A Journey of Perseverance: Habib's Path to Higher Education
A Journey of Perseverance: Habib's Path to Higher Education
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The Long Road to Safety
Habib’s childhood was upended when his father, a dedicated teacher in Myanmar, was arrested twice for opening an alternative school for students in need. To escape further persecution, his parents fled to Malaysia, eventually sending for Habib and his younger sister. At just 11 years old, Habib led his 6-year-old sister on a perilous week-long trek across borders, crammed into cars and walking through the dark, to finally reunite with their family in a land that offered them protection.
Teaching as a Lifeline
Teaching as a Lifeline
In Malaysia, Habib followed his father’s example. While his father taught at an alternative learning center for refugees, Habib began tutoring Mathematics at a young age. This wasn't just a way to earn extra income; it was a response to the reality that his status as a refugee made traditional tertiary education in Malaysia nearly impossible to access. Despite being offered multiple scholarships, including an admission to the University of Chicago, his lack of documentation kept those dreams out of reach.
A New Chapter in Australia
Habib’s "never give up" attitude finally met the right opportunity through the Refugee Student Settlement Pathway (RSSP). This groundbreaking pilot program, facilitated by UNHCR and the Australian government, provides a complementary education pathway for refugee students. Habib is one of only 12 students selected from Malaysia to participate in this program. He is now headed to Australia to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Civil Engineering, which is a milestone that once felt like an impossible dream.
Acceptance letter from the university
