The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Welsh speaking refugee picks up award
A Syrian refugee who lives in Aberystwyth has won an award for learning Welsh.
Mohamad Karkoubi and his family fled the war-torn city of Aleppo in northern Syria in December 2015.
They reached Lebanon, where they were selected by the Home Office and UN to come to the UK.
The father-ofthree, who works as a blacksmith in Tregaron, Ceredigion, began an intensive Welsh course last year.
He has now won the Welsh Learner award at the Nation of Sanctuary Awards, which were presented by the Welsh Refugee Council in collaboration
“Welsh has helped my family to feel part of the community”
with the Welsh Refugee Coalition. Awards were given to refugees and asylum seekers who have excelled in the arts, languages, business and volunteering. “I am delighted to receive this special award,” Mr Karkoubi said.“I really enjoy learning Welsh. The language has helped me and my family to feel part of the community.”
Mr Karkoubi, his wife Eshraq and their three children, Mayes, Rimes and Mostapha, came to the UK as part of the refugee resettlement scheme.