Story:Amal Ahmed and Anab Ali
Suria Saleh enrolled at Sheffield Hallam University in September 2006 to do a PGCE/CertEd, and graduated last year ready to continue her role as a teacher at the Yemeni Community Association.
Suria came from Yemen in 1991 and attended Earl Marshall School. She came to this country with her Mum and her five brothers.
“My father came to Sheffield in the 1960s and he worked in a steel factory. My father used to visit us in Yemen every two years but in the 1980s the policy changed and my father decided to bring us to the UK. There were barriers for me, like culture, language and the climate, but now England is my second home.”
In 1995 she finished school and went to the college for one year to do health and social care, but she didn’t finish the course,
“I decided to get a job with the Council so I could earn some money. I was also helping people in the Yemeni community who can’t speak English. I was reading them their letters and helping them with their affairs.”
Then Suria got married and had two children. She helped set up a Yemeni Women’s group and trained to do translating and interpreting. Two years ago she was offered a teaching job at the Yemeni Community Centre. But in all that time she had no qualifications, so she enrolled part-time at Sheffield Hallam University to get her degree.
When we asked what advice she could give other mothers about being a student she said, “Give it your best. Get to know your neighbours and friends. When you need support they can help you.” She also said, “As a Muslim, home life is demanding. I’m a mother, wife and sister, and I have responsibilities. If you want to be a graduate it’s good to have the support of your family and your husband.”
Suria hopes to go back to Yemen in the future with her husband to start a business and use her skills as a teacher.