Bahaa
I had nothing, and then I got everything.
Bahaa joined the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in 2021 as a graduate member while pursuing his PhD in India. Shortly after this, he travelled to the UK for academic purposes.
Little did he know that this step would lay the foundation for a life-changing journey, supported every step of the way by the ICE Benevolent Fund.
I took the right decision to enrol in the ICE.
Bahaa first learned about the Ben Fund while exploring the ICE website shortly after enrolling as a member.
At the time, he was navigating significant challenges.
Although his initial request for assistance came too early in his membership, the guidance he received from the Ben Fund proved invaluable. “I took the right decision to enrol in the ICE before arriving in the UK,” Bahaa reflects.
In December 2022, Bahaa obtained refugee status in the UK, and was determined to build a new life from scratch. He faced two pressing challenges: securing a job and finding accommodation.
The Ben Fund stepped in, providing a monthly grant to help cover his daily living expenses for six months. This lifeline gave him the breathing room to focus on his next steps.
Bahaa was an enthusiastic and engaged participant in the Back to Work programme provided in partnership with Chiumento and was also supported in his search for stable housing.
While he initially looked for accommodation on the Ben Fund estate in Sussex, his plans shifted when he received a job offer from Balfour Beatty in Crewe—a city 180 miles away.
With the advice and encouragement from the Ben Fund team, Bahaa was able to secure accommodation in Crewe funded by Ben Fund for 6 months, easing his transition into a new job and community.
There’s no way to work as an engineer without a driving license.
One challenge remained: Bahaa needed a driving license to fulfil his engineering role, which required frequent site visits across the UK.
Once again, the Ben Fund was there to help, covering the cost of his driving lessons.
“Now I’m driving, working, and traveling to various sites every weekend as part of my job,” Bahaa says proudly.
The Ben Fund’s support extended even further, helping Bahaa with his spouse visa application fee—a vital step in reuniting his family and laying down roots in the UK.
The good people are always there. You just have to find them and ask – don’t assume, and don’t be shy.
For Bahaa, the support he received far exceeded his expectations.
Initially, he thought the Ben Fund might help with job opportunities or training, but the comprehensive assistance he received covering living expenses, housing, driving lessons, and family reunification was life changing.
He also credits ICE events, lectures, and training opportunities for helping him gain British engineering experience and build his professional network.
These resources, alongside the Ben Fund’s unwavering support, paved the way for Bahaa to thrive as an engineer in the UK.
