Student Red Cross worker to go to Buckingham Palace
War-torn city of Aleppo, Syria
Tue, 15 Apr 2014 10:47:00 BST
Syrian student recognised for his humanitarian work in war-torn city of Aleppo
SYRIAN student Sleman Shwaish’s journey has taken him from the violence of Aleppo, Syria, where he used his first aid skills to help victims of the conflict between government and rebels, to the genteel lawns of Buckingham Palace and a garden party hosted by Her Majesty The Queen.
Shortly to start a University of Huddersfield MSc course in nutrition and food science, Sleman (pictured) gained his first degree – in agriculture and food sciences – at the University of Aleppo, based in the Syrian city that became a crucible for violence when revolution erupted. His response was to join the Red Crescent and he aided ambulance crews as they cared for the wounded of both sides. He witnessed many disturbing scenes.
But as a graduate who had recently completed his studies, he was required to join the Syrian army – and this he would not do, refusing to kill on behalf of the regime. So he quit Syria, crossing the border to Turkey, but setting his sights on the UK and further study.
When he arrived in England, initially living in the North East before moving to West Yorkshire, he was granted asylum and joined the Leeds branch of the Red Cross, sister organisation to the one he had served for several years in Syria. His language skills – he speaks Kurdish, Arabic and Aramaic as well as English – mean that he is in demand as an interpreter and is called on several times a week to help with refugee cases.
Buckingham Palace
The Red Cross marks its 150th anniversary this year and one of the celebratory events is a Buckingham Palace garden party. Sleman’s service with both the Red Cross and the Red Crescent meant he was invited to attend the event, which takes place on June 12. He is currently studying the dress code and the etiquette for Royal events!
Continuing his studies have remained his main priority however and after successfully completing a foundation year, to burnish his English skills, he was offered a place to study for a Master’s at the University of Huddersfield. He lives in Birkby and has got to know the university well – “it is a fantastic place” – and has already begun to play a role in its Syrian Students’ Society.
Sleman’s ambition is to follow up the MSc with study for a doctorate in the field of food science. Meanwhile, staying in touch with his family in Syria – where the government has restricted internet access – can be a challenge. But his father, an agricultural pharmacist, and his mother, an English teacher, are right behind his decision to relocate to the UK and continue his studies.
“The situation in Syria is so difficult, but one day I hope to return. It is my country,” he says.
