Half a decade ago, Merhdad Lashgari and his wife Elham Mohammadi found themselves separated when Lashgari was compelled to flee Iran and seek refuge in Ireland. Mohammadi reflects on the challenging times of their separation with caution. She stayed with her family during this period, yet the void left by her spouse’s absence was deeply felt. The uncertainty of their future and a prolonged time of two years before they could meet again added to the stress.
Reunification came for this couple from Iran, in the form of family reunification, in 2021 and they marked the occasion with a double celebration – their reunion and their postgraduate degrees from Dublin City University (DCU). Mohammadi, who was a top achiever at DCU, celebrated with an upper-second-class degree in MSc Bioprocess Engineering. Concurrently, Lashgari accomplished an MSc in Climate Change: Police, Media and Society.
The privilege to pursue higher education in Ireland completely transformed their lives and became possible through a scholarship programme named Universities of Sanctuary, specifically curated for refugees and asylum seekers. This initiative counted seven Irish universities as its associate, promoting a deeper engagement with individuals seeking international protection.
Being university graduates back in their home country – Mohammadi in chemical engineering and Lashgari in art and design – they initially faced hurdles in establishing their careers in Ireland due to local work and education requirements. This led them to decide that a return to full-time academics would boost their career progression in their new home.
Lashgari fondly recalls the day he arrived in Ireland, the moment from where the hunt for academic opportunities began. While he appreciated the affable Irish populace and admired the system, he also quickly realised the difficulties faced by a refugee with no local education or employment background. Lashgari mentions, “The local term for this is marginalisation. Education is the key to justice, fostering equal opportunities. Reserve university education for the affluent, and deny access to others, it breeds massive disparities, which is a perilous situation.”
In Ireland, going to university granted a couple the liberty to voice their thoughts and views without concern for any backlash. Lashgari, previously the president of the student’s union at his Iranian university, recounted how criticizing the government was met with severe punishments, with students being labelled as “terrorists”. “In my experience, I understand the essence of freedom of speech. The student union in Iran is heavily monitored,” he said. “However, in Ireland, we were encouraged to question everything and express our thoughts in public, even during class.”
Mohammadi, having found employment in a pharmaceutical firm, sees her educational journey in Ireland as one filled with opportunities. “After being here merely two years, it gives me great joy and a sense of achievement to be graduating. Women back home in Iran lack certain liberties, but here, I was given the chance to pursue an education and embark on my career. My whole life has transformed in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without the Universities of Sanctuary scheme,” shares Mohammadi.
Lashgari, who accomplished his master’s degree in his fourth language, English, felt a profound sense of achievement. “We’re taught English in Iranian schools, but it’s never at a proficient level. My English was far from perfection when I landed here, though being multilingual in Farsi, Turkish and German somewhat eased my journey.” Navigating through climate discussions at Dublin City University often proved difficult for him due to lack of familiarity with certain terminologies. “The word ‘turf’ was new to me, although I was aware of the term ‘bog’. This occurred quite often,” he confessed, with a laugh.
Having completed his master’s thesis on public opinions concerning solar farms in rural Ireland, Lashgari has been presented with a Ph.D. opportunity. However, he believes it would be more financially beneficial to enter the job market. He also plays a role in a group that travels across the country, educating school children about global citizenship, human rights, and environmental concerns.
“It all feels like a dream to me,” Lashgari confesses. “Many immigrants do not receive these opportunities and I aim to inspire others by speaking out about it. The Irish are incredibly kind, but one cannot expect anyone to handhold them to lead a better life. One must aspire they want to better themselves and I’m here to provide that assistance.”