Cultural Celebration Week – The Kindness of Strangers Part II

For a special evening event last night in celebration of our Cultural Week, we invited Imad Alarnab back to Pipers to tell us his powerful story of resilience and hope, sharing his remarkable journey from refugee to celebrated London restaurateur.

More than eight years have passed since we first welcomed Iman Alarnab to Pipers. Back in 2017, Imad had recently arrived in the UK. The Syrian chef set off from war-torn Damascus in 2015, he arrived in the UK nine months later following a journey undertaken on foot and as a stowaway in a car. During his first visit, he gave a talk called ‘The Kindness of Strangers’, where he spoke of the treacherous journey from his home in Damascus, crossing a dozen European countries in the hope of finding refuge in the UK.

On his second visit to us (Kindness of Strangers: Part II) on Wednesday 11 June 2025, Imad spoke of the ups and downs in starting a new life here in the UK. We were treated to a rare insight into the obstacles he overcame, and how he is so grateful for the Kindness of Strangers’ he encountered along the way. One of the “Angels” he referred to was local councillor Toni Brodelle, who joined us on the evening. Toni took Imad under her wing upon his arrival in the UK, helped him and his family integrate into the local community, negotiate the school system for Imad’s three children, including things like GCSEs and A Levels, through to purchasing uniform. His story of hardship was balanced with joyful stories of success, having dared to dream about opening a restaurant in the UK, that became a reality in 2020. He was even visited by His Royal Highness King Charles a couple of years later.

Before the Q&A was brought to a close, Imad thanked the audience for coming to hear his story, before talking of his love for the people of the UK, a place he now calls home. He even gave an emotional announcement, where he exclaimed that he would be returning to Syria for the first time in a decade.

The story of Imad’s journey was only part of the evening’s celebrations. We were thrilled to welcome to the stage students from the Pre-Prep and Prep departments who did body percussion. The Senior Choir sang ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, followed by the Senior Dance Company performing Afro House and Caribbean Folk Dance to ‘Bang the Drum’ by Sister Pearl. The event ended with Prep and Senior coming together to perform the song ‘Sing’, written by Gary Barlow to celebrate the diversity of cultures around the Commonwealth for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

As if that wasn’t enough, families were immersed in our International Marketplace in the sunshine. The marketplace showcased the work of our students, with the International Chair celebration - a collaborative exercise where students came together to complete these projects celebrating diversity at Pipers. Year 7 Geographers showcased African Landscape models, Food students in Prep and the Senior School recreated some of Imad’s recipes from his latest cookbook. There was a Textiles display featuring work from students in Years 7 and 8, with Senior School students proudly displaying their work in History, Religious Studies and Languages. We were also proud to welcome Wycombe Refugee Partnership as well as parent volunteers, who also took to the Marketplace to talk about their own cultures. We had representatives from Korea, Native America, Belgium, India and Ireland, with sweet and savoury treats from all corners of the world as well as performances and workshops.

This was a very special evening during what is a very busy term. We would like to thank everyone who supported this wonderful celebration. You can see photos and videos from the event below.

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