Hamid – (Afghanistan) student from may 2023 to October 2023
Hello, I am Abdolhamid. I am 16 years old. I am from Afghanistan. I have been coming to HC for 7 or 8 months. The first days had been extremely difficult until I learnt English after a short time. I learnt about 50 or 60 percent of English with HC’s help. Learning English was one of my dreams. I thank Habibi Center so much[ with the world]. I am thankful for Habibi Center’s help to me and all refugees. I am very sad because I am not able to continue with Habibi Center, I have to say goodbye. As a matter of fact, HC was not a course for me because I knew Habibi Center as my home. Now, I am sad because I am leaving my home.
Kamila – (Afhanistan) student from february 2023 to september 2023
Sometimes beautiful moments happen in life and cause hope, motivation and self-knowledge.
For me, getting to know HABIBI CENTER was and is one of these moments. A different calm atmosphere, students and teachers who came from all over the world and shared moments together.
The pleasure of being in this place was worth four hours of daily travel and I am happy that these beautiful days are among my memories.
Stephanie and Camille’s sincere and selfless efforts were very attractive to me, especially since they were independent women, and it gave me more confidence to follow my desires.
Far from expecting, this place was full of different activities, such as English classes, workshops, computer classes, online computer courses for those interested in certain fields, preparation for the GED exam, etc.
Thank you very much, the best team 💚💚
Basmala – (Egypt) student from january 2022 to july 2023
Well, I’m very happy that I met the best teachers but more lucky I spent the nicest moments there I want to thank all the teachers who were there and helped me because every day they made me believe in myself and that I can succeed so that I got and my final certificate as I want to say to each teacher thank you very much because they were the best❤
Steeve (cameroon) – student from january 2023 to july 2023
Hi!, I’m Steeve
Hope y’all doing well.
In this short note, I’m going to send my gratitude to the (CEO) Mrs. Stephanie and to all my teachers especially Mrs. Camille . Also, I’m going to share my little journey with HABIBI CENTER
I came long way, hard moments that I’m not going to say more on that. Then, got an opportunity; I said why not. I’ve been brought to HABIBI CENTER and there ,I experienced stuff unexpected which I didn’t thought of it before
I’m from the English part in Cameroon and the other part speaks French. Never been to school but with HABIBI CENTER I learned lots of stuff. Firstly, they helped in improving my skill in language I was speaking which was English. Later, I got my IT teacher very kind man who trained me on information technology in which I got a certificate. Guess what guys, I participated on the school magazine of HABIBI CENTER and my task was `words from the editors’. You guys have to read the book. I can’t say more because if I start writing on the moments I got with HABIBI CENTER honestly its going to take a book.
Thanks for the opportunity and help you guys are doing for we all . Grateful for all the support I had there. By the way guys, I got a B grade on the CAMBRIDGE CERTIFICATION.
LOVE YOU ALL,ME.
Pouya (Afghanistan) – Student from October 2021 to September 2022
# hey everyone!
I’m not poya ,
In this very short text I’m going to thank my very family like teachers who thought me how to become good at English 
.
First of all I have to admit that, in the time I spent there learning English ;-) I learnt way more things then I expected. Many of which cannot be explained,Many of whom cannot be forgotten and many of them even spoken, but I’m happy that I got to face them they helped me go through alot of problems which I had at the time , very nice very caring teachers 
which I couldn’t take full advantage of while learning, all I could do was to get the best result in b1 Cambridge exams which I’m totally not bragging about . but to be honest they were able to make me care about stuff again a kid who didn’t believe in him self
literally they make something out of nothingness 
Walla 
. I guess that’s just how teachers work though. but still the patience you must have to teach me, an outrageous student is unbelievable. they made me remember that even I’m capable of making mistakes so don’t put alot of pressure on your self .always put a piece of joy next to the knowledge you want to acquire this way you will suffer less from your miserable life . Don’t be like me and enjoy the learning procedure 
by the way no ones life is miserable we just tend to get warmed up by the difficulties of life sometimes and that’s completely normal keep moving on strong, every one is different if they count them selves as individuals
thanks to all my hard working teachers at Habibi Center
Matthew English
Camille
Arthur IT Teacher
CV workshop teachers
Stephanie and at last, my beloved one Alex.
