Sirazul and the Rohingya Community: A Bradford Sanctuary Story
Sirazul and the Rohingya Community: A Bradford Sanctuary Story
This resource, developed as part of Bradford Made is an activity pack that shares the story of our Associate Artist Sirazul Islam, born in a refugee camp in Bangladesh after his Rohingya family fled conflict and persecution in Myanmar. His journey to Bradford through the UN Refugee Programme shows how a city can offer safety, hope, and belonging, while exploring what it means to be stateless, find a new home, and keep culture and language alive.
Learners engage with Sirazul’s story through short audio clips, explore Rohingya history, identity, and culture, and reflect on home, belonging, and what makes a community welcoming. They also take part in creative activities, including collaborative art and Tarana-style songs inspired by Rohingya traditions, encouraging empathy, cultural understanding, and imaginative expression.
Recommended for: Ages 7-11 (Key Stage 2 Learners)
Includes: Discussion prompts / Partner and smallgroup activities / Creative writing / Collaborative art / Music and songwriting / Cultural exploration / Multimedia listening / Guided reflection with prompts / Optional extension activities
Links to: PSHE / English / Citizenship / Geography / Art / Music.
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This resource was co-created by the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Cultural Learning team and Sirazul Islam, Stand & Be Counted Theatre Company and Lily McTaggart.
The artwork was created by Sirazul Islam and Stand & Be Counted Theatre Company
Lesson and Activity plan by Zoe Katsilerou, Rosie MacPherson and Sirazul Islam
Images by Smart Jervas Banda
Writing by Joanna Jowett
Graphic design by Lee Goater
Podcast hosted by Sirazul Islam and Zoe Katsilerou
Podcast edited by Eilon Morris
This resource was commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust.
Pack content at a glance
Story – Discover Sirazul’s story through short audio clips, explore Rohingya history, identity, and culture, and reflect on home, belonging, and what makes a community welcoming.
Investigate – Prompts and questions to spark discussion, reflection, writing, worksheets, or other follow-up activities after hearing the story.
Get Inspired – An artwork that helps learners connect with the historical context and themes.
Learn and Create – Creative activity ideas inspired by the story and artwork, encouraging imaginative responses.
Dig Deeper – Suggestions for extension activities, further exploration, and links to additional resources.
the podcast series
Listen here to the podcast series where Sirazul and his family talk about their stories, the Rohingya community in Bradford and much more.
