ALEX (SPAIN)

Volunteered From JANUARY 2018 TO APRIL 2022

2022 After 2 short but intense stays in the Habibi Center in December 2016 and August 2017, I decided to leave everything behind in Scotland, where I used to live, and come permanently to Athens to help in the coordination of the project in January 2018. I came to give a 100% of myself, to find my way both personally and professionally, to open up and learn from different cultures, to understand the vulnerable situation of people who had fled their countries of origin to find a better and safer place to continue their lives, to witness first-hand the evolution of this hungry youth. All that I’ve lived during these nearly 4 years and a half has totally changed my perspective of life in so many ways. There is a big rush to choose what to become as soon as possible, get a university degree, find a job related to that and get stuck to it for the rest of our lives, regardless the levels of fulfilment and happiness. That might work for many people, but it didn’t for me as I felt I hadn’t found my purpose in life yet. I feel extremely lucky to have saved some money during my 11 years of career as a draftsman as well as proud of having invested part of it on these intense years as a volunteer in Athens. Thanks to this adventure, I believe I have eventually found my true devotion: social work and teaching. The responsibility I have felt during this time in Athens has been a huge challenge but also an amazing gift. Although some students only see me as a teacher, the connection with some others has been way more intense and I have become their friend, their older brother, their counsellor and sometimes their only support. I am extremely happy to feel that some of these resilient, loving, and compassionate youngsters will be part of my life forever. And what can I say about Steph, the crazy and inspiring mother of this beautiful project? Countless moments surrounded by frustration, when things didn’t go the way we wanted; worries and tears, when some of our little brothers and sisters disappeared or set off on dangerous journeys; joy, while witnessing the evolution and successes of our strong students; laughter, when remembering dozens of anecdotes as well as funny misunderstandings with the youth; fatigue, while working really hard day after day to face new challenges; and happiness, when we stop and realise how much we have grown and how many goals we have achieved. I am very grateful for everything that has happened to me since I came on board of the team. I do feel that this is not the end but the start of a new period that, hopefully, will be forever connected to this needed and special project called Habibi Center. “But, teacher! Why are you a volunteer and have been helping us for free during all this long time?” I have faced this question so many times and it has never been easy to come up with an answer. That’s why I truly recommend being part of this wonderful project for a few months to understand me a little bit better. To all the teachers and the unique students I have met, THANKS FOR TEACHING ME!