Love you all,
Poya
Nasim (Afghanistan) – Student from October 2021 to September 2022
As someone who has been traveling from an early age from one country to another alone and never had the feeling of having a stable place and security despite, living in different places and has met hundreds of people and being in dozen of institutions, language courses, Habibi Center has been my second home and it definitely is because of the amazing people there, who have extreme dedication in helping the young teenagers to have a better future.
In this place you will not just learn a foreign language, there are people that make you feel at home by listening and understanding your journey and helping you through hard times and give you the confidence to face challenges in life without ANY discrimination against your religion, skin color or culture.
I deeply appreciate their phenomenal and endearing kindness, dedication, compassion and commitment.
God bless you people.
Alizada Nasim
Javad (Afghanistan) – Student from January 2022 to June 2022
Hello everyone
My name is Javad and I’m from Afghanistan but I was born in Iran. I was one of the students in Habibi center. I want to say about my experience in this lovely school ,
When I arrived in Athens I couldn’t speak English and I went to several classes but I didn’t improve because they were not serious in teaching.
After two or three months one of my friends introduced Habibi center to me, I thought this is like other classes that I went, but when I went I realized that I can improve everyday especially in my speaking.
At the end when I finished the B1 level I compared myself with three months ago I wasn’t shy to speak English with others and I’m really happy that I found Habibi center on that time
I want to say thank you to my kind and hard-working teacher that I learned a lot from her.
And I really appreciate Habibi center because they’re teaching language to children without any expectations 
Mossa (Afghanistan) – Student from July 2020 to March 2022
Hello everyone!!!
My name is Mossa, I born in Afghanistan.
I was one of the Habibi Center’s lucky students.
When I arrived in Athens, I didn’t know how to speak in English,so after a while my friend and I we decided to learn it.We searched for some organizations that we can learn this sweet international language. After that by our friend’s helping we found Habibi Center.
I remember my first days in Habibi Center since I was very shy and disappointed I preferred to be in silence but after a while I could feel there is something changing in my heart and my mind, by everyday I could see improvement in my mind and my life. Honestly Habibi Center was a bright light in middle of my dark room.
In the end I have to say a big oh no!! huge thanks to the Habibi Center’s teachers who are teaching and helping the children without any expectation the only thing that they want is to see the student’s improvement.
I appreciate your work my lovely and kind teachers I’ll never ever forget you hope to see you soon all.
Mahmoud (Syria) – Student from July 2019 to August 2021
Hey folks! I’m Mahmoud, 20 years old. I’m from Syria. I was in Habibi Center for slightly over than 2 years. At first, I was asked by my shelter to be registered for English classes, so the journey began with Habibi Center. I joined it to enable myself to be able to talk to others as I was really poor at English. Once I got started I felt a bit anxious about meeting people as I couldn’t communicate with them. Before long, I started getting along with new people and friendly, motivating, empowering and educating teachers I felt more confident to learn. The positive environment there is incredibly brilliant toward us. There they have built up my mindset as well. It was a long journey with Alex who I owe him a lot and I had enjoyable time while he was teaching us and all his motivation and being realistic.
Honestly, Habibi Center made me independent, forward-looking and aware while I’m living in Greece. I gave to it all my attention to learn and support all participants at school. With all due respect, Habibi Center
Tayebe (Afghanistan) – Student from May 2019 to August 2021
I am Tayebe and I am 19 years old. My nationality is Afghan but I was born as well as I grew up in Iran. I was at the Habibi Center for 3 years. I had a friend who was going to the Habibi Center and I asked her if I could go there too. So my social worker talked to one of Habibi’s teachers. I met her and she was very kind and happy. I went to Habibi and she asked me some questions and then she explained the rules of the Habibi like I have to be on time, every day I should go there, do my homeworks and so on.
I was so excited and I couldn’t imagine meeting one of the best teachers. I didn’t expect him to be like that. I thought he had a formal style but he wasn’t. He was as special as he could be. I haven’t met anyone like him. He didn’t care about where you were from or if you were a girl or boy. He was concentrating on his teaching. However, my teacher was so strict to us. I got a lot of positive things from him like, follow whatever you believe in, don’t be afraid of trying something new, be on time, respect other people. I am glad that I met my teachers and I wish the best luck for them.
