After an exhausting first day filled with meaningful activities and inspiring talks, day two of the DP Retreat commenced with a sense of renewed vitality and optimism.
The second day was inaugurated with Crossroad’s Refugee Run, a powerful simulation designed to immerse participants in the harsh realities faced by refugees worldwide. Throughout the simulation, students encountered attacks with disguised “militia” and got to experience the life of a refugee – marked by hunger, illness, the constant uncertainty of safety and more. Fully reenacted with bombardments of shouts, simulated gunshots, and guarded ambushes, the Class of 2027 was left with lasting impression of the struggles endured by millions around the world and was offered a glimpse at resettlement from the perspective of a refugee.
According to Crossroads Foundation Hong Kong, this exceptionally poignant simulation was collaborated on with refugees, internally displaced people, and aid workers to create a realistic scenario that addressed key issues such as ethnic conflict, weak legal infrastructure, corruption, disempowerment, and frustration.
David Begbie, co-founder of Crossroads Foundation and a key speaker at the retreat, thereafter shared personal anecdotes from fellow refugees he had encountered through his work. He recounted stories of resilience, hope, and heartbreak from individuals forced to flee conflict and war, many of whom he met in refugee camps and informal settlements. To Begbie, these firsthand encounters profoundly shaped his understanding on the lives of refugees and the ongoing struggles they face. These stories left an indelible impression on him, reinforcing the urgent need for action and eventually leading to the development of Crossroads simulations to foster deep understanding and empathy far beyond what traditional presentations can achieve, urging and educating future generations on the subsequent issue.
Begbie’s speech prompted students to acknowledge the courage and dignity of those affected. His heartfelt reflections underscored the retreat’s goal of fostering global-mindedness and a personal commitment to making a tangible difference in the world.
Ultimately, the two-day retreat concluded on an inspiring note with a moving speech from Dr. Hull, one of the key organisers of this year’s DP Retreat. Reflecting on the two days, he emphasised the importance of the lessons learnt about empathy, global responsibility, and the impact of small actions, stating how he “hopes the key takeaway from the retreat is for the Class of 2027 to reflect on how even the smallest actions can contribute to making the world a better place.”