A Syrian refugee who came to Ireland with no English eight years ago has graduated from the University of Limerick (UL) with a degree in Bioscience.
Saleem Yateem, who is originally from Damascus, was conferred with his degree earlier today, marking another step in a remarkable education journey.
He said: "The conflict started to get worse in Syria in 2013 and we decided to move. I came here in 2015 as a 21-year-old refugee with no English. I only spoke Arabic. I started to learn English and just tried to be an active member of the community. I wanted to learn the culture and develop myself."
Mr Yateem completed his Junior and Leaving Certificate in 2016 and 2017 before undertaking the Mature Student Access programme at UL in 2018.
The Certificate allowed him to apply for a primary degree in UL.
"It's a great feeling to graduate. It shows that nothing is impossible. I want to send my thanks to Ireland and the Irish people who welcomed me with open arms.
"To graduate from university has always been my dream since I was a child. My life felt like it stopped somewhere in Syria before I came to Ireland, but now I have a new future.
"Your country is where you are allowed to develop and learn, and I am grateful that Ireland has given me this opportunity."
UL's Bioscience Course Director, Dr Elizabeth Ryan, attended today's ceremony and congratulated Mr Yateem.
"Getting to know Saleem and hearing his story makes us appreciate the opportunities that come to us relatively easily in Ireland that might not exist elsewhere," she said.
"People who come through the UL Mature Student Access programme really have a vision of where they want to be and having those alternative paths to education is really important.
"One of the nicest parts of my job is seeing our students graduate, I am delighted to have been just one part of Saleem’s education journey and I hope he will go on to bigger and better things."
When asked if he had any advice for others who find themselves in a similar situation, Mr Yateem said: "Never give up, and just keep on trying because life has its ups and downs. Learn from your mistakes and from others. Education is key for your future."
