A REFUGEE who fled Syria as a child is celebrating after graduating with a first-class honours degree.
Ahmad Hamdan, who left his hometown of Aleppo at age 10, moved to Turkiye with his family before resettling in Leeds in 2017.
He arrived in the UK unable to speak English but this summer graduated with a first-class degree in pharmaceutical and cosmetic science from the University of Bradford.
Mr Hamdan said: “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come.
“I never thought this would become a reality, especially having to adapt into a new culture and language.
“It feels a great honour to get a first-class degree.”
His 23-year-old sister, Jamilah, graduated alongside him with the same result.
The family now plans to return to Syria in August for the first time since they left, to celebrate their academic achievements with relatives.
Mr Hamdan said: “The University has shaped my future a bit more.
“My parents and my family have always had my back and pushed me forward.
“Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible at all.”
Ahmad Hamdan studied BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science at the University of Bradford (Image: Kiran Mehta@KM Images/University of Bradford )
He recalled the dangers they faced during the Syrian conflict, which forced them to flee.
Mr Hamdan said: “The war was going on.
“Life was a massive risk.
“It was one of those where you can die at any moment, but you don’t know where and how you were going to die.”
After leaving Syria in 2015, Mr Hamdan worked 12-hour shifts in a jeans factory in Turkiye.
He said: “The machinery was probably twice my size.
“I used to bring little stools to climb up.
“It was so tricky, but I’m so proud, it made me the person I am today.”
When the family arrived in England, both Mr Hamdan and his sister struggled with English and were placed in the same school year to support each other.
He said: “We’re like non-biological twins.
“Sometimes I just call her my other half.”
The Hamdan family have since become British citizens.
Mr Hamdan’s younger brother, Abdo, has completed his first year on the same degree programme, while seven-year-old Bilal was born in the UK.
He is currently on placement at Orean Personal Care, a private-label cosmetic formulator and manufacturer, where he hopes to secure a permanent role as a technician.
Long-term, he aims to become a chemist.
In addition to his academic journey, Mr Hamdan became involved with the Leeds United Foundation’s community football programme for refugees, eventually earning his UEFA C Diploma in coaching.