Asil (Afghanistan) – Student from April 2019 to May 2020
Hey!! My name is Asil, I come from Afghanistan and I’m 17 years old.
Two years ago, I was one of Habibi Center’s students. I studied English there almost one year. On that time, I wasn’t able to speak English or Greek. I had only one wish and it was to speak English, to communicate with different people and make new friends. One of my friends, called Neymar, was already studying in Habibi Center and he gave me some information about the Habibi Center, then I thought it’s a good opportunity to take an advantage and learn English. I went to Habibi Center, it was an exciting day I still remember, that Stephanie opened a book and she told me read let me see how you can read it, I started to read the book but it wasn’t really well so she said is going to be good if you start from beginning.
Moreover, at first, I thought it’s just a normal class as others, but after a while I realized no this is what I wanted an English class with a lovely atmosphere like it attract me to come every day and continue learning English with amazing teachers. I didn’t learn English only there, I learned how to be kind how to be friendly and how you can give positive energy to others without paying something. I didn’t pay anything to Habibi Center because it was for free and I appreciate them to make this opportunity for refugees, I think learning English is very important because English is an international language who almost everyone can speak all over the world. So, after a year I learned to speak English no one could believe me, all I have is because of Habibi Center I never can forget their help.
I’m really grateful of Habibi Center and beautiful teachers hope one day I can pay back a little of your kindness.
Mahdi (Afghanistan) – Student from September 2020 to May 2021
Hi! I am Mahdi and I am 18 years old. I am originally from Afghanistan. However I was born and raised in Iran.
And I was in Habibi Center for about 10 months.
Actually, for the first time my social worker told me about the Habibi Center. And she asked me if I was interested in it. And so ,I gladly accepted it because I did like to improve my English skills.
On the first day, I had a combination of feelings. Actually, I was kind of anxious and meanwhile I was excited too, however I found my confidence after a while and I got along quite well with the teacher and my classmates. My teacher and my classmates treated me nicely and they were quite kind since I was a new student. In addition, my teacher was always welcome to answer our questions. And these things inspired me.
I can boldly say that Habibi Center was the greatest place to learn English which I have ever seen in my whole life.
They have designed every single class. Furthermore, you can see many unique paintings and adorable and colorful crafts everywhere in the center which are made by students.
Joining the Habibi Center was a big leap for me and helped me to expand and improve my English skills a lot. In addition, I have learned some things which are quite valuable for me. I saw my teachers trying hard to help us and make a better educational day for us without getting any payment. In the Habibi Center, we were all from different countries like Spain, Afghanistan, and Syria and we were like a big and happy family. And they helped me a lot with my living in Greece. I felt like a member of a family since I had started going there. I was happy and I felt good.
Finally, I would like to thank my teachers Edward and Alex. Edward was my first teacher there and he was a nice and patient teacher but he was my teacher just for a short period. And then Alex became my teacher. I do not know how to describe him. I would say that he is so special. He was like a great teacher, quite kind and sometimes tough. He was an inspiration to us. He made a lot of efforts for our success without any expectation from us.
I hope one day I can make them be proud of me.
The Habibi Center has a place in my heart with Alex, Edward, all the other teachers and students, and they will always be a part of me.
Fahimeh (Undisclosed) – Student from January 2020 to August 2021
Hi! I’m Fahimeh, 18 years old. I was in Habibi Center for a year and almost 6 months.
I got to know this lovely organization from my friend. I remember her saying how much she could improve her English in a short period of time. Her compliment about this mysterious Habibi Center encouraged me to ask my social worker to register me there if it’s possible.
After a while of studying there, I couldn’t part ways with this rewarding and nurturing organization even though my whole days were fully covered by the school and extra classes.
In Habibi Center, this empathetic and casual place I didn’t only learn how to talk, read and write English but how to live in a loving way. The humble and mannerly teacher that I had taught me that life is beyond ordinary human experience and material things. I learned life can be way nicer if we help and love each other.
F.H (Afghanistan) – Student from March 2019 to July 2020
Hello, my name is F.H. and I’m from Afghanistan.
I was in Habibi Center for almost a year and a half and I found it through the house where I lived. I joined at Habibi Center to improve and strengthen my English.
