Nottingham connected
Education & Career
43
NEW BIRKBECK INITIATIVE PROVIDES LIFE-CHANGING EDUCATION
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS
Twenty asylum seekers from troubled places
around the world joined Birkbeck at the start of the
new academic year thanks to the Compass Project,
a ground-breaking initiative that provided fully-
funded places for them to study undergraduate or
postgraduate certificate courses of their choice.
higher education in the UK – their immigration status
means that as well as being unable to work, they are
considered international students and therefore have
to pay tuition fees at a much higher rate. Without the
support of the Compass Project, they are not eligible
for support from the Student Loans Company and have
no financial backing to pay tuition fees or maintenance.
Gloria Madyira, who came to the UK from Zimbabwe,
said: “The Compass Project is a chance to have a brighter
future and accomplish my dreams. If I am successful in
passing my course, I hope to pursue a career as a nurse.
I would like to thank the Compass Project for their help
on behalf of all asylum seekers, including myself.”
Pictured left: Gloria Madyira, who came from
Zimbabwe to study at Birkbeck.
A ground-breaking initiative at Birkbeck has allowed 20
asylum seekers from troubled places around the world to
begin potentially life-changing studies, in what is believed
to be the first opportunity of its scale in the United Kingdom.
The Compass Project, pioneered by Birkbeck’s Widening
Access team alongside a number of organisations and
sponsors, has provided fully-funded places to a group of
people seeking asylum, on undergraduate or postgraduate
certificate courses of their choice.
The group includes people from war-torn countries
and oppressive regimes including Syria, Iran, Russia and
the Democratic Republic of Congo. The students have
undertaken courses in politics, data science, economics,
healthcare, international development, law, international
security and global governance, and legal methods.
The aim of the Compass Project is to help participants
acquire a valuable nationally and internationally-
recognised qualification that provides a foundation for
further study, or for joining the workforce. The students
are fully supported by academic mentors who will
guide them through their studies and help them adapt
to the British higher education system.
Among those who began their studies this month,
Iranian activist Aghil Maniavi said the opportunity to
embark on the Introduction to Politics course changed
his life: “My residency status means I am not allowed to
work, which means I couldn’t afford the fees on my own.
I wouldn’t be able to enter higher education without
this award – it’s the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had.”
Asylum seekers face a number of hurdles accessing
Generous funding from partners and trusts like The
Foundation; the charitable arm of consulting firm
AlixPartners, international law firm Allen and Overy and
Santander covered outreach activities and academic
support for the students, while donations from the
college’s alumni and The Blanes Trust covered living
cost bursaries. 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 Student
Access for Refugees (STAR) helped to prepare the
ground for the project and raise awareness alongside
the college’s Widening Access and Outreach team.
Birkbeck’s Head of Widening Access, Caroline
McDonald, said: “This will make a real difference to a
vulnerable group of people who have had to contend
with huge upheavals and traumas in their lives.
Through education they can begin to rebuild their lives
– it will open up new opportunities and have a positive
impact on the students and their families, and will
bring benefits for society as a whole. “For many, their
studies have been disrupted or for various reasons they
have not had the chance to continue their education,
despite being bright and eager to learn.”
Professor David Latchman CBE, Master of Birkbeck,
said: “The College has a long tradition of working
with vulnerable people and refugees. This project is in
keeping with our founder George Birkbeck’s original
mission almost 200 years ago: to bring education
to every Londoner who wants to better themselves,
regardless of means or background.”
The launch of the project comes at a time when Birkbeck
has seen enrolment for full-time undergraduate
degrees rise by 3% year on year. Applications for the
College’s range of courses overall have risen by 8%.