ASYLUM SEEKERS HOUSED IN PENALLY TRAINING CAMP HAVE FORMED AN ORGANISATION WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING THEIR WELLBEING AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, AS WELL WORKING FOR WIDER COMMUNITY BENEFIT AND TAKING ISSUES TO POLITICIANS
The group, Camp Residents Of Penally (CROP), was inaugurated at its first meeting on Monday 26th October, with its constitution written, and six sub-groups are being set up, including one for the arts.
They have managed to get copies of their constitution printed off and say that Welsh language learning is a key goal.
Members of the group have begun teaching each other English and already 53 people living at the camp have enrolled for classes, but they need more space and teachers to meet demand. They have welcomed donations and help from the local community and say mobile phones have been particularly useful for those inside.
Last month, the UK home office suddenly announced that they were moving around 230 asylum seekers to the disused army base in Penally, Tenby. A number of locals raised objections but this was quickly pounced on by far right activists from across the UK and even America and Europe, who led a campaign dominated by racism against the asylum seekers. This was not only met with determined anti-racist opposition, but also by locals pledging to support those in the camp in any way they could. In recent weeks, donations, offers of day trips and friendship have come from the community.
Now those inside the camp are getting organised. Their main aim as outlined in their constitution is to “enable the Camp Residents Of Penally (CROP) to meet their own needs and to benefit the wider area.”
They also outline some key objectives including connecting with “people and projects in the area,” identifying their “wellbeing and educational needs” and communicating with relevant organisations.
Both Welsh Government and the Home Office are named as organisations they plan to put pressure on, while the constitution says the group will “work democratically, transparently and fairly, to include and empower the CROP.”
Membership is for camp residents and a provisionally committee is in place that will be elected.
Speaking to voice.wales, the chair of the group, Kinan, highlighted the difficult context within which CROP had been formed. “The camp is in poor condition and all residents are suffering,” he said, adding that hostile “protesters outside the camp” had made things even more difficult.
But he said that “there are many supporters and good people who want to help the camp residents in many different ways.”
“They needed someone from inside to communicate with them, and the camp residents wanted their voices and demands to be heard outside the camp.”
He started out with a group on WhatsApp and it snowballed from there.
“When the camp residents felt that someone was interested in their demands, they began to volunteer to help, and from here CROP started.”
All residents are automatically members and everyone is welcome to participate.
“To light a candle is better than to curse the darkness,” Kinan said.
