Refugee Week Festival 2025

On Sunday, June 22nd, Cranford Community College in Hounslow will come alive with the vibrant traditions of Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia, offering an unforgettable experience of music, dance, art and culinary delights.

Honoured Hosts:

This year's festival is privileged to be hosted by two distinguished figures:

- Nazira Karimi, the acclaimed US-based Afghan journalist

- Ghaus Zalmai, renowned journalist and former spokesperson for Afghanistan's Attorney General's Office, known for his courageous work on Koran translations

Event Details:

**Date & Time: **June 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Venue: Cranford Community College, High Street, Hounslow TW5 9PD

Fully wheelchair accessible

Cultural Experiences:

Captivating Performances:

- Traditional Afghan Attan dances and Persian folk performances- Live music featuring the rubab, tabla, santur and daf- Appearances by celebrated artists including Freshta Sama and Roya Doost

Central Asian Culinary Journey:

Sample authentic dishes from across the region:

- Afghan favorites: kabuli pulao, mantu dumplings, bolani

- Iranian specialties: chelow kabab, fesenjan stew

- Diverse Central Asian offerings from multiple food vendors

- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available

Artisan Marketplace:

- Handcrafted Afghan jewelry and Persian miniatures- Traditional carpets and embroidery- Calligraphy demonstrations

Cultural Exhibitions:

- Powerful photo displays documenting refugee journeys- Showcases of Central Asian heritage and history

Family-Friendly Activities:

- Face painting and traditional games- Henna art demonstrations- Storytelling sessions

About the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA):

The ACAA is a UK-registered charity with a profound mission to support refugees and promote cultural understanding. Founded in 2001 by Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, an Afghan refugee who arrived in the UK after a harrowing escape from the Taliban in 1999, the organisation has grown into a vital lifeline for displaced communities.

Key ACAA Initiatives Include:

- Education Programs: Providing ESOL classes, IT training, and mentoring to help refugees integrate into British society.

- Women's Empowerment: Offering specialized support services, language courses, and vocational training for refugee women.- Legal Advocacy: Assisting with immigration cases and family reunification.- Cultural Preservation: Hosting events like this festival to celebrate and maintain Central Asian heritage in the diaspora.

- Community Support: Running food banks, mental health services, and youth programmes.Dr. Nasimi's inspirational journey from refugee to MBE recipient embodies the resilience ACAA fosters in all its beneficiaries. The organisation continues to be at the forefront of refugee support, having helped thousands rebuild their lives in the UK.

Practical Information:

Parking: £3/day (priority for blue badge holders)⁣

Tickets:- Adults: £10 (online) / £15 (gate)- Children (5-16): £5 | Under 5s: FREE | Over 60s free (IDs will be checked at the gate)

No alcohol or pets (service animals exempt)

**Why Attend?**Your participation directly supports ACAA's vital work with refugee communities while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia. All proceeds go toward maintaining ACAA's education and integration programmes.

Join us for this celebration of resilience, culture and community!

"When we share our cultures, we build bridges of understanding that last generations."

- Dr. Nooralhaq Nasimi MBE

#RefugeeWeek2025 #CentralAsianCulture #ACAACommunity_Presented by Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA)_