Aston University celebrates becoming a University of Sanctuary
Aston University officially celebrated becoming a University of Sanctuary with an event held on 16 May for all those who contributed to achieving this status.
The University was awarded University of Sanctuary status in December 2022, joining a network of higher education institutions across the UK working to develop support for those displaced by humanitarian crises.
The celebration was hosted by Aston University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Aleks Subic. Guests included Councillor John Cotton, Birmingham City Council Cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, who made a special award presentation.
The event programme also included a performance by poet Loraine Masiya Mponela, who herself was an asylum seeker and conversations with recipients of Ernest Edward Scholarships, a sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK. The scheme was set up by Aston University in 2022 due to a generous donation by prominent businessperson Matthew Crummack.
Universities of Sanctuary is an initiative to recognise and celebrate the good practice of institutions welcoming people seeking sanctuary through facilitated access to higher education, supporting local refugee communities and taking an active role in learning about the issues and obstacles faced by this group in pursuing university-level education.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said: “I am delighted to have had this opportunity to host a celebration event to thank everyone who has helped us achieve the University of Sanctuary status.
“Aston University is committed to supporting people seeking sanctuary through its efforts to deepen our understanding of the issues surrounding asylum seekers and refugees, providing a welcoming environment for sanctuary students, and working with individuals and communities beyond the campus to promote the values and principles of sanctuary.
“Being a University of Sanctuary is key to our Civic Agreement: our commitment to make Birmingham a better place for everyone who lives, works, and studies here. Birmingham.”
Youssef Alhaj Mousa, Ernest Edward Scholar, said: “Growing up in Lebanon then being an asylum seeker in the UK, my life was faded, and this scholarship have brought the colours back. Now I can finally visualize my future and decide how to live my life. This scholarship has changed my life since the day I heard that my application was successful. I am so grateful for the university and all the scholarship team who put their effort and trust in me.
“Now I am studying postgraduate in mechanical engineering and I am doing great work at Aston University because it offered me the area I really love. I would love to become a master engineer specialising in renewables since I believe that the future is green energy, sustainable and renewable energy.
“Being offered the Ernest Edward Scholarship has removed my financial burden. I hope to achieve my future goals to give back to the community and make everyone proud of me.”
Councillor John Cotton, Birmingham City Council Cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Birmingham is proud to be a City of Sanctuary, with its long history of offering refuge to those fleeing war, persecution and tyranny around the globe. In these troubled times, standing up for the principles of sanctuary and refuge is more important than ever.
“I’m delighted that Aston University has joined the family of Universities of Sanctuary and is one of the many important institutions in our city that actively extends the hand of friendship to those seeking refuge and the chance to rebuild their lives here in Birmingham.”