'It would be hard to leave': Syrian refugee, 11, opens up on 'kindness' she received in Shropshire
A Syrian schoolgirl has opened up on life in a refugee camp, learning English and the kindness of people in Shropshire.
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Arwa Fawwaz, aged 11, moved to England from her war-torn homeland when she was just five, first living in Much Wenlock and then coming to Shrewsbury.
She spent her early years living in a tent and has had to miss out on seeing loved ones who still live back in Syria.
As well as that, she did not speak a word of English when she arrived.
But teachers at Wilfred Owen Primary School - which has just received a School of Sanctuary award for its work to make children feel safe and welcome - helped her settle in and learn.
"Everyone's really kind," said Arwa. "They don't judge me.
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"The teachers taught me, no-one rushed me, and when I started speaking English everyone was proud of me and made me feel like I was really in place.
"The teachers were very helpful to me and the pupils and my classmates were really helpful, funny and kind."