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We Learn Together
Libby Burke Wilde
On hope, kindness and acceptance
January 31, 2025

What are we without hope? Libby Burke Wilde directs We Learn Together, a story of kindness, acceptance and compassion.

Today, Lancashire schools in Northern England are home to 1,102 refugee children and 172 languages. Bound together by sympathy and understanding, some of these schools have become a haven of hope, a window to a brighter future, at a time when those words have begun to lose their meaning.

Made in collaboration with Lancashire County Council, Libby's docufilm is an authentic lens into a shared spirit of acceptance and equality, shedding light on the teachers who go above and beyond to make every child feel seen, no matter their background and ability.

Why is this project important so close to your heart?

"In a world with so much hate and division I think it’s important to use my platform as a director to shout about hope when I can. We are living in one of the wealthiest, most educated countries in the world and yet there is so much racism and division. If I can change one person’s opinion, if I can make a film that encourages someone to learn more about our differences and encourage them to see that as a positive, at the very least I feel like I am doing something.

Anything to do with children being accepted for who they are, no matter where they come from, no matter their background is important to me.  Anything that can help my hometown and Lancashire spread kindness and acceptance is important to me."

Were there any stories from the children which have stayed with you?

All of the children we interviewed had amazing stories.  But the thing that sticks out to me most is the friendship between Anastasiia and Hind.  A Ukrainian girl and a Syrian girl - two girls made refugees through war in their respective countries and found each other in Lancashire. They have such a special bond and a deep understanding of each other’s stories.  Although they were brought together through the most traumatic circumstances, they say they feel as if they have known each other their whole lives. It was so moving to watch them navigate the world side by side and support each other in beautiful ways.

What did you learn from the experience? How did the teachers inspire you?

I thought I already knew this, but I relearned that teachers are incredible creatures who walk the earth. The teachers in this film had more patience and kindness than I have ever witnessed before and they all do it day in day out, quietly helping the next generation. It was remarkable to witness. 

Watch the full doc below.

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