Stories of Hope
Discover our ‘Stories of Hope’: Real-life accounts from our Teachers that inspire unity, resilience, and optimism for the future.
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FANNY (FRANCE)
in TeachersFANNY (FRANCE) VOLUNTEERING FROM SEPTEMBER 2024 TO OCTOBER 2025 In September 2024, I landed in Athens, ready to start a one-year journey with Habibi Center, and what a journey!From the very first day, I felt well at Habibi Center. Why? Because not only does Habibi Center provide classes and workshops, but it also offers students…
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GAMALIEL (FRANCE)
in TeachersGAMALIEL (FRANCE) VOLUNTEERING FROM APRIL 2025 TO JULY 2025 I had an unforgettable experience at Habibi Center. I met such wonderful people who left an incalculable mark on me. I discovered a part of the world I didn’t know, an extraordinary culture that I never stop talking about every day in my professional circle. Thank…
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ESMA (THE U.S.A)
in TeachersESMA (USA) VOLUNTEERING FROM JUNE 2025 TO AUGUST 2025 Volunteering at Habibi Center has been such a meaningful experience. I learned so much from my students, whose kindness and love of learning inspire me every day. The memories I made here will always hold a special place in my heart. -Esma.
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MARIAN (CANADA)
in TeachersCANADA (CANADA) VOLUNTEERING FROM JUNE 2025 TO SEPTEMBER 2025 Where do I start?I’ve just come to the end of my eight-week stint teaching at Habibi. It was a very different experience from the last time I volunteered there three years ago. Back then, it was a little more about me. I was a new ESL…
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EMMA (UK)
in TeachersEMMA (UK) VOLUNTEERING FROM OCTOBER 2024 TO DECEMBER 2024 I have enjoyed teaching and getting to know all of my students, and helping some to prepare for exams next year. The students amazed me with their dedication and enthusiasm for learning English, it made the lessons so enjoyable to teach. We loved playing games and…
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DARRAGH (UK)
in TeachersDARRAGH (UK) VOLUNTEERING FROM SEPTEMBER 2024 TO OCTOBER 2024 It has been an amazing journey working at the habibi centre filled with many laughs, happiness and sometimes sadness. My time here has taught me so much about the life’s of different people and different cultures. It has been a very rewarding opportunity in which I…
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RAKHIE (FRNACE)
in TeachersRAKHIE (FRANCE) VOLUNTEERING FROM JULY 2024 TO SEPTEMBER 2024 Over the course of two months as a teacher at Habibi Center, I encountered students who were eager to learn, and their enthusiasm pushed me to give my very best in my role as a teacher. I met incredible people and discovered new cultures.I shared my…
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MAX (UK)
in TeachersMAX (UK) VOLUNTEERING FROM JULY 2024 TO OCTOBER 2024 It really was a privilege to teach the students here at Habibi Centre who are so eager to learn. Seeing the students’ progress in the two months I have been here is amazing. It has been so rewarding to see. I’ve loved my time here and…
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ANDREW (THE U.S.A.)
in TeachersANDREW (U.S.A.) VOLUNTEERING FROM MAY 2024 TO JULY 2024 Working with the students at Habibi Center to guide the development of their English skills was worth every minute and penny I invested in coming to volunteer this summer. At Habibi Center the long-term volunteers are committed to the holistic flourishing of the students; getting to…
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Eoin (Ireland)
in TeachersEOIN (IRELAND) VOLUNTEERING FROM APRIL 2024 TO AUGUST 2024 I spent a very memorable four months teaching English at Habibi. The students at the school were a pleasure to teach, with an enthusiasm for learning that made each class as enjoyable as the last. It was wonderful to see the progress that the students made…
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ANNA (AUSTRALIA)
in TeachersANNA (AUSTRALIA) Volunteered From FEBRUARY 2024 TO APRIL 2024 This was not just my first time teaching at the Habibi Center, but my first time teaching classes at all! It has been a truly exciting and rewarding experience— challenging, but so worth the time and effort. Steph, Camille, Raf and Julian are incredibly supportive and…
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CLARE (UNITED KINGDOM)
in TeachersCLARE (UNITED KINGDOM) Volunteered From JANUARY 2024 TO MARCH 2024 2024 Where do I begin with my time at the Habibi Centre? It has been an emotional whirlwind and life-changing experience! I haven’t taught before and found it a bit daunting at first, but the people here are so nice and supportive, I soon found…
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LAUREN (THE U.K.)
in TeachersLAUREN (THE U.K.) Volunteered From JANUARY 2024 TO APRIL 2024 I arrived in Athens again in December, ready for another adventure at Habibi. It is always a privilege to be asked to return, and i’ve now taught at the school four times, so I feel like i’m almost part of the furniture, always feeling completely…
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PIPPA (CANADA)
in TeachersPIPPA (CANADA) Volunteered From JANUARY 2024 TO APRIL 2024 Sad to be saying goodbye again to this unique place of learning but smiling because I’ve decided to return here next spring. See you in 2025!
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PHILIPPINE (FRANCE)
in TeachersPHILIPPINE (FRANCE) Volunteered From JANUARY 2024 TO MARCH 2024 My second time teaching at habibi was so different but yet I still learn so much about myself and the world. Teaching at habibi sure asks a lot. But the energy you are giving is so worth it. It brings this warm feeling you have after…
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Anna
in TeachersANNA (SPAIN) VOLUNTEERING FROM OCTOBER 2023 TO DECEMBER 2023 I have been teaching internationally for a long time and when my last contract in Papua, Indonesia, finished, I was looking for something new, and equally rewarding, to do. I found Habibi Center and straight away felt that here was my answer. In my two classes…
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ARIEL (HONG KONG)
in TeachersARIEL (HONG KONG) Volunteered From OCTOBER 2023 TO DECEMBER 2023 2023 I now understand why many of the volunteers do not know where to start when they need to talk about their experience in the Habibi Center… Habibi Center is a magical place where we can see everyone improving in daily progress. More than solely…
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SOPHIE (THE U.S.A)
in TeachersSOPHIE (THE U.S.A) Volunteered From SEPTEMBER 2023 TO NOVEMBER 2023 2023 I’m so glad I had the opportunity to spend 3 months at the Habibi Center. It is a truly wonderful environment for both teachers and students. My students are incredible people. They came to class everyday with an open mind and an eagerness to…
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SARAH (THE NETHERLANDS)
in TeachersSARAH (THE NETHERLANDS) Volunteered From AUGUST 2023 TO DECEMBER 2023 2023 In my previous testimonial I ended with saying I couldnt wait to come back. This time Iam happy to say that I did! Since I was doing my masters internship, I had the chance to stay longer and therefore get a glimpse of all…
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RAF (BELGIUM)
in TeachersRAF (BELGIUM) Volunteered From AUGUST 2023 TO OCTOBER 2023 2023 On my first day, I was welcomed with open arms. All the subsequent days were no different, these people are so kind! Teaching these kids … it is a very humbling experience. It made me be aware of my privileges even more. It has taught…