I felt embarrassed the first day (because I am a shy person by nature) until Stephanie started teaching and by the end of the class I came to the conclusion that she was very good and fluent in explaining the lesson and I felt better. And every day I felt better about the classroom environment, the excellent way they were taught, and most importantly the friendly and patient behavior of Alex and Stephanie.
Apart from English, the best thing I learned there was that by being kind, you can have the best moments of life and best friends without any expectations.
Habibi Center helped me a lot. In the days when I did not feel good, I forgot everything for all the hour and a half that I was there, and I had the best moments with other students and, of course, the best teacher in the world, Mr. Alex, to whom I owe this. It was their kindness and good feeling that they passed on to all the students and they all treated each other very well and friendly, willingly or unwillingly, and I think no one there felt bad and will not.
I Love them forever and ever and I hope one day I can help the Habibi Center.
Mehdi (Afghanistan) – Student from November 2020 to November 2021
Hello to everyone! I’m Mehdi 18 years old and from AFG! I was a student of Habibi Center for one year! It was so amazing time and interesting place for me. I have found lots of value things from there, like friends and knowledge, skills, confidence and especially I met with my kind and nice Camille! And other teachers too, this place, these people helped me to be sociable! I remembered that when I came in Greece I couldn’t even have a short and simple conversation with people because of my language! Of course, not in Greek, I’m talking about international language! English!! And right now I can even write enough and easily read and speaking! Thanks to all teachers and I’m so grateful, appreciate Habibi Center and who’s helped me .
Fatemeh (Afghanistan) – Student from October 2020 to May 2021
Hi! I’m Fatemeh. I’m 18 years old from Afghanistan.
I was a student of Habibi Center for about 6 months.
I couldn’t communicate with others because I couldn’t speak Greek or English fluently, that’s why I avoided talking to others, and I became a silent and isolated person. That’s not good!
When my friends talked about the Habibi Center, I thought it was a school but it was a house!
Yes, a house!!
A house where teachers are the parents and students are the children.
The first day I met Alex.
I was happy to be able to go to Habibi Center and learn English and be able to connect with the community.
After a while, I felt good that I could more or less do my own thing and participate in discussions (My self-confidence had risen).
In Habibi Center, there are students with different nationalities, customs and languages but, we all spoke the same language and we followed the principle of humanity and equality.
Habibi Center can be considered a small-scale global alliance.
Finally, I thank my teachers Alex, Stephanie, Israe, Jake, Matthew.
Wishing you all the best
Habibi Center
Mahamad (Iraq) – Student from January 2020 to May 2021
Hello to everyone!
My name is Mohamad. I am twenty years old and I am from Iraq. I was taking English classes in Habibi Center for one and a half year.
I learned about Habibi Center while I was living in the “Orion” shelter for refugees. After I came from my country of origin, I was hosted in this shelter for many months and the staff proposed to me to begin English lessons there to improve my skills. The truth is that when I entered Greece I could speak only Arabic and it was very difficult for me to communicate with everyone around me. Furthermore, English is the international language and I thought that it would be challenging for me to study it. Apart from the educational level, Habibi Center was a nice opportunity for me to socialize and meet new people, considering the fact that I had just come to Greece and I needed social network and support in every level.
The first days in Habibi Center were challenging and difficult for me. I felt a little bit lost and nervous being in a new place with new people. Also, I was feeling very shy at the beginning and I wanted to avoid the interpersonal contacts, because I could not communicate with them. However, the teacher made me feel comfortable and quickly I started enjoying learning the language. He was very talented in what he was doing and he always found the way to help us. Week by week, I started improving the level of the language and I was finally able to both understand the others and express myself at the same time. I started feeling more self confident and that helped me to come closer to people and make many friends.
Habibi Center was not only a chance for me to learn a new language. It was also a reason, as I mentioned above, to meet new people and become more sociable. The most important thing, though, is that I had the opportunity to meet teachers who taught me important values in life. Only the fact that they were all working voluntarily and at the same time they were enjoying themselves it was very enlightening for me. Furthermore, each of them had different country of origin and we all had the chance to exchange information and enrich our way of thinking by accepting the diversity.
