MATTHEW (THE U.K.)

Volunteered From MAY 2021 TO JUNE 2022

When I arrived in Athens last May, the students at the Habibi Center were beginning to return to in-person classes. It was a gentle introduction to my new life in a new city, and I settled in well thanks to the warmth of the teachers and students. I didn’t have a lot of experience as a teacher before coming here, having only started tutoring maths online six months earlier. So, teaching English to groups of students in person was quite the learning curve! The students’ enthusiasm to learn and the support I received soon put me at ease. After three months, I realised I had never been better equipped to help and teach: I knew more English grammar than ever and had a strong relationship with my students. And so, I decided to extend my stay, and returned in September to new classes and a warm welcome, knowing I had definitely made the right decision. Over the next few months I got more involved beyond just teaching, such as assessing new students. It was a privilege to see students first joining the Habibi Center and then witnessing their growth and progression after months of hard work. I also grew closer to the other teachers, especially Alex, Camille and Steph. Athens really started to feel like home. I extended my leaving date again, allowing me to take on a class of students for the A2 Cambridge exam. Six months of preparation brought us close together and their personalities shone in the classroom. I will never forget seeing my students’ huge smiles upon leaving their final exam. As a maths graduate and tutor, I enjoyed sneaking some maths in alongside the English. Steph and I ran two Easter classes: one practising much needed basic maths skills and one offering English translations of what was being covered in maths classes in Greek school. This was a valuable experience, but it was frustrating to see what is lacking from our students’ education and demonstrated the importance of organisations like the Habibi Center. Throughout my time in Athens the students continually amazed me. They shared details of their lives and their ambitions for the future with me. I wish I had the same courage, honesty and determination as they showed to me. Their strength in the face of adversity, endless paperwork and uncertainty is humbling. Without doubt it has altered for the better my understanding of the world, and recalibrated my own expectations for life and how I want to live it. Currently, I teach maths to some students online while back in the UK. I hope to return soon to work full time in Greece. I want to take advantage of my experience and existing bonds with the students to provide support behind the scenes in my spare time – and hopefully continue teaching maths! I already miss the teachers who have become my friends, and the students who made the last fourteen months some of the best in my life.