The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Syrian refugee Maryam loves her new life in Perth and has big plans.
Maryam, 21, now lives in Perth and studies at Fife College in pursuit of career in journalism
A young woman who fled war-torn Syria for Scotland is aiming to secure a bright future in broadcasting.
Maryam Alhameed secured safety and sanctuary from her ravaged homeland three years ago, settling in Perth.
The Fair City student is studying at Fife College as she looks to rebuild her life.
Until Syria became embroiled in civil war, life for Maryam, her parents, two sisters and brother was idyllic.
They lived in the city of Darra where her father was a prosperous olive farmer.
Members of Maryam’s extended family were killed as war took a grip on the country.
It became too dangerous to stay as Islamic State issued threats to her family.
Maryam said: “The trouble was coming, literally, right to our door and so my parents made the decision to leave.
“It was tough to leave everything we knew behind but we had to go. Our lives were at risk.”
Maryam, 21, now lives in a flat in Perth with her parents, a far cry from their olive farm in Syria.
Her two sisters and brother have settled in Germany but keep in touch on a regular basis.
Maryam said: “When we arrived in Perth, I was enrolled at Perth High School.
“Myself, mum and dad have settled well and now I am doing my broadcast studies.
“My aim to is be a broadcast journalist and I am enjoying my course which has two more years to run.”
It is three years and three months since frightened Maryam first set foot on Scottish soil.
She continued: “I really did not know what I was coming to.
“I knew what I was leaving but the future was frightening in a different way. “However, it has worked out well. “I have made friends, I go to the Church of the Nazarene and I have a part-time job at the Everest Inn restaurant.
“One day I hope to go back to Syria. Who knows, I may broadcast from there.
“I’ve a future and a message – one of hope. A few years back I didn’t.”
Maryam and her family have been greatly helped by a Syrian lady who came to Perth with her own family more than 10 years ago.
Zabia Shiha Alsammam has been a constant source of support, both for Maryam’s family and other Syrian people who have made the Perth area their home.
Maryam added: “Zabia has been a great help to us and we are indebted to her. She has made it easier for us to settle and we are grateful.”
I’ve a future and a message – one of hope. A few years back I didn’t. MARYAM ALHAMEED