A new direction for asylum seekers
Birkbeck last night celebrated the end of the first year of the Compass Project, an initiative which gave asylum seekers access to fully funded study. 20 more students will begin courses through the scheme this autumn.
18 students who came to the UK to seek asylum from troubled countries celebrated the culmination of the first year of Birkbeck’s Compass Project, which gave them access to a year of fully-funded study and support, at an event last night at the BMA. They were joined by the academics, professional staff and external organisations who supported the project.
Several of the students will now take their next steps in higher education with several set to continue their undergraduate studies at Birkbeck, and one being accepted on to a degree course with a scholarship at another London university.
Each member of the group was able to participate in the undergraduate or postgraduate-certificate course of their choice and the project is believed to be unique in offering asylum seekers university-level education on such a scale. The project uniquely focuses on supporting mature asylum seekers, who often arrive without the documentation needed to progress into higher education and the aim is to help them gain a valuable universally -recognised qualification to enable further study or join the workforce.
Asylum seekers face almost insurmountable challenges in accessing higher education and would normally find it impossible to attend university without extra help. Their immigration status means they are unable to do paid work making the financial cost unbearable. In addition, they are treated as international students which means tuition fees are at a much higher rate and they are not eligible for support from the Student Loans Company.
Among the students to have benefited is Aghil Maniavi, who came to the UK from Iran four years ago, fearing for his life and has been studying Politics for a certificate in Higher Education. He has now been accepted to study for a full degree at King’s College London where he has been awarded the Sanctuary Scholarship.
He said: "When I found out about the Compass Project, I realised that this was my chance. Studying at Birkbeck has made me feel like my life is on track for the first time in a long time and like I am doing something useful. I hope this fantastic project continues, so more people can have an opportunity to learn and integrate into society."
Five of the Compass students have been given refugee status, allowing them leave to remain and giving the chance to work and pursue university study on the same basis as home students, while four other students are doing their courses part-time over the space of two years.
Caroline McDonald, Director of Access and Engagement at Birkbeck, said: “It was fantastic to bring all the students from the Compass Project’s first year together to celebrate their achievements, and we’re so excited to see what they do next.
“The establishment of the Compass Project has brought us so much insight and appreciation of the resilience and determination the amazing students have shown. Despite the constant barriers and challenges they have faced, we at Birkbeck are proud to have supported these students throughout their journey and provided them with an academic home.
“We have seen them thrive, recognise their own self-worth, given them purpose and allowed them to live a fulfilled life, with every one of them overcoming such adversity. They are the epitome of what a Birkbeck student can achieve.”
Dr Leslie Topp, who spearheaded the Compass Project, said: “Opening up university study to students in the asylum process has meant everything to them, enabling them to lead full lives in the UK. The inclusion of these students in the university community has also been immensely enriching for their fellow students and for Birkbeck as a whole. As a university, we have had our awareness sharpened by these students' experiences and have challenged the continuing creation of barriers to study for asylum seekers at the highest level."
The funding for the Compass Project has been generously provided by The AlixPartners' Foundation; international law firm Allen & Overy; bank Santander; The Blanes Trust; and donations from Birkbeck alumni.
The students were supported well before they landed places with help in navigating the academic system and preparing their applications. A range of specialist organisations such as Article 26 and STAR (Student Action for Refugees) have helped to prepare the ground for the project and raise awareness of the opportunities. Many students have also been helped by the charity Refugees At Home which matches students with people offering to host them within their homes, during their time at Birkbeck.
As the programme enters its second year, a further 20 students will begin courses from October.