The Same Migrant Community programme now operates in three new cities

In April, three new cities were added to the Native Scientists Same Migrant Community (SMC) programme. Thanks to the support of Camões Institute, on the 13th of April pupils from “Escolinha Portuguesa” in Portadown - Northern Ireland - celebrated Portuguese Week with a microbiology workshop by the scientist Joana Sá Pessoa. After a few days, on the 18th, children from Camões Portuguese classes in Bremerhaven, Germany, met Beatriz Mano and Maria Manuel Nunes who talked about oceanography and sketchnote techniques.

Finally, on the 23rd, as part of our partnership with the Bseisu Foundation, 25 Arabic speaking children at Jesmond Park Academy in Newcastle Upon Tyne had the chance to learn about astronomy, geology, biology and entomology - a powerful mix to ignite the imaginations of future scientists. The workshop received the support of the Newcastle branch of Schools of Sanctuary, a network of schools across the UK committed to creating a culture of welcome, understanding and belonging for those forced to flee. Houda Haidar, Arabic coordinator in Newcastle and a PhD student in astrophysics at Newcastle University says about the workshop “We loved visiting students at Jesmond Park Academy and  connecting with them through science and language. The spark in their eyes and giggles when they heard me say “Marhaba” (Hello) was probably my favourite moment. It goes to show how rare it is for them to speak Arabic outside their homes and how much they appreciated speaking it at School. We thank Jesmond Park Academy for providing us with a platform to connect with children and helping us bridge the gap between science and language.”

To learn more about the SMC programme and find out in which cities we operate, please email hania.tayara@nativescientists.org or register to volunteer here.

About Native Scientists

Founded in 2013, Native Scientists is a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists. It exists to broaden children's horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes.

About the Camões Institute

Camões Institute is a public institute aiming for excellence in all aspects regarding the co-ordination of Portuguese foreign policy in the areas of international co-operation and the promotion of the Portuguese language and culture as instruments for its global influence and the pursuit of its interests.

About the Bseisu Foundation

The Bseisu Foundation focuses primarily on supporting young people, women and refugees who want to study STEM degrees at postgraduate level. They provide scholarships at internationally renowned universities across the UK, US, Middle East and Malaysia. Their mission is to break down financial barriers to higher education and support bright students across the world to pursue higher education.