Staying in Greece was very difficult and stressful for me, especially in the beginning. It was a whole new experience for me. Also, I was looking forward to reunify with my brother in Germany and the legal procedures made me very nervous. Habibi Center helped me during all this procedure. I learned how to be patient and living in the moment, although I was thinking all the time about my future. I really improved my social skills, as I said before, because I could finally communicate with others without looking strange to them. The most important thing, though, was that my education there gave me a sense of independence. I could finally move outside alone in the center of Athens, without needing anyone to translate for me or talk instead of me. I could read, I could ask for whatever I needed and for sure I could live better in the shelter, as I started communicating more efficiently with the staff.
Of course what I gave to Habibi Center is nothing comparing to what the people from there gave to me. To be honest, I gave my teachers gratitude and kindness because they deserved it after all those things they offered to all of us. I really felt grateful for the skills I obtained, the human values I was taught, the people I met and the whole experience I had the chance to live. They helped me to grow up and feel more mature in many levels and they made my stay in Greece more interesting, fun and enriching. I hope one day I will be able to work in a place like this and have the chance to offer the same things to other refugees or minorities who need them.
Mohamad.
Maher (Iraq) – Student from August 2016 to December 2017
First of all, hello to everyone who’s reading this! My name is Maher, I’m 19 years old and I am from Iraq. I was a student at Habibi Center 5 years ago, I was studying in Habibi Center about a year and a half. As one of the first students of Habibi Center, I think that place is extremely the best thing I have experienced in my life. For me Habibi Center is not a school, for it is a home that I was raised in during the time I was there. Habibi Center gave me the hope I lost after I moved out from Iraq because of the war there. Before Habibi Center was built I was looking somehow to learn English because I knew how important it will be for me to educate myself in Greece. So I met Stephanie in Katsikas. That time she was working in a kitchen where she and some other people were serving food to the refugees in the camp, and she was also giving English lessons to some of my friends. So I liked the idea of it and wanted to learn English as soon as I can. Stephanie helped me by reading books at the beginning, then Habibi Center was built then Stephanie and Toby told us to join the school. My excitement was pure. I can say that I was the happiest person in the world when Habibi Center was opened. The first day and the last day of my journey in Habibi Center was the same, because the people there never saw us but with love, they were a part of us and they still are.
Sahar (Afghanistan) – Student from January 2018 to January 2020
I am Sahar Nazari, 19 years old. I was born in Iran but my nationality is Afghan. Two years ago, I could not speak English or Greek and I wanted to know people, history and society. So, I asked my social worker to go to an English language school. She suggested me Habibi Center. The first day of the class in Habibi Center was normal, but after one month, I was able to notice my academic progress and I had a good relationship with the teachers. Habibi Center wasn’t anymore just a language class for me, it was a school of life that taught me how to live in Europe. Habibi Center taught me how to harmonize with European society, and to realize that I’m an equal, they aren’t better or smarter than me. Taught me to help others with my knowledge or my activity, not just money. Habibi Center gave me a tongue so that I can speak. I can make many friends from all over the world, find work, and travel easily. I even found work in Sweden and I do my online shopping. I did my asylum program in Greece. I can only say thank you from the bottom of my heart HABIBI CENTER.
Arash (Afghanistan) – Student from February 2019 to January 2020
I’m a citizen of Afghanistan. I was born on 5th of June 2002 in Tehran capital city of Iran.
Habibi Center, a small place which doesn’t even look like a school at first glance. When I moved to Athens Greece. I couldn’t speak English except a few simple words so I start looking for an English course and one of my friends told me about Habibi center. Then I found out the WhatsApp number, email and their Facebook account so I wrote them from three different ways and Stephanie thought it was three different people.
The teacher gave me an appointment and I went there for the very first time. I went in through the kitchen to take a test, it was a small and friendly environment. After the exam she decide to put me in a class which was a bit easy for me and then they changed my class to another class and we start learning English and preparing for Cambridge KET Exam (A2) and a few months later for PET (B1).
It didn’t take a long time to become friends with teachers and other students. We were like family, a big family from different countries different cultures and different languages.
I remember Stephanie made us do push-up when we spoke Persian in the class and it was the funniest penalty in our class, I miss those days and you guys so much. I hope I can meet you again in my lifetime.
Now I am in Switzerland and have opened a new page of my life I can speak English and communicate with people only because of Habibi center and I owe this to Habibi center and our teachers. As all of us know when you move to another country language is the most important thing you probably have to deal with and if you don’t know the language you are kind of dumb (mute or speechless).
