Yousef Ghadree
Yousef arrived in the UK from Iran in October 2005 because it was dangerous for him to stay. Speaking no English, knowing no one and understanding nothing of life here, in January 2007, he started at Sheffield College on part-time ESOL courses.
His nominator, Maggie Norman said, “Although I had concerns that his English was not yet at a level to manage the Fresh Start course, he obtained outstanding results, completing it in June 2008.”
He achieved GCSE equivalent in Maths and Science; the Level 2 National Open College Network Diploma for Progression; and National Literacy Level 1.
Throughout his year on the Fresh Start programme, Yousef attended extra English classes, meaning he was in college every day – as well as working five weekday nights in a food factory to support himself, whilst being homeless, sleeping on a friend’s sofa in an already-crowded household. This year, he continues to work two nights a week while studying.
Yousef progressed onto the Science Access course gaining further GCSE equivalent in English, and he has secured a place at Sheffield Hallam University to study Biomedical Science.
“It is really hard for everybody to cope with a different environment and try to achieve his/her goals”, said Yousef. “One thing that amazed everyone is that I settled my life on my own. My biggest dream [came] true when I heard that University [had offered] me a place.”