'It would be hard to leave': Syrian refugee, 11, opens up on 'kindness' she received in Shropshire

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.

"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."

Before coming to England, Arwa lived with her mum, dad and siblings in a tent at a refugee camp, which may sound like a tough ordeal. But she was still grateful for what she had.

"We had friends around us living next to us. It was very fun going to them.

"We didn't have a lot but we were still happy because some people were staying on the streets and we had a warm place and food to eat."

However, the hardest part for Arwa is missing family members who are still living in Syria.

"I was really young so I didn't really know what was happening but I was happy that we were going to a house.

"It's very sad to think about my grandparents. I haven't seen them in six years. I really want to see them.

"I want to go and see my house and the things that I left in Syria."

Karen Matthews, headteacher at Wilfred Owen Primary School in Shrewsbury, said: "Our story started with Arwa many years ago when she joined us in reception.

"Arwa is the first pupil who has arrived at our school without speaking any English. We needed to make her feel welcome. We didn't speak her language and she didn't speak ours.

"It was wonderful watching her confidence grow and seeing her family, and their confidence grow.

"It's been really exciting helping Arwa on her journey and really rewarding. We're going to be sad to let her go because this is her final year."

She added: "We're the first school in Shrewsbury to receive this (School of Sanctuary) award. It's in recognition of the work we do to make our children feel safe and welcome in our school.

"It's about making sure they know they've always got somebody to talk to and having a really strong pastoral team at school. We involve ourselves in the community, so the community know we're not just here for our children but for our community as well. We really push to offer opportunities for the community to be involved in the school.

"But from the children's point of view, it's them knowing that they have trusted adults here and we're willing to listen and help with anything they need to share."

Teacher Rebecca Lewis added: "We had a huge art project which we focused on supporting refugees. The children created lots of beautiful artwork and delved into why it's important to open our school up to everybody who is struggling or coping with coming from different countries.

"I think it's such a special award for our school and I feel privileged to be part of this process. We are a family."

Kariman Yakhoul, of Shropshire Supports Refugees, was the assessor for the award.

She said: "It's an amazing school. The job they do is really above and beyond their role.

"It's a welcoming atmosphere and really safe place for anyone coming in.

"They welcome parents, they welcome refugees. Well done Wilfred Owen, they really deserve this award."