Shortly after I arrived, Suffolk Refugee Support encouraged me to volunteer at a radio station to engage with the community and learn more about British culture.

I was with BBC Radio Suffolk for six months. It was a great experience. They helped me to improve my language and learn about the UK media industry. I also did work experience with ITV News and took multiple English courses.

The language barrier is the biggest problem. I can speak Arabic for hours, live, in recordings or on podcasts. I can make jokes. I know the culture. But in English, the problem is you find yourself wanting to do more. You have the potential and experience, but you don’t have the language. So, it destroys your self-confidence.

The solution to this problem is to support fellowships or internships. I built my self-confidence during my fellowship and work experience. My employers constantly reassured me. They helped me improve my skills but also learn new skills. Working at a UK media company helps refugee journalists overcome the language barriers. Speaking English six or seven hours a day, they have the opportunity to build knowledge of the culture and the community. They can ask: ‘What do you mean by this?’ and ‘How do I say this?’.

At journalism.co.uk, when I was undertaking my RJP fellowship, I felt very accepted and supported as a Muslim. I asked my editor if I could take time off for Ramadan festivities, and she said, ‘Of course, this is your right’. I’m not sure I would be allowed to do that if I was working at another organisation as a full-time employee.

I think it is a very good idea to hear from refugees, not just about refugees. So, if you have a refugee colleague, invite them to talk to the newsroom and the team about their background, the barriers, the obstacles, and feelings. They should all be aware of the reality for refugee journalists.