Waleed Hussein has been a friend of Sanctuary in Chichester since he started volunteering with us in 2019, so the board was delighted to welcome him as a trustee at last year’s AGM. His lived experience as a refugee combined with his being long-settled in the UK is of huge value to the organisation in being able to deliver optimally for those we serve.

Born is Basra, Iraq, Waleed has been living in the UK for 13 years, during which he gained a PhD in English from the University of Chichester and then stayed on as a post-doctoral scholar at at the university – “we stayed in Chichester as we loved it as a family“. He’s also been a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge, presented research papers at a number of other universities, was a literary advisor for Comma Press (UK), a university lecturer for over 15 years, published a collection of poems in English called ‘The War on Idigna’, and translated ‘Eugenics’ by Prof. John Glad into Arabic. Latterly, Waleed has started teaching at local schools, including St Richard’s Catholic Primary School and is a teacher at St Philip Howard (secondary) School.

Waleed says of his experiences since arriving in the UK; “As an Iraqi immigrant and refugee myself, raising my children in the UK, my life has been a journey of adaptation, resilience and integration. While navigating the challenges of cultural differences and language barriers, I have found strength in building connections within my community. Through volunteering, participating in local events, and engaging with neighbours, I’ve fostered a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. My children’s experiences at school and extracurricular activities have enriched our family’s integration process further, allowing us to embrace the diversity and opportunities that the UK offers. Each day presents new lessons and opportunities for growth, and I’m grateful for the support and acceptance we’ve found in our adopted home.“

Waleed goes on to describe what becoming a Sanctuary trustee means to him; “I was honoured and excited to join the Board of Trustees at Sanctuary in Chichester. The opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause fills me with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. I collaborate with fellow trustees, leveraging our collective expertise and making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can empower individuals, foster community resilience, and create lasting change.“

Waleed’s favourite quote is, ‘Knowledge raises a house without pillars, and ignorance destroys the house of glory and honour.’, by Egyptian Poet Hafidh Ibrahim.

Visit our Meet the Team page to read about our other trustees and staff >>