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Dan Sumner, Senior lecturer in English Language and a recent cohort of students

Student Mohammed Musa, who is studying a psychology foundation year

Student Georgina Kamar, who is studying master’s degree in artificial intelligence and adaptive systems

Student Shafiullah Sherzad, who is studying a life sciences foundation year.

Brighton and Hove City Council have committed to fund English for Refugees, a vital scheme from the University of Sussex, to provide English language classes to forced migrants and help them to go on to further study. The funding for 2024-25 will help cover the cost of tuition and transport, course books and food vouchers for 15 students, ranging in age from 20 to early 50s, to study on the 22-week Intensive English programme, which is now in its third year.

 Dan Sumner, Senior Lecturer in English Language Teaching who heads up the program, said: “I’m thrilled that we have managed to secure the funding to run the English for Refugees scheme for another year and that our partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council is continuing. The fact that so many of the students from the scheme have progressed onto higher education shows that initiatives like this really work and they change people’s lives. I hope the scheme will continue for many years to come.” 

 Alongside the English language provision, students on the scheme also receive advice with their UCAS applications from the Widening Participation team. As fully registered students, they can take advantage of all the facilities on campus, such as the library, which further helps them with the transition into higher education. 

Noorullah Ahmadzai, a current student on the English for Refugees Scheme, from Afghanistan, said: “This course is transformative, providing me the chance to bridge the gap between my current situation and making my dreams come true…my long-term goal is to start university in the UK and then use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact and give back to this beautiful country.”  

 Six of the 15 students from last year’s cohort started degree programmes at the University of Sussex in September 2024, while others have gone onto work or further study elsewhere including at MET College, Brighton University and other institutions. 

 Emma Mcdermott, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Head of Communities, Equality and Third Sector said: “As a City of Sanctuary, Brighton & Hove is committed to creating a culture of welcome, inclusion and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary.  I am delighted that our partnership with the University of Sussex through this unique project has had such a positive impact on students from forced migrant backgrounds, seeking to rebuild their lives here.” 

 The scheme is a great example of the university’s commitment to being a University of Sanctuary, as well as being an important contribution to the sustainable development goals.

 Kate O’Riordan, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education and Students at the University of Sussex, said: “We are really proud to be able to run this scheme at Sussex. The work of staff and students in the English for Refugees Scheme is an important part of our civic and global mission and reflects a commitment to social justice in the University and region as a whole. I’m delighted we are able to continue this.” 

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