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   Salford University supports sanctuary seekers
Two of the region’s most prestigious universities have agreed to support people seeking sanctuary in the UK by offering them bursaries to cover their tuition fees. The University of Manchester and the University of Salford have both signed up to a scheme promoted by Article 26, a project of the Helena Kennedy Foundation, which takes its name from the article in the Convention on Human Rights stating that access to higher education should be based on academic ability. The project seeks universities’ support because those seeking sanctuary are unable to access student finance whilst their applications are assessed by the Home Office. After being approached by Article 26 project organiser Rebecca Murray the University of Salford has agreed to offer full tuition fee bursaries to three students annually, whilst the University of Manchester has extended an existing support scheme to provide one bursary. Welcoming the universities’ support Ms. Murray said: “Those seeking sanctuary in the UK face many obstacles in accessing the higher education which could transform their lives. They are unable to work to support their study or even to apply for student loans. The fantastic support which both the University of Manchester and the University of Salford are offering is therefore absolutely crucial.” She added that Article 26 still need raise vital funds to help meet students’ costs for text books, travel and equipment essential to their studies. A £45,000 fundraising drive is being launched with a raffle, live music and stalls at Manchester’s Ruby Lounge on Saturday November 26th. Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Manchester confirmed its support, saying: "The University of Manchester values talented students from all educational backgrounds. In support of this, we have been delighted to work with the Article 26 of the Helena Kennedy Foundation, which opens up opportunities for people seeking sanctuary to access higher education by offering fully-funded tuition fee bursaries for students with unresolved asylum applications.” Those sentiments were echoed by the University of Salford’s Vice Chancellor Professor Martin Hall: “It’s long been known that potential students who are in the process of seeking sanctuary in Britain face particular and often unfair circumstances. The Helena Kennedy Foundation is meeting a key need through this programme and we welcome the opportunity of working with them”. The university is set to officially launch its support at a special event to mark Human Rights Day (Saturday December 10th). The Article 26 project was established to help some of the most vulnerable in our society build a future through education and ultimately support themselves. It already works with universities across the UK, including in the North West Chester, Cumbria and Liverpool Hope. Among those the project has helped is Maral Esfahani1 who fled Iran and with the charity’s support has now secured an honours degree from the University of Manchester. “Without Article 26 I don’t think I would have been able to go to university that year,” she says, adding that being able to study was a lifeline. “It means everything to me that I got the chance to be educated. It’s something I always wanted and has helped me gain so many skills which I can use to find jobs and build my future.” The Article 26 Fundraiser will open at 12 noon on Saturday November 26th. Raffle prizes include tickets for sold-out shows by The Courteeners and The Saturdays, signed copies of Charley Borrman’s ‘Road to Dakar’ and Jamie Oliver’s Great Britain, and meals at Aumbry Restaurant, Barburrito , Imli, La Haweli and OAST Restaurant. Due to problems with spam only SalfordOnline members can now leave comments. Becoming a member of SalfordOnline only takes a minute, just hit the red Join Us button at the top right hand side of the page to create your Personal account. Got a news story? Need help with publicity for an event in Salford? Send it to newsdesk@salfordonline.com or call the SalfordOnline newsdesk on 0161 789 5377. |
