1. Syamend lived in Syria, where he studied Arabic at a university. The civil war brought an end to all of that overnight. The whole country collapsed – including electricity and water. The life in Syria continue to be around just two things - fear and hunger. Refugees Stories 2015

2. Syamend managed to flee Syria in early summer and crossed into Turkey. The refugee camp where he stayed was overcrowded, with more people coming every day. There were not enough tents and several families had to share each one. Everyone was desperate to leave. Refugees Stories 2015

3. Syamend landed money from a family member to go to the UK. In the UK, everything was happening too fast. Syamend was still haunted by memories of the devastation he had witnessed in Syria. Speaking very little English, it was hard to keep track of what was going on around him and what he was supposed to do. http://stories.unhcr.org/thang-p1022.html