Refugee passes GCSE after fleeing war-torn Sudan
John Nice/Suffolk New CollegeA refugee who fled a war-torn country and found safety in the UK before becoming a football referee says he has proved "you can achieve your goals" after passing his GCSEs.
Nasser Hamid grew-up in a "tiny" village in Sudan, where millions have been displaced since the country's civil war began in 2023.
The 20-year-old, who was 16 at the time and could not speak English, fled his home and moved to Ipswich, where he was helped by Suffolk Refugee Support.
After passing GCSE English earlier this year, he has now achieved grade 4 in maths and said it was "one of the proudest moments in my life".
Suffolk Refugee SupportWhen Hamid arrived in the UK, he stayed in accommodation provided by YMCA Suffolk along with other people who only spoke Arabic.
He requested to be moved to a different shared housing block, with people who could help him learn English, and he also worked at Portman Road as a cashier.
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Hamid, whose mother and younger brothers remain in Sudan, said it was important to "just believe in yourself".
"With discipline and hard work, you can achieve your goals," he added.
"Thanks to Suffolk New College, without their help I wouldn't be standing here."
Suffolk Refugee SupportAn injury ended his dreams of becoming a footballer and he has qualified as a referee with the help of the Ipswich Town Foundation.
He has overseen a charity game at Portman Road and officiated Saturday and Sunday league matches.
"I went to the Edinburgh International Cup and I'd like to continue to progress – to the Championship, the Premier League, and the World Cup, who knows," he said.
Hamid now wants to become an engineer.
David Squire, head of maths at Suffolk New College and Hamid's teacher, said: "I've never been prouder of a learner in my life."
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