'He had to drink his urine': Southfleet man helping young refugees in Kent cried after hearing 'devastating' stories

Robbie Humphries, 44, of Hook Green Road, was the brains behind Walk Tall’s “Our Voices” project.

Since starting the project, the Northfleet-based charity is working with about 15 refugees from Eritrea, Iraq, Iran and Syria to help improve their English, while bedding them into society.

The creative director of Walk Tall told News Shopper: “We’re going to local schools and speaking to secondary school pupils about the refugees’ experiences.

Robbie Humphries

“They can’t speak English but what they have been through is shocking.

“Some have been imported from country to country and held captive. One refugee told his story to us saying how he had to drink his urine to get across a desert.

“Their stories have made my staff and myself cry – they have been through hell and it’s devastating.”

Mr Humphries expressed his shock at how schoolchildren are expected to join the army in Eritrea, Africa.

He added: “In some schools in Eritrea, an army truck arrives and if you’re big enough you join the army immediately. Everyone over there is expected to become a soldier.

“These refugees have risked their lives to flee their countries where they have never had the chance to make their own choices before.”

In 2015 Walk Tall began helping asylum seekers learn English providing language lessons and emotional support.

Mr Humphries is working with the refugees to write and share their voices through theatre and film.

One of the refugees taking part in Walk Tall's performance arts projects

He hopes the project will be a success in Kent, giving secondary school children an open mind when it comes to asylum seekers.

“The project came about because there is a need across Kent to help these refugees,” Mr Humphries said.

“We understand that we won’t be able to change the minds of older people because of the media. But, hopefully we can reach the younger generation.”