REFUGEES who have sought solace in Kingston over the past two decades have paid tribute to Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) on its 25th anniversary.

The group held a night of talks, music, dancing and food at All Saints Church in Market Place to coincide with the first day of Refugee Week on Monday, June 20.

Refugees who fled to Kingston praised the group in a series of testimonials while telling their own stories.

One man named Arad, a lecturer in Iran, said he secured support from his university for a sabbatical leave in the UK, but a month after arriving, his university support stopped as the regime he opposed won the election in Iran.

He subsequently received help from RAK to pursue a Masters in pharmacy and apply for indefinite leave to remain in the country.

Another Iranian refugee, who asked not to be named, said how she was a teacher before she came to the UK, and struggled to find a job.

She said: “I had applied for many teaching jobs and many teaching courses in London universities, but no-one called me even for an interview.

“My applications were rejected even before the interview. It was a hard time.

“Fortunately, I was introduced to Refugee Action Kingston by a friend of mine and it changed everything.”

Maurice Wren, chief executive of the Refugee Council said: “Refugee Action Kingston has been a beacon of hope for 25 years, standing by refugees in need, helping them to live safe and fulfilling lives in the UK, and bearing witness to the immense contribution they make to our culture, our commerce and our communities.”