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14th October 2020
Former college plastering student, Yagoub Juma Mohamed, was named the UK’s young plasterer of the year in 2017 after taking Gold at the UK Skillbuild finals – the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and apprentices. For #BlackHistoryMonth, Yagoub shares his incredible story:
“I was born one of twelve siblings in a small African village in Darfur, Sudan. There are 583 tribes in Sudan with twelve different languages. In my village we had very little and were without a hospital or school. My only education was to learn as best I could from those around me. Sudanese people are very honest, calm and love to socialise.
“In 2003, and at the age of 15, I had to flee my village due to the conflicts and ethnic cleansing that was being carried out by the government. Half a million people were killed, and 2.7 million people have been displaced. Before I fled, my mother told me to be very careful, to always be respectful to others, never do anything wrong and to be a good person. She assured me that if I followed these simple rules then I would always be taken care of.
“I have seen and suffered many terrible things over many years. Fortunately for me I arrived in the UK by a small boat in 2013 and was allowed to stay. I thank God that I arrived here in Liverpool where people have befriended me and supported me.
“I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have been given. I am proud of my achievements, I can now speak English, have passed my maths GCSE, learned a craft in plastering and became both the British champion and student of the year in 2017.
“I am now employed as plasterer and have a great future. For me education is the most important thing that you can do. What I would like to say to any young person who is studying at the College is that you should not miss the opportunity that you have now. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.”
We’re honoured to have been a part of Yagoub’s humbling and inspirational journey. We have no doubt that he will continue to achieve wonderful things.
To find out more about Black History Month 2020, click here.
