Dr Ahmad Barakat was born and brought up in Syria. His parents both placed a great focus on education. One of six siblings, Ahmad describes a close family and a joyful childhood. After leaving university, he was conscripted to the military service, which he enjoyed, including the discipline that it taught him. He then taught English and Arabic before joining the Syrian Foreign Office as a diplomat. He served in various departments of the Foreign Office, which he found an interesting and rewarding experience. At the same time, he continued his interest in teaching by working at Damascus University at the weekend.

2011 was a landmark year in Ahmad’s personal life; it was marked by the loss of his beloved mother and the birth of his child. Against the backdrop of the civil war in Syria, Ahmad decided to leave Syria to pursue a PhD and start a new chapter in life. He managed to get a study visa for himself but the visa for his family was rejected at first. They reapplied for the family and they joined him in Birmingham after reapplying. His oldest daughter was seven years old when they arrived and found starting school without speaking any English very challenging. It was comparatively easier for his younger son who was four when he moved to the UK.  Ahmad praises the way the schools supported his children: “I think in this country they are prepared for international students. They know how to start with the child”.

After his PhD, Ahmad began teaching at the University of Birmingham. He was able to connect with other Syrians in Birmingham, which helped him settle and navigate life.