Stories of Hope
Discover our ‘Stories of Hope’: Real-life accounts from our Teachers that inspire unity, resilience, and optimism for the future.
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…
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…
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…
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!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
ELVAN (BELGIUM)
in TeachersELVAN (BELGIUM) Volunteered From JULY 2023 TO SEPTEMBER 2023 2023 I am truly grateful for having had the opportunity to spend these 2 months at the Habibi Center, and for getting to meet and teach the amazing students there with the help of an amazing team. It was a truly invaluable time where I discovered…
HUGO (FRANCE)
in TeachersHUGO (FRANCE) Volunteered From JULY 2023 TO AUGUST 2023 2023 It was a pleasure to teach and meet all of the students and teachers, at Habibi Center. Thanks for everything and all of the things we did together. I will also keep this first experience in a foreign country, in my mind because it was…
AHMAD (SWEDEN)
in TeachersAHMAD (SWEDEN) Volunteered From JUNE 2023 TO JULY 2023 2023 My two months as a volunteer teacher at Habibi Center have been an extraordinary journey filled with heartwarming connections and unforgettable experiences. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this dedicated team and contribute, in my own small way, to the lives…
DAVID (THE NETHERLANDS)
in TeachersDAVID (THE NETHERLANDS) Volunteered From MARCH 2023 TO JUNE 2023 2023 Unimaginable… that would be the sole description of my experience at Habibi Center. My background is not related to teaching, though I knew I liked working with teenagers through teenage camps I’ve led. So I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I really love…
DANIELLA (SOUTH AFRICA)
in TeachersDANIELLA (SOUTH AFRICA) Volunteered From MARCH 2O23 TO MAY 2023 2023 I’ve love my two months at Habibi Center. My most treasured moments are those when the English book gets set aside and conversation flows, when questions get bounced back and forth, and my students and I can have that moment of connection. Teaching at…
SHARLYN (THE U.S.A.)
in TeachersSHARLYN (THE U.S.A.) Volunteered From MARCH 2O23 TO MAY 2023 2023 Working with international refugees has been on my mind and heart for several years. I read their stories in the news, and I want to help support these people as they struggle to find new homes and better lives. I often think, “This could…
TATIANA (THE U.S.A.)
in TeachersTATIANA (THE U.S.A.) Volunteered From FEBRUARY 2023 TO APRIL 2023 2023 I don’t think words are able to properly describe the Habibi Center. This place gives you a special feeling. Volunteering here exceeded all expectations I had. This nonprofit is unique, loving, and most of all a family. After my first week here it was…
STIJN (THE NETHERLANDS)
in TeachersSTIJN (THE NETHERLANDS) Volunteered From JANUARY 2023 TO FEBRUARY 2023 2023 I think the fact that my two months of teaching at Habibi have felt like two weeks, describes my experience best. It was great to work with my students on a more intense level. Having a small class for 5 days a week really…
PIPPA (CANADA)
in TeachersPIPPA (CANADA) Volunteered From JANUARY 2023 TO MARCH 2023 2023 These past three months at the Habibi Center have easily been the most gratifying in my 30 plus years of teaching English. I think I’ve come to understand how teachers “touch the future” such is the hunger for learning I’ve witnessed among the students every…
NAYA (GREECE)
in TeachersNAYA (GREECE) Volunteered From JANUARY 2023 TO MARCH 2023 2023 So the two -month teaching experience at Habibi Center is coming to an end. I’ve been an English teacher for almost all my adult life but this was a unique experience that will stay carved in my head forever. I had only taught Greek students…
