Nadin and Iona share their experiences joining Education Beyond Borders, which brings together programmes and initiatives across the University to support students and academics who have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, violence or persecution. Iona Campbell and Nadin Akta Nadin's story: Bridging cultures and expanding access Originally from Syria, Nadin has called Edinburgh home for 16 years, holding dual Syrian and British nationalities. She holds a Master's in Intercultural Business Communication and TESOL and has extensive experience in fostering cultural understanding and integration, particularly between Scottish and Syrian communities. As the newly appointed Education Beyond Borders Manager, Nadin oversees the development and implementation of the programme, managing the At-Risk Scholar and Displaced Student Scholarship programmes. Her role involves writing operational plans and collaborating with university colleagues and partners to support students academically, professionally, and interpersonally. Nadin's five-year tenure at the university, coupled with personal experiences, has reinforced her belief in education as a fundamental right: Since day one, when I started working at the university in a different role, I discovered that there are many great support systems, initiatives, and resources available, and there is also a significant need within the wider community to access these opportunities. I believe that the Education Beyond Borders (EBB) programme brings all of these initiatives into one place and encourages further projects, research, and students’ engagement. Nadin Akta Programme Manager at Education Beyond Borders Nadin originally joined the University as Outreach and Projects Coordinator at the Alwaleed Centre. Drawing on her passion and personal experiences, and with great support from the centre and her colleagues, Nadin established the Syrian Futures project aimed at facilitating access to higher education, employment, and self-development for Syrian asylum seekers and refugees. She adds, “Additionally, I contribute to the Refugee Operational and Advisory Group, where I am proud of our collective achievements in securing funding and establishing comprehensive support systems at the University.” My experience in the Education Beyond Borders programme has been incredibly rewarding and eye-opening. I am committed to expanding our reach, enhancing support services, and fostering a strong, inclusive community within the university of Edinburgh and beyond. I hope to create lasting, impactful opportunities for at-risk scholars and displaced students, positioning our university as a leader in global education and humanitarian efforts. Nadin Akta Programme Manager at Education Beyond Borders Iona's Story: Supporting displaced students and fostering inclusivity Iona comes from a small town in the middle of Scotland and has spent much of her adult life in Glasgow. She recently joined Edinburgh Global as the Education Beyond Borders Coordinator, a role that allows her to support people from displaced backgrounds and increase access to higher education. As the point of contact for students on the programme, Iona manages the day-to-day operational aspects, including planning events and support for incoming students. Her aspirations for the role focus on providing holistic support that considers students' wellbeing, ensuring they have access to university resources and are connected to supportive communities in Edinburgh. She aims to learn from this year’s work and evolve the programme for future cohorts. I hope to be someone that our students can trust to come to when they need support and that we can work with students as co-designers of this programme. Iona Campbell Programme Coordinator at Education Beyond Borders Iona’s academic background includes an undergraduate degree in English literature at University of Glasgow. Whilst there, she was on a couple committees which raised funds for third sector organisations. It was through working with these organisations that Iona developed an interest in advocating for human rights. She explains, “Following some time teaching English in Costa Rica, I then went on to study for my Master’s in Human Rights and International Politics also at Glasgow. For my Master’s dissertation I engaged with community organisations who supported displaced people in Glasgow. I hoped to understand what the role of these community groups was in fostering a sense of belonging, discovering that they play a huge part in integration, wellbeing and community for migrants in Scotland.” Iona has worked extensively with community organisations supporting displaced people in Glasgow, understanding their role in fostering belonging and integration. Additionally, her experience at Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland as a Project Manager/Trusts & Foundations Manager provided her with insights into supporting vulnerable people and advocating for human rights. Iona is looking forward to welcoming the September cohort and is planning a welcome event, coffee and cake sessions, talks, and engaging the students in a variety of activities across the University. She says, “I have really enjoyed joining Edinburgh Global which is full of really friendly people who are always there to help.” A collaborative effort for inclusive education The Education Beyond Borders programme is the culmination of years of hard work by dedicated colleagues to provide practical support for displaced students and academics. This initiative aligns with the university’s status as a University of Sanctuary and its commitment to addressing the education gap experienced by displaced individuals. Nadin and Iona describe the programme as a model of inclusive education that addresses global challenges and promotes equity. They aim to expand its reach, support more at-risk scholars and displaced students, secure additional funding, and develop partnerships to enhance student opportunities and continue to foster intercultural understanding and collaboration. Discover more Education Beyond Borders website Sign up for the Education Beyond Borders newsletter Syrian Futures A University of Santuary This article was published on 2024-07-25