New Faces, New Stories: A Digital Exhibition
In celebration of Black History Month 2026, NESCol students bring you New Faces, New Stories – a collaborative photography, storytelling and art exhibition celebrating the rich diversity of our college community.
We’re sharing a peek into the exhibition, which brings together deeply personal stories shared by our ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) learners with stunning portraits and art from our creative industries students.
Stories have been anonymised and portraits are untitled to protect our students’ safety.
Content warning: accounts of war, racism, violence and murder.
Hisham’s story
I am originally from northern Syria, where I was forced to leave for my safety and to protect my children.
Now living in North East Scotland for almost two years, I am learning English and working toward gaining a British qualification for my background in automotive mechanical engineering.
Despite facing challenges and racism, I appreciate the kindness of Scottish people, and my family and I are hopeful we can achieve our dreams.
Rawda’s story
I am originally from eastern Sudan and part of a large family, but war and disease made life unsafe and stopped me from finishing my studies.
Now living in Scotland with my husband, I enjoy the peaceful area and friendly people.
In my free time I watch movies, do housework, and visit friends, and my dream is to complete my university studies, be successful, and own a house and a car.
Ster’s story
I am 22 years old and from Kurdistan, and I moved to Scotland in 2024 to build a better future.
While I initially struggled with the language, my English teachers at Fraserburgh Campus helped me immensely.
Today, I live in Aberdeen, study Mechanical Engineering, and look forward to a career using the skills I’ve learned.
Zahra’s story
I fled conflict in Afghanistan with my daughter, finally finding safety in Scotland after a three-year journey.
Though I miss my mother back home, I’ve found a welcoming community and wonderful friends through college and my knitting class.
Today, my dream is to continue my education, work hard, and give back by serving the people.
Sonina’s story
I left my home in Ethiopia and eventually claimed asylum to save my life.
Though I worry deeply for my family back home, I have found safety, fairness, and a welcoming home in Fraserburgh.
While I am still practicing my English, I am working hard every day toward my big dream: to become a doctor.
Sajida’s story
I am a mum who had to leave my family, home, and whole life behind in Iraq due to war and violence.
Though I have faced isolation and harmful stereotypes, my supportive teachers give me hope for the future, and I am determined to study hard.
My ultimate dream is to open my own art gallery where I can paint, display, and sell my artwork.
Ziad’s story
I am originally from western Syria, where devastating war, widespread poverty, insecurity and chaos forced me to leave behind my home, loved ones, and parents whom I haven’t seen in 15 years.
My greatest hope is for peace everywhere, to learn English fluently, work as a translator or learn a trade, and focus on giving my children a bright future.
Nanaobil’s story
I am originally from Darfur in Sudan, and after a long journey at age 17, I now live and study in Aberdeen.
I am still working on my English and hope to make Scottish friends one day.
My dream is to become a lawyer so I can help the people who helped me.
Renee’s story
I am a mum with five younger children, and we came to the UK from a Caribbean nation affected by violence and unrest.
After tragically losing my stepson I was threatened for seeking justice, and we fled to the UK for protection.
Today, living in Scotland, we are finally safe, giving my children a future, and that means everything.
Hanan’s story
I am from Aleppo, Syria, where the war took away my childhood dreams and forced me to leave my home, friends, and family.
Now living in Peterhead, I have made new friends, finished learning English, and am studying toward a new career. Having changed my life twice, I feel safe here with my family and am deeply hopeful for the future.
Yama’s story
I am originally from central Afghanistan, where my ethnic group faces severe persecution and extreme danger under the Taliban. After applying for asylum with my wife and two children, we have now been living here for two years, and the people have been very warm and kind.
While it is hard being away from our parents, siblings, and friends with no family nearby, I work the night shift at the Fish Factory and love taking my children to the park when the weather is nice.
My ultimate hope is to live a peaceful life and to give my children the best possible chance at a bright future.
Wael’s story
I left Syria when I was 11, and though the war took my childhood and dreams, I am grateful to have arrived in Scotland with my family, siblings, and their spouses.
Life in North East Scotland is really nice, the people are very respectful, and I spend my free time with family, going to the gym, or visiting the community centre.
My dreams are to get a job talking with people to practice English, complete my studies, go to university, and I now have great hopes for the future.
Nisreen’s story
I am from Iraq and worked hard as a passionate journalist, but war shattered my dreams and forced me to flee Syria with my children.
Since arriving in North East Scotland last summer, I have studied and earned certificates.
I love art, hope to one day exhibit my drawings and paintings, and dream of working with organisations that support vulnerable people.
Soraya’s story
It’s so hard that I can’t even talk about it.
None of us like to live where people don’t like us. We are deeply saddened by the attacks we receive.
I wish our country was peaceful and we could be there.
Gul Agha’s story
I am from the North-East of Afghanistan, where I left because my life was in danger and the government made conditions very bad.
Now living in the North-East of Scotland, I like everything here: playing cricket in the summer, going swimming, and making friends, though I still miss my family.
While the language was tough at first, I’ve learned more, and my dream is to improve my English, study engineering, and become an engineer.
Gabriel’s story
I am from Iran, where I had to flee for my safety after being targeted for joining a freedom protest.
Without documents, I walked for two and a half months through mountains and countries before arriving in Scotland.
I like Scotland, its kind people, and my dream is to improve my English and open my own workshop repairing and producing electrical components.
Fazal’s story
I liked my simple life in Afghanistan being close to my family and friends, but I had to leave because the war put my life in grave danger.
Everything is different from our country, especially the freedom, and I spend my free time swimming and going to the gym.
My ultimate dream is to be reunited with my family, and I hope to become an interpreter so I can give back and help others.
Bassam’s story
When I left Syria, we lost security, lived in fear, and life had become almost unbearable.
Now, after two years in North East Scotland, I feel safe, have made many Scottish friends, and am adapting well.
What fills me with hope is how kind and friendly the people are, and my dream is to live here for the rest of my life, master the language, and secure a good job to give my family a better future.
