Hundreds of students stepped into the shoes of refugees thanks to a powerful, walk-through experience called Escape to Safety.

The interactive exhibition was brought to Kendal College in a successful piece of work by Westmorland and Furness Council to support students to gain an understanding of the experiences asylum seekers and refugees go through as they search for safety from war-torn countries.

Director of Student Experience and Transformation at Kendal College, Hilary Pezet, praised the event saying: “We host many events at the college throughout the year, but I can honestly say this is one that has truly made an impact.

“I have had so many tutors stop me to say what a powerful learning experience it has been and how meaningful it has been for their students.

“Encouraging this age group to pause, reflect, and think in a very immediate way about the plight of refugees and how we might support them, or at least understand their experiences with empathy is incredibly powerful.

“The conversations it sparked among our students have been significant and lasting.”

450 students followed the journeys of three individuals from Iran, Sudan and Eritea as a part of the learning experience, hearing their stories and experiencing the challenges they faced as they searched for safety.

A series of stations mirrored the difficult choices and dangers many asylum seekers and refugees face, encouraging the students to pause, reflect and consider the human stories behind global events often seen only in headlines.

One of the students Olivia said it taught her about what happens to people who land in the UK from small boats saying: “I’ve taken away that everyone’s experiences are quite different and you shouldn’t jump to conclusions about people.

“You just have to be welcoming to everyone.”

While Mabel described listening to these people’s stories as “very intimate”, whilst student Robert described the experience as “impactful.”

He went on: “It was interesting to see that perspective of personal stories, and how it is for them rather than what you hear in the news.”

Students and staff who took part described the experience as “thought-provoking” and “memorable”, with many reflecting on how the exhibition helped bring real-world experiences to life in a personal way.

Some of the student groups heard from Younis, who has been given leave to remain in the UK having fled Yemen, where he had been shot in the leg during the conflict in that country.

Younis said: “I volunteer with four charities. I play football with a local team.

“I study English. I have to improve my language so that I hope to continue the master’s degree in civil engineering.

“I have a good experience here. They have empathy, you know.”