Asma Syal: The Refugee Voice That Shapes Future Educators
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) is spearheading a pioneering initiative across several public universities in Spain to train future teachers in values related to refugees and human rights. The programme includes the testimony of a refugee, Asma Syal, who fled Pakistan in 2018 to escape a forced marriage and now lives in Barcelona.
The personal stories of Asma and other refugees, such as Marina Camargo, transform abstract concepts like forced displacement, climate change, gender-based violence, and political persecution into emotionally resonant, relatable experiences. Through this project, aspiring educators learn to foster empathy and challenge potential biases within Spanish classrooms.
The programme, already implemented in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and the Valencian Community, offers robust psychological and pedagogical support to ensure that both refugees and students can engage with these stories safely and constructively. Its ultimate aim is that tomorrow’s teachers not only deliver academic content, but also instill values that help learners understand the world through a fairer, more humane lens—standing up against exclusionary narratives targeting refugees.
You can find more information in the following Spanish article by El País: https://elpais.com/sociedad/vidas-nuevas/2025-09-23/la-leccion-vital-de-asma-syal-para-los-nuevos-profesores.html
At Conexión CP, we are committed to helping immigrants and refugees integrate into society, especially by offering language courses that empower them to communicate and connect.
If you’d like to support our mission, you can help by making a DONATION or volunteering with us either ONLINE or ONSITE.
Conexión CP
6th October 2025
