The torch light blue
Syrian lad who studied in dark as bombs fell gets into Cambridge
A SYRIAN teenager who studied by torchlight as bombs rained down around his home has landed a place the University of Cambridge.
Abdullah Kattineh studied chemistry using a mobile phone with a 4.5in screen as his family could not afford books.
The 19-year-old’s home in Damascus also had no electricity for 18 hours a day.
But he will read natural sciences at Corpus Christi College and has won a full scholarship covering his fees and living costs of £48,000. It follows an online campaign for the university’s support.
Abdullah said: “It is the ultimate honour to be the only Syrian student admitted to Cambridge this year. I can’t express what this chance means to me.
“Most of us were paralysed by the outcomes of the Syrian crisis. Those circumstances made me even more determined to achieve my dreams.”
Corpus Christi’s Dr Michael Sutherland said: “This is an exceptional case. Abdullah has had to overcome tremendous obstacles.” The funding will come from benefactors to the Cambridge Trust.
Helen Pennant, its director, said: “The trust is delighted to support this student, who has faced so many challenges.”