As spring term draws to a close I wanted to wish you all well for the spring break. I know that for some it will be a joyful return home and reunion with family and old friends.
I also know that some of our students are not so fortunate. That home for them, maybe for you reading this, is in the middle of one of the many conflict zones around the world. They may not be able to see family and friends, or, if they can, are joining them in a place of danger. Our hearts go out to all those for whom this is their current reality.
As part of King’s wish to do more for those caught up in conflict, we are expanding our Sanctuary programme. This offers support to students and academics displaced by conflict. We have committed to provide up to an additional £500,000 per year for at least the next three years to support students through fee waivers and stipends at Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate level, as well as to offer support for Post Graduate Researchers and Academics through the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA).
I am also aware that not all conflict is on a national scale. Some of you may be returning to homes where you do not feel safe, because of physical or emotional abuse.
Please know that there is support available to you throughout the year. Whenever you are hit hard by events, personal or international, do not feel you have to struggle alone.
I hope this spring holiday brings you some time to relax, and also some time to revise! My wider hope is that this spring may see seeds of justice and peace, finding space to grow wherever in our world there is conflict and oppression. May we do all we can at King’s to combat the hatred that leads to conflict and to see the humanity in those with whom we deeply disagree.