I just want to thank my teachers Stephanie Martinez, Alex LM, SusanaM.Tercero, Aaron Hackman, Anne Uusitalo and all those who support Habibi Center from around the world Thank you guys so much for every thing you have done for me and for hundreds of refugees who lost their homes their lands who cross the Aegean sea in a plastic boat who run from war and risk their lives to make a better world, a world free of war full of peace and tranquillity.
Mustaeed (Afghanistan) – Student from January 2019 to May 2020
Hello my name is Mustaeed Alizada. I’m 15 years old. I come from Afghanistan. I was a student in Habibi Center for about 1 year. I was living in one shelter house in Athens. I was searching to find English class and I told to my social worker her name is Nancy to find for me English course. We went to the Habibi center with my social workers and the first day I met Stephanie and Alex, two young people with a good character and respectful. The first day I couldn’t speak English but I could understand English. I took a test and the next day I started my lessons. I joined in Habibi Center because I really wanted to learn English and have experience with different people. After a few weeks my English was improving day by day and sometimes I was going with refugee to translate and help them in some office and hospital. Alex and Stephanie tried very hard to get the guys to learn English. They taught us with out us paying money. Also Alex and Stephanie weren’t just teachers they were also friendly and were like part of my family. I learned from Habibi Center humanity respect and I can’t describe it, how good they are and everything was perfect. In new country that I live at the moment, I can’t speak very good German but I solve my problems with English. Also especial thanks to my teachers or my second family Alex and Stephanie that they taught me how to speak English and communicate with people. I hope I could one day give back something good for Habibi Center and make the Habibi Center A bigger school that people can learn English with many facilities.
Chamran – Student from March 2018 to June 2018
Being in Greece as a refugee was hard and it is harder without any communication skills.
Although the official language is Greek, being able to speak a good level of English can decrease your problems.
Since there operate many international organizations and a wide network of volunteers from abroad, English can open many doors for you with new connections.
It was three years ago that I was informed about Habibi Center (Stephanie and Alex) and I decided to attend it back then.
I was in a pre-intermediate class with Stephanie teaching it; this class was really welcoming and you feel at home there. I still remember the friendly circles we used to form during the sessions.
Stephanie and all other teachers were skillful, humble, and passionate. Teaching from personal experience, they were excited to teach you and even to mentor you.
Thanks to that class, my English is so much better than before, and I could already see so much improvement when I was in the class.
I must express the value those teachings brought to my life, writing this testimonial is the least I could do but I hope it inspires you.
Now, these words are to Steph: “Your class was something I looked forward to during my week and I appreciate your generosity and authenticity with your students.”
Habibi Center is great for anyone and I highly recommend it.
N.R (Afghanistan) – Student from June 2018 to July 2019
My name is N. R. I’m 17 years old, from Afghanistan. I started at Habibi Center in September 2018. I found Habibi Center through my friends. I join Habibi Center to learn English language better. I met Stephanie in my first day and she was very kind and friendly to me like always. She asked some questions and gave a paper to write then she told me that I can join Habibi Center. I was very happy that day. I had different teachers in Habibi Center and I learned a lot from each of them. Alex , Nicole, Evjia, Stephanie. In first day of class I felt very happy Alex was my teacher. He is the perfect man, kind, honest. He taught me how to write properly. Then I had Nicole as a teacher. I learned how to write a letter or a story. Evjia, she is the most beautiful woman that I know. I was feeling very good with her. learned grammar with her. Stephanie, she was working with us for Cambridge Exam. Although sometimes I was skipping my homework. After a few weeks, I felt very close with all of my teachers. I felt that I am not alone anymore in Greece. When ever I had problems, I could talk with my teachers and discuss about the things. At that time that Stephanie and Evjia escorted me to Habibi Center because of the problems that I had I was not allowed to go alone out and they were coming every day to pick me up with a smile. I will never forget and I am really grateful to have them in my life and even now we have contact together. My teachers help me a lo. By learning the language I didn’t have fear to go out and talk to people. I did the Exam and I got A2 certificate from Cambidge. Habibi Center helped me a lot in Greece. After a while when ever I had a appointment I didn’t want to have a translator to translate for me. I am living in Germany now. When I came to Germany because I learned English good in Greece I didn’t have any problem to talk and go out or ask for something, and I learned the language so fast because of the English that I learned in Habibi Center. Habibi Center doesn’t give you language, it is place that a lot of people talk, understand and connect with each other from different countries, language, nationalities and religion and colors. Stephanie even though I made you mad sometimes, I really feel proud that I met you and all of my teachers. I wish that I become like you one day, a very strong woman. Thank you for each of your minutes that you guys gave for us.
