AN inspirational talk by Dr Charles Dotou, a refugee from Senegal, gripped Weydon School students.

Dr Dotou, who was granted asylum in the UK after he fled persecution at home, was representing the charity Breaking Barriers and has also given talks to Amnesty International and the UN. 

“Charles emphasised the need for communication, stressing that students should cast aside stereotypes and think with an open mind about refugees,” geography teacher Ben Bingham said. “When you see or meet a refugee, they don’t need food, water or money. Sometimes they just need kindness - a smile and a simple question such as how are you or where are you from.

“He urged students never to take for granted the fantastic opportunity they have to learn and make a difference and talked about the persecution he faced from radical groups in Senegal for supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community during his work to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic and his activism against female genital mutilation.

“He was attacked on several occasions, culminating in an attempt on his life. A group abducted him, held him in a cave, broke his arm and were going to beat him to death.  By chance he had helped to identify and safely deliver the twin children of the gang leader who, on recognising him, freed him.

“Charles recalled how the asylum process in the UK was a lengthy and stressful process. At times he was so low that he considered taking his life but was stopped from doing that by the kindness of strangers in the UK.

“He talked about his gratitude to the country for taking him in and his understanding that many people are angry about refugees.

“But he implored the students to keep their minds and hearts open to others not as fortunate as themselves.  He also commended the work Breaking Barriers are doing to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes of refugees and asylum seekers.

“At the end of the three talks he gave, some students were visibly moved and said it was the most inspirational talk they had been given at Weydon and it was fascinating listening to him.”