Page 11 - CASA TIMES

lasting solutions, especially when it comes to the education of refugee Baba*, a refugee from The
youth”. Gambia, left his country and
arrived in Cyprus on his own
KASA High School introduced the Open Doors programme during the at the age of 17. He stated
school year 2018-2019. Nineteen young asylum seekers are currently that education has always
attending KASA High School. The students who participate in this been his priority and he feels
programme come from diverse ethnic and educational backgrounds blessed for the opportunity
such as European, African and Middle East countries. They all share given to him by KASA High
the strong desire and drive to be educated and rebuild their lives. The School. “It’s like a dream
programme is of three years’ duration and, according to the curriculum, come true. This will enable us
students are enrolled in the following compulsory and elective subjects: to take a step in building our
History, Greek, Information and Communication Technology, Maths, lives”, he says. Baba is
English, Music, German, Marketing, Chemistry, Biology, Culinary Arts, studying and working at the
Social Anthropology, Social Psychology, Post-Traumatic Stress same time, but his priority is
Disorder, Victimology, Personal/Social/Health Education and Civic school: “School is my life. I’m
Orientation. Once students successfully complete their schooling at working to be able to cover
KASA High School they will obtain a school leaving certificate which my needs, but education
will be accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus remains my priority. I’ll do my
and they will be able to use worldwide. best and do what is expected
from me and attend the
classes and successfully
complete this programme. As
refugees, we also want to give
back to the countries that
have welcomed us. Education
is the only way for us to be
responsible and good
citizens, and be able to work
and have a normal life. I hope
that more opportunities both
in Cyprus and around the
world are created for other
refugees to go to school”.

*names changed for protection
reasons

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