USW Refugee Champion awarded for inspirational work

Dr Mike Chick – the University of South Wales’s Refugee Champion – has been recognised at the Inspire! Tutor Awards for his contribution to improving the lives of people seeking sanctuary in our communities.

Run by the Learning and Work Institute, the Inspire! Tutor Awards recognise the valuable work of tutors and mentors in supporting lifelong learning across Wales.

Alongside his role as Refugee Champion, Mike, who has worked in language teaching for more than 25 years, is an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) lecturer and currently runs weekly English classes for Ukrainian refugees based in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

He said: “Working with people seeking sanctuary who are escaping war, persecution and terror has been the most important, rewarding and life-changing work I have done.

“I am fortunate to meet, on a daily basis, people who are facing tremendously challenging circumstances yet do so with such grace, humour, resilience and fortitude that one can only be humbled and inspired by.

“I am so proud that Wales aspires to be a Nation of Sanctuary, and a place where everyone can get a second chance at education.”

Hear more from Mike in this video: