Dundee & Angus College Becomes Scotland’s First College of Sanctuary

In a special event hosted on Monday 21^st October at Dundee & Angus College’s Gardyne Campus, the College celebrated its transformative impact, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers.

With more than 60 guests, including College staff, community partners, local government representatives and notable figures such as Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, and Dundee’s Lord Provost, the event was a vibrant celebration of cultures.  Attendees were captivated by emotional speeches from student speakers sharing their powerful journeys of rebuilding their lives with the College’s support.  

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, praised the college for its leadership in inclusion. Ms Robison said; “I am delighted to be here to celebrate the College of Sanctuary Award at Dundee & Angus College.  It has taken a lot of work by a lot of people to get to this stage and I am so pleased to hear about your success.  The work that you do here is essential for asylum seekers and refugees to rebuild their lives through tailored education and support. It has not only given people the opportunities to gain skills to access the world of work but has also provided a vital network of social support. I fully support the work that you are doing with the College of Sanctuary, and I welcome increasing engagement from Scottish colleges as it is so important, and you are leading the way.”

Guests enjoyed an array of vibrant cultural experiences, with international dishes from the Community Kitchen reflecting the diverse backgrounds of students. A standout moment was the collaborative design of the College’s unique D&A Tartan, supported by Tartan Caledonia, a symbol of unity and inclusion bringing the vibrant colours and patterns that represent the rich cultural heritage of the communities present.

Nadia Kryvonosenko, a Dundee & Angus College student said: “Meeting people from other cultures has opened my mind and helped me understand how language connects us.”

Dundee & Angus College was awarded as a College of Sanctuary in July 2024, recognising its solidarity with and welcome for people seeking sanctuary. The title was awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.

College of Sanctuary UK, said: “We are delighted that Dundee and Angus College has been recognised as a College of Sanctuary, joining the growing network of Further Education institutions committed to supporting people seeking sanctuary across the UK. It was a pleasure to visit Dundee and Angus in person when we heard firsthand from students seeking sanctuary that the College works hard to instil a tremendous sense of belonging and purpose.”

Katie Baxter, Learner and Community Engagement Manager, said: “I am immensely proud to have been part of this journey and mapping the incredible work of our staff at D&A. This achievement is not just a milestone for our college but a beacon of hope and inspiration for other institutions across Scotland and beyond.”

The College’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) team has been instrumental in providing tailored language support and helping students settle into their new lives.  Through the offering of an inclusive curriculum and increasing one to one support, the team have ensured that students facing trauma and barriers due to relocation feel valued and welcomed.  

Nicola Weston Gokalp, Head of Curriculum and Quality at Dundee & Angus College, said: “Being recognised as a College of Sanctuary reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. Our staff have gone above and beyond to create an environment where every student feels valued and supported.  This award has highlighted the transformative impact that the College has, not just in welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, but in helping all our students to thrive.  We are proud to play a part in helping our students to build brighter futures, regardless of their background.”

As Scotland’s first College of Sanctuary, Dundee & Angus College is setting the standard for inclusivity in education and is paving the way for other institutions to follow.  Through continued innovation and partnerships, the College remains the place where all students, regardless of background, can find opportunity and hope.