News | 16 July 2024
A Cardiff Metropolitan University student has graduated this week, almost five years to the day she arrived in Wales as a Syrian refugee.
Inas Alali arrived in the UK with her two young children under the UN Refugee Resettlement Programme in July 2019, after escaping Syria for Lebanon. Her transition to Cardiff was supported by the UK Government, a process that involved rigorous interviews and relocation logistics. Despite the initial barriers, Inas quickly adapted, driven by her passion for education and her previous experience as a maths tutor in Syria.
“When I arrived in the UK, everything was ready for me,” Inas reflects. “I started working and integrating into society. Education was always my goal.”
Her educational journey at Cardiff Met began after years of preparation, including improving her English proficiency through courses and examinations like GCSE and IELTS. Inas chose Cardiff Met for its welcoming environment and strong reputation in professional education.
“Cardiff Met has been an amazing place for me,” Inas said. “From the very first day, I felt proud to be part of this university. The support I received from my tutor, Leanne Davies, and the entire community here has been invaluable.”
Having graduated along with her classmates from Cardiff School or Education and Social Policy on Monday (15 July), Inas is now working full time with ACT Training.
Leanne Davies, Senior Lecturer in PGCE PCET and Preparing to Teach at Cardiff Met, recalls her dedication and impact on the student community: “Inas has shown exceptional determination and kindness throughout her studies. She has been an asset to the School of Education & Social Policy, our university, and her success is truly well-deserved.
“She shared her story with me during a very difficult tutorial at the start of her journey on the PGCE PCET at Cardiff Metropolitan University and I listened to this strong and determined woman, battling against policies, politics, cultural differences and personal grief and against all these odds, she stood steadfast and committed to her studies, her children, and to her dream of teaching adults in the UK.
“I am in awe of her resilience and positivity and wish her every success in continuing her teaching journey at ACT training.”
Inas has been supported by RefuAid, a charity which helps those who have been forced to flee their homes in a number of ways, including access to higher education.
Emma Sinclair, CEO of EnterpriseAlumni, who is a leading supporter of RefuAid, travelled to Cardiff to see her friend cross the stage. She said: “Seeing Inas graduate today is a testament to the power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. I am honoured to have played a small part in Inas and her family’s incredible journey thus far, turning dreams into reality. Her determination and success inspire us all and remind us why supporting skilled refugees to retrain in their chosen field via RefuAid is so vital. Congratulations, Inas, on this remarkable achievement. We are immensely proud of you and excited to see the impact you will undoubtedly make in the world.”
Inas’s family, renowned for their commitment to education, continues to inspire her. Despite her parents remaining in Syria due to their attachment to their homeland, Inas’s children, Aza and Abd Alrazak, have thrived in their new environment in Cardiff, embracing their identity as part of the UK community.
Reflecting on her upcoming graduation, Inas said “It is an amazing, amazing feeling to graduate.
“Cardiff Met is an amazing place. I did say to Leanne on the first day I attended this course that I’m so proud to be a part of this university.
“I still have this feeling. I’m so proud of being a student at this university.”
