Nadin Akhta

Initially, they planned to stay for a few years, with hopes of returning to Syria to establish their family. However, as the war in Syria began, their plans to move back home were delayed indefinitely. As they waited year after year for the war to end, and with the birth of their two children, they eventually decided to settle down in Edinburgh.

Nadin started officially working for the University of Edinburgh in 2018 as the Outreach and Projects Coordinator for the Alwaleed Centre. Her role here involved organising school visits, conferences, and workshops focused on Islam. While in this role, she realised that there was a need to put all the work she and others had done in one place, where people could easily access this support. Thus, she founded Syrian Futures, a project focused on education, employment and general development of Syrian Refugees. Through University open days, peer matching and translating services they helped Syrians feel less isolated and more integrated into their new communities.

Nadin is currently Manager of Education Beyond Borders (EBB), a programme that provides funding, support, and community-led initiatives to ensure continued access to education for displaced scholars. It launched its new scholarship in January 2024 and welcomed the first cohort of EBB scholarship students in September 2024. 21 students with refugee or related statuses living in the UK will undertake one-year taught postgraduate programmes across all three Colleges.

“When we got the scholarships, it was the best day ever for me. Refugees are often told they either need to have the work experience or the equivalent educational qualifications to have access to work, but to get that experience you need the qualifications...I believe these scholarships are life changing for their futures, lives and career.”

More information: Nadin Akta: Building Community in Edinburgh

Supports Sustainable Development Goals:  

4. Quality Education

10. Reduced inequalities

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions