CHLOE (THE U.K.)

Volunteered From JULY 2021 TO AUGUST 2021

2021 I was lucky to find myself with a free summer in between leaving my previous job and going back into education and I wanted to use that time wisely. At home in the UK I volunteer as a teacher for refugees and I had always been interested in working with unaccompanied refugee youth, so when I found the Habibi Center online and interviewed with the lovely Steph- I knew it was the perfect organisation for me! I had an incredible time working at the Habibi Center and only wish I could have stayed longer. The students are extraordinary individuals. I expected there would be teething issues, there always are when working with teenagers, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way I was warmly welcomed and respected straight away. My students were curious, enthusiastic and disciplined. I’ve never taught students with such commitment to their learning or determination to succeed- it was incredible. None of my students saw themselves as victims, their maturity and resilience was mind-blowing and I found this perhaps the most humbling thing of all. The Habibi Center is unique in that it is not only a school but it is a family. Students are taught to love and respect one and other regardless of background and this really demonstrates itself in the classes. I loved watched friendships develop between my new students! I was also surprised with how strong a bond I personally created with my students in such a short space of time, I know we will stay in touch and I hope to see many of them in the future! If you want to make a difference, join the Habibi Center. It won’t always be easy and you may experience emotional challenges along the way, but it will be an experience like no other and impact your life and the lives of the students forever. Steph and Alex are amazing people and I have the utmost respect for the work they do! This is not the end of my journey with the Habibi Center, it is only the beginning and I hope to return again next summer.