Rania Halawa

Rania has lived in Damascus, Syria most of her life, “The reason why I live in Stoke (Eng- land) is the bad situation in Syria like war, destruction and killing of innocent people. The fear and terror.”

Reflecting on first arriving in Stoke Rania says, “When I first came to Stoke-on-Trent I felt a little bit depressed because I didn’t know anything here. I felt very sad because I am far from my family and I’m still so far but things are getting better now.”

Rania studied children’s education at Damascus University studied and worked at a school. “I loved this work very much, she continues, ”because of the harsh conditions, we have decided to escape to a country where peace and security prevail.”

Rania plans to continue to live in Stoke-on-Trent with her two children and husband. Re- flecting on Stoke she says, “Stoke-on-Trent is a beautiful quiet town, I love it so much, and the people here are very good and so helpful. Now I learn English and my children are learning in schools and we want to live here permanently.”