Refugee passes GCSE after fleeing war-torn Sudan

Nasser Hamid, a 20-year-old refugee from war-torn Sudan, has successfully passed his GCSEs, declaring that his achievement demonstrates "you can achieve your goals." Hamid, who now aspires to become an engineer, grew up in a "tiny" Sudanese village, a nation where millions have been displaced since the civil war erupted in 2023.

At the age of 16, unable to speak English, Hamid fled his home and relocated to Ipswich, where he received assistance from Suffolk Refugee Support. Following his success in GCSE English earlier this year, he has now secured a grade 4 in maths, describing it as "one of the proudest moments in my life."

Hamid expressed his eagerness to learn English from the moment he arrived in the UK. Initially, he resided in YMCA Suffolk accommodation with other Arabic speakers. He subsequently requested a transfer to a different shared housing block where he could interact with English speakers, and he also took on a cashier role at Portman Road.

Hamid, whose mother and younger brothers are still in Sudan, emphasized the importance of self-belief. He stated, "With discipline and hard work, you can achieve your goals," adding, "Thanks to Suffolk New College, without their help I wouldn't be standing here."

An injury curtailed Hamid's ambition to become a professional footballer. However, with the support of the Ipswich Town Foundation, he has qualified as a referee. He has since officiated a charity match at Portman Road and overseen Saturday and Sunday league games. "I went to the Edinburgh International Cup and I'd like to continue to progress – to the Championship, the Premier League, and the World Cup, who knows," he remarked.

David Squire, head of maths at Suffolk New College and Hamid's teacher, commented, "I've never been prouder of a learner in my life."