Ep 13: Hassan Hassan – Sharing the Blessing of Education and Giving Back

What this episode covers

Arriving in New Zealand at the age of 15 knowing virtually no English meant that Hassan Hassan could only watch soccer and not join in. When the chance came for him to play, the words from his coach to “push up on the wing” were little more than sounds. More importantly, that lack of English blocked the way to the education that hadn’t been possible in Somalia, where his family had moved and moved again to find a safer place. But two years of intense application at Hagley College, here in Christchurch, and a determined focus on speaking and writing the language opened the doors. That continuing focus has led him to a B.Sc. degree in Geography and Chemistry. And now, eleven years on from his arrival in this country, he finalises his M.Sc.thesis, which explores positive youth development in the context of urban planning. Along with a part-time role as a youth support worker, Hassan’s clear aim is to carry forward what he has learned to give back to the wider society.

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