Find out how the Sanctuary Scholarship has helped change Kehinde's life.
Kehinde was 13 when she came to the UK from Nigeria to seek asylum with her parents, brother and two sisters. Despite the difficulties of being a refugee, she thrived academically, achieving A-levels in biology, chemistry, French and maths, and dreamed of studying biomedical science at university.
But she had no idea how she would fulfil her goal because as an asylum seeker she needed to pay international tuition fees, but was not allowed to work. For 10 years she lived in a state of limbo, unable to work and therefore unable to study. "I just kept myself busy doing a lot of voluntary work. I got involved with my church, tutoring students in English, maths and science. It was very helpful because it kept me in a kind of education system," Kehinde said.
When she was 28, Kehinde found out about a fully-funded access course in London which was open to refugees and asylum seekers. It was there that she found out about Royal Holloway’s Sanctuary Scholarship. The scholarship promotes access to Higher Education for students who have fled persecution and sought asylum in the UK.
Kehinde applied to study Biomedical Sciences and was delighted when she found out she would be able to take up her place after being awarded the Sanctuary Scholarship. “When I got the email saying I had got the scholarship, I cried,” she said. “When new opportunities are opened for you after so many years of waiting and not being believed, I didn’t know any words to say so I just cried.”
After 13 years of fighting to be recognised as an asylum seeker, Kehinde graduated with a first-class honours degree and was able to apply for a job. She first worked as a laboratory technician before having a baby and then joining a charity which supports people affected by modern slavery and human trafficking.
She said: "The opportunity to work allowed me the ability to earn and contribute to my family. I'm proud of the work that we do and the research that helps us understand the various aspects of human trafficking and how best to support communities to find a voice.”
Kehinde is currently looking at applying for a Masters degree in blood sciences and ultimately specialising in respiratory and cardiovascular healthcare.
Royal Holloway is committed to supporting students who have fled persecution and are seeking asylum to benefit from Higher Education. If you're able to support us, for example by helping to fund a Sanctuary Scholarship, please contact development@royalholloway.ac.uk
