Three Syrian Ladies in Longford Build Futures Through Higher Education.
We meet Midia and Tallinn Khalaf, two Kurdish sisters, and Kinda Nassli, a Syrian educator. All three moved to Ireland six years ago and have since carved inspiring paths in education and community work.
Midia is currently studying Robotics Engineering at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Passionate about tech and innovation, she balances her studies with part-time work as a barista, while adjusting to life in a new country with remarkable resilience. Her sister, Tallinn, is pursuing a degree in Business Management and Administration at the same university. For both, the language barrier and adapting to Irish culture were among the biggest challenges early on.
Kinda holds a Master’s in Education and serves as the Coordinator of Sanctuary in Education – Stronger Together at Places of Sanctuary Ireland. She works to build inclusive, welcoming spaces in schools and universities across the country. Arriving as a mother, Kinda had to navigate the complexities of starting over while raising a family in a new cultural context. Today, she’s found her calling in helping refugees and asylum seekers access higher education.
Together, their stories are a powerful testament to how education—when rooted in technology, equity, and inclusion—can open doors and transform lives.
Listen to heartfelt stories on My Journey Home, hosted by Vanda Brady on Shannonside