – Capable, Approachable, Reasonable, and Equal – guides how they interact with people who have experienced displacement.

This approach actively counters common, often subconscious, stereotyping and biases in the sector: The organisation shouts from the rooftops about the fact that Refugees Are People – same as you and me, with their own unique personalities and complexities (i.e they can sometimes be dickheads too – as we all can be!). The key goal for Second Tree is working towards a collective future in which refugees are recognised as part of our communities, with equal opportunities to learn, contribute, and shape their own lives. 

This model has been so successful that Second Tree now facilitates training for organisations, individuals, and governments that work at every level of the refugee response sector, with the long-term goal of changing the way humanitarian organisations work. 

Beyond this, Second Tree runs vital community-building activities like sports days, peer mentoring, and skills training. They offer a Refugee Youth Programme (similar to Scouts) for children aged 8-16 to develop crucial cognitive and social-emotional skills. Many of these children live right next door to incredible forests, parks and rivers, but rarely get the chance to get out and explore: The Scouts Programme offers an opportunity to get outside the confines of their refugee camp and play – as any child should be able to do. On top of this, they offer Language Programmes and certifications for various language levels, as well as Self-Advocacy classes that teach individuals how to navigate and stand up for themselves in the often demoralising asylum process.

For all these reasons, as well as (for obvious reasons) feeling frustrated with the current state of global politics at the moment, I will be walking along one of Sicily’s pilgrim routes (in the HEAT!) for two days to raise money for Second Tree. Consider donating any –and I mean any– amount! The campaign will end on June 24th, so please help spread the word and share this link to your friends, loved ones, and neighbours (even the ones you hate!)

Thank you for any amount you can give.

Much love,

Sophie xxx