ANNA (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 I have taught students from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Somalia. Eight individuals, each with their own unique life story, but all trying to start a new life. Their resilience and mental strength are humbling. They exude positivity and there are so many beautiful smiles and laughs in class. Then on the odd day, reality catches up, they retreat into themselves and the sadness is tangible.

This steadfastness translates into their studies. All my students were hard working, motivated, engaged, inquisitive and made good progress. Of course, there are other aspects too. Some come from cultures where punctuality is of little importance.… They have to be absent from class for other obligations, like meeting with their social worker or lawyer. They also have to understand that joining the Habibi Center comes with privileges as well as commitment – the school is open every day from Monday to Friday, all year around except for three weeks around Christmas, and students are expected to attend all classes if not granted specific permission not to. At Habibi Center students learn not only English, but also life skills to become mature and responsible people, who function in society.

I am grateful to Stephanie and Camille, and all my other colleagues for their support, friendship and generosity at all times!

Most of all, I am grateful to my students for letting me be a small part of their lives for a short period of time. I love each and every one, and feel extremely sad to leave. All being well I will return!

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 I have taught students from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Somalia. Eight individuals, each with their own unique life story, but all trying to start a new life. Their resilience and mental strength are humbling. They exude positivity and there are so many beautiful smiles and laughs in class. Then on the odd day, reality catches up, they retreat into themselves and the sadness is tangible.

This steadfastness translates into their studies. All my students were hard working, motivated, engaged, inquisitive and made good progress. Of course, there are other aspects too. Some come from cultures where punctuality is of little importance.… They have to be absent from class for other obligations, like meeting with their social worker or lawyer. They also have to understand that joining the Habibi Center comes with privileges as well as commitment – the school is open every day from Monday to Friday, all year around except for three weeks around Christmas, and students are expected to attend all classes if not granted specific permission not to. At Habibi Center students learn not only English, but also life skills to become mature and responsible people, who function in society.

I am grateful to Stephanie and Camille, and all my other colleagues for their support, friendship and generosity at all times!

Most of all, I am grateful to my students for letting me be a small part of their lives for a short period of time. I love each and every one, and feel extremely sad to leave. All being well I will return!