If you thought the old Jungle was bad, today is indescribable
Today we went to Rue De Garennes, a couple of hundred yards from where the old Jungle used to be. But a different world. If you thought the old Jungle was bad, today is indescribable.
These are the Calais refugees, the ones we came to France originally to help and those who are now at the very edge of society, the forgotten, the hopeless, the young, all with their hopes and dreams fading. From the sparse woodland they emerged and came to greet us along the roadside. A smile and a hand shake.
We took fresh oranges, a real treat, socks and boxers for the 200 refugees stranded there.
But we also took our music and footballs, hair clippers and tea. The dancing earned hoots and waves from the lorry drivers and citizens alike. For a few minutes the refugees were included, part of society.
Were 30 young volunteers (and a couple of oldies, one of 78 years young) and for a couple of hours we danced and sang in the fierce wind that destroyed all the tents last night.
For a while we were one, no divisions, no borders, just young people having fun.
Our eyes may be the same but why do some of us see so differently?
– written by a volunteer
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