Engineering is my life long passion. I was always taking apart all the electronics in the house. When I was 7 years old, I was putting something up on the wall and I put the screw in the plug. I was thrown back and had electrocuted myself. Everyone in the house was so scared - but I was fascinated by what had happened. This job is still my passion, my interest and my life.
Sudan is my home country. That is where I got my degree and ran my own business. I got a lot of good contracts with schools, universities and hospitals. I liked working with public services because they're there to support my community. But when the war started, I couldn’t get work. There is no freedom of speech and the government tried to imprison me due to my political views and speaking out. I was scared for my life and my kids. My family and I left and moved to Egypt. Once there, I went to the United Nations office, registered and told them about my case. Two and a half years later, our application was approved.
That day, when my family and I found out we were granted the status to move to the UK, I was so relieved. I am so thankful to be welcomed in this country. It’s diverse and cultural and I feel safe and comfortable here. And what I really love is all the history of London! For many refugees, finding a new home in London isn’t easy. Thankfully, my family and I are being supported by my Council’s Refugee Project and they are helping me with my housing.
The only downside is that I need to get updated UK qualifications to work in engineering here. I have enrolled in a college where I am doing my Refrigeration & Air-con course and I am also running a small stall at the market, doing repairs on equipment in the meantime. My focus now is to secure work, not be on benefits and help my children get a good education.