12-year-old Juliane retells her story of living in a Zimbabwean orphanage and being reunited with her mother before moving to the UK.

Juliane was just 3 when her mum left. She was brought up by members of her church, living with little water and even less food. She was taken away in a lorry, but bravely jumped off when she saw her mother chasing it.

They travelled to the UK and settled there. Juliane recalls her first day at school and the difficulties she faced in the early days.

"At the end of a dark tunnel, there is always a rainbow."

This could be a powerful resource across the curriculum, especially in PSHE and Citizenship, but also in English, Geography, History and Art. It provides a good starting point for discussions about why people flee their countries, raising questions about persecution, war and how children adapt to life in the UK.

Writing Opportunities

• Diary or journal writing in role at key moments – leaving the orphanage, reuniting with her mother, first day at school.
• Write a set of guidelines for helping a new pupil from another country settle into school.