Well done, Omar!

We first met Omar when he was a refugee in Calais back in 2020. He has a great sense of humour, and used to laugh and joke with the volunteers all day. Back then we were in the depths of the pandemic, so his teasing and smile were often like a ray of sunshine to us as we worked hard to keep things going.

Omar had not had any formal schooling. He couldn’t read or write, let alone use a PC, and yet he was determined to make something of his life when he reached the UK.

Two years later he has graduated from his course at Perth College UHI, part of theUniversity of the Highlands and Islands. He also did his expedition for his Duke of Edinburgh Award, was given the college’s Community and Citizenship Award, and to cap everything, he was named as the college’s Student of the Year.

Not bad for a young, unaccompanied asylum seeker who started his studies speaking little English. His qualification in New Skills is designed to help him continue with more advaned studies, so he’s now well on the way to making a new and successful life for himself, and contributing to the community as he always wanted to do.

The college staff have been bowled over by his hard work, enthusiasm, and desire to learn. His lecturer Caroline said “Omar Nomoko is one of the friendliest optimistic students I have had the privilege to teach.

“He gets on with everyone – peers and staff. He has taken part fully in all activities practical and academic, and thoroughly deserved to pass his course. He has now been accepted for a subject specific course next sessionm which he is keen to get on to improve his employability and ability to provide for himself.

“He is an inspiration to all.”

He’s an inspiration to us too. Well done, Omar!