Refugees are reception

Nobody could not be moved by the plight of refugees, which was played on TV screens and in our newspapers this summer.

During the nearly five years of civil war in Syria, the scale of the tragedy was enormous. And, amid the chaos and displacement of over four million people, Said Foundation estimates that about half of the students in the country are currently able to access training programs, due to the conflict.

East London has a long and proud history as a place of settlement of refugees and is now one of the most ethnically diverse areas of London. This fact is reflected in our university, the University of East London, or Will, where we welcome students from more than 120 countries. And in some small sense answer Will the crisis affect our immediate location, and our longer-term history.

Our research center in the field of migration, refugees and belonging, based in the School of Social Sciences brings together scholars who conduct interdisciplinary work in the field of migration and refugee studies; diasporas and social cohesion; racism, nationalism and political religions; and citizenship, identity and belonging.

We are also home to the Archives of the UK Refugee Council, one of the largest collection of materials for the study of forced migration and refugees.

Within the rapidly developing area of ​​East London, our contribution and commitment to, our local community remains singular. But our understanding that our local community is a mosaic of the world means that we can not stand aside as tragedy and the exodus in Syria unfolded without doing something that will resonate for us as an institution and our community of students and staff dedicated to helping others

It follows that when a senior lecturer in global studies at the University, Dr. Tim Hall, came to me suggesting that we consider offering free scholarships of Syrians to flee conflict, he had my immediate attention. Tim is already in contact with the campaigning group Citizens UK, which have been formulating a broader response.

Scholarships

In a word, we were best placed to help. First, we decided to offer 10 scholarships for postgraduate Syrians sheltering in camps after fleeing from the civil war. The scholarships will cover all academic fees.

We see these scholarships as a small contribution to support the resettlement of Syrian families as they try to build a new life in Britain. Before the civil war, Syria is known for its high levels of education. We believe that by offering these scholarships for postgraduate studies, we can help a group of refugees in the qualification UK, that will help them integrate into their new life in the UK.

Entry requirements had to be carefully prepared. Anyone with compassion would like to help as much as possible, but we had to be realistic. We worked with the Ministry of Interior and our own International Bureau to get this right.

The answer is amazing. There are dozens of phone calls. Applications are already being considered. There is a very positive reaction from within the university and beyond; and many of them commented that this scheme is exactly what should be done.

The staff are also proud that Will was seen to take a lead in the sector on this issue. I believe that our efforts will lead to others make similar commitments to those refugees who will need support and new opportunities to adapt to their new home.

I have already asked to join the national refugee Hello Board. It will be a privilege to be held along with my other civic and community leaders as Bishop of Durham, on Rat Rev Paul Butler; Jahangir Mali, CEO of Islamic Relief, and Rabbi Danny Rich Liberal Judaism, among others. I hope that can play a significant role with the board in helping to draw together key voices in the public and private sectors, to deal with the challenges posed by the current crisis.

Will our hope is that our scheme will not only provide stability for the new arrivals, but the chance to pursue their academic ambitions safe, tolerant and supportive environment. Some of the people who will help build the future of Syria. It is our privilege to play our small part in this.

Professor John J Roughing is vice-chancellor of the University of East London, UK. This article was first published in International Focus.