Model letter to an MP by a key stage 3 pupil

World Book Day

For World Book Day pupils at Oakwood High School in Manchester were asked to write a letter to based on their study of the novel Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah. They were asked to highlight the appeal for asylum of an Ethiopian boy forced to leave his country because of war with Eritrea. This is just one of the excellent letters they created.

Dear Mr Knight

You will be aware I am sure of the recent controversy surrounding the case of Alem Kelo.

I am writing to ask you if you will consider allowing Alem Kelo to stay in this country. I am sure you will appreciate how harrowing the events have been for Alem and his family. Alem and Mr Kelo are in fear of their lives; they are desperate to stay in England because they like it here; their son is getting a good education and if they go back to Ethiopia they will die. Alem didn’t enjoy life in Ethiopia because the soldiers used bad language towards him, they called him names such as “a mongrel”. You cannot live a free life under constant threats like this. Alem has tried hard to try to adapt to the British way of life - he has even joined a new school and he’s learned to read and write.

As one of Alem’s friends and supporters I intend to campaign on his behalf. I intend to gain further support for this cause by involving my school friends. Alem has made his home here, and England should be proud to offer homes to people of all races and backgrounds.

I am just part of a large campaign on Alem's behalf. I believe that this campaign will succeed because people will feel sorry for refugees like Alem and want to help. We beg that you consider that he and his family can stay in this country and be free.

Yours sincerely,
Hussein M