Charity funded by Home Office promotes positive view of migration in schools
A charity bankrolled by the Home Office is using taxpayer cash to teach schoolchildren as young as eight to see migration in a “positive” light, reports BritPanorama.
Migrant Help, which operates the Government’s asylum helpline, has expanded into a £60 million-a-year operation almost entirely supported by public funds. This growth follows a 10-year, £235 million agreement signed in 2019 intended to advise asylum seekers and help them access housing—a deal that has since escalated to £385 million, representing a 41 per cent increase.
The charity’s recent initiatives include a nationwide schools programme aimed at “challenging the mindset” of pupils as young as eight about migration. The educational scheme, funded through Migrant Help’s taxpayer-backed budget, offers free assemblies and workshops designed to engage children in discussions around migration.
Deputy leader of Reform UK Richard Tice criticized the initiative, insisting that taxpayer money should not be used to promoting certain narratives to children in primary schools. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed these concerns, arguing that charities promoting open borders should not receive public funding while actively campaigning for increased immigration.
The charity provides workshops that encourage children to empathize with migrants, including an exercise where they imagine having five minutes to flee their home. According to a video briefing from Migrant Help’s strategy chief, this is a “core part” of their mission to foster critical thinking and compassion in young audiences.
Background filings indicate that Migrant Help received £47.8 million in government contracts and grants last year, which accounted for over 80 per cent of its £58.1 million revenue predominantly sourced from the Home Office. Its commercial arm, Clear Voice Interpreting Ltd, also made a £3.2 million profit last year, channeling those profits back into Migrant Help’s various initiatives, including its schools programme.
Despite these efforts, a report from the Home Affairs Select Committee recently highlighted deficiencies in Migrant Help’s ability to meet demand, stating that the Home Office had “failed to effectively manage the performance of the service.” Migrant Help continues to lobby against government policies and has recently criticized the UK-France “one in, one out” border deal while advocating for “safe and accessible routes” for migrants.
A spokesperson for Migrant Help defended the schools initiative, emphasizing that it aims to foster awareness and understanding among students, rather than serving a political agenda. They noted overwhelming positive feedback from both teachers and students following the workshops, reiterating that every pound received is utilized to support those in need.
As discussions surrounding migration continue to evolve, the role of charitable organizations backed by public funding will likely remain a contentious topic in UK politics.
In contemplating the dynamics of migration policy and its educational dimensions, it is imperative to approach such discussions with a nuanced understanding of the implications for society as a whole. Engaging young minds in these conversations presents both opportunities and challenges, highlighting the delicate balance between empathy and policy advocacy in public discourse.
