Sjælsmark is a deportation centre about an hour away from Copenhagen. While originally intended to only accomodate people for two to three weeks, in reality people stay here for months or even years.

Sjælsmark is an old military basis, which is now pretty much neglected, it is very dirty and there is barbwire everywhere.

Because the people there have had their asylum claims rejected, there are only very few activities. Next to the Red Cross it is mostly volunteers, like us, who do projects.

Sjælsmark is a camp mainly intended for families which is why there are especially little activities for young adults (17-24 years old) and this is where our English workshops come in. There is a school organized by the Red Cross but the English taught there is of a very basic level.

It is a really incredible opportunity to be able to do these workshops and to meet all these young people up at Sjælsmark.