David (Afghanistan) – Student from January 2019 to August 2019
Hello I’m David. My beautiful teacher and I together chose this name for me. My nationality is Afghan and I’m living in UK at the moment. For almost 8 months, I had this chance to be one of the Habibi Center’s students, so we can say that in this case I was lucky. I don’t know how I can describe teachers there, but I can say everything was perfect and I saw God in their hearts. They were the ones who loved us without us being their family. They taught us language without taking money from us. They provided place for education without asking us for money. The teachers from the Habibi Center were incredibly kind and honest. They were working hard to teach and help their students. That’s why after 2 months I didn’t feel I’m a student in Habibi Center. I felt we are a family from different places full of love and happiness and Habibi Center helped made it possible. Mr. Alex, Mr. Vaggelis and Stephanie looked after us and our lessons, like a bigger sister and brother. Yes, they are my second family and they will be. I have a lot of wonderful memories from there and I will never forget them. I was always ready to go to Habibi Center, I never felt tired. Our teachers were always full of positive energy and smiles on their face. It helped us to learn the lessons easily. When I started to learning English language at Habibi Center I knew only a few words but after a few months I could speak so much. And that was because of my teachers’ efforts for me. I’m not going to say my English is perfect but I can speaking, reading, writing, communicate and make friends with English people. I owe this to the Habibi Center. Doing what I said would not be easy work without the help of the Habibi Center. In addition to language, they taught and showed the true meaning of humanity to me. I was good at growing in my body but they were the ones who helped me grow my mind. I love them and I appreciate them. And a special thanks to those who support the Habibi Center. I love you all.
Jaafar (Afghanistan) – Student from October 2018 to July 2019
My name is Jaafar. I am 19 years old and I am from Afghanistan. At the moment I live in London capital city of England. I left Afghanistan in January 2014, I went to Iran and I stayed there for three years. After these much time I left Iran and then I went to Turkey. When I arrived in Turkey I found many problems. Because I didn’t know any languages and I couldn’t communicate with other people. I was like a dumb person, and I didn’t feel comfortable wherever I was going. So that time I decided to learn English language. But unfortunately it was so tricky to find an English course in Turkey for me. After a few months I left Turkey and then I went to Chios island of Greece. There I found an English course. And I went to that classes. So I have learned English alphabet with some vocabularies there. And then I went to Athens capital city of Greece. When I come to Athens, I was trying to find a new English course. Because I wanted to improve my English language and I didn’t want to stop halfway. Finally I met a new friend. He were studying English at Habibi Centre. I asked him about Habibi Centre how it is. And then he described Habibi Centre to me. I was really really excited to go there. So when we got there, then I rang the doorbell. A young lady opened the door with a smile and kindness. She greeted me very respectfully, and welcomed us. I was really impressed with her respectful, with a smiling face and beautiful demeanor. After that I asked her if it’s possible to register there. And she said yeah why not. Then she took my WhatsApp number, because that time she had teach her students. And she said I will let you know, at what time you should become. The next day she texted to me, to come the Habibi Centre. So the next day I went to the Habibi Centre, then she gave me a small test, because to find out my level. After test, she told me that could you come to the class tomorrow. At that moment I was really happy and excited. I said yeah yeah, tomorrow I will be here. Even on the first day, I felt comfortable, because she had putted me the same class with my new friend and also the other students were looks nice to me. I was student in Habibi Centre for 9 months. When I started English in Habibi Centre, I could not speak English. But I could understand a little bit. After start, day by day my English has improved in Habibi Centre. Because our teachers taught with love and affection for us. They were working really hard to teach us how to be comfortable, and how make communicate with others people. when I was studying in Habibi Centre. One day I realized we are a big family here, we had respect to each other, and we were happy all the times. We had a lot of fun in HabibiCentre, while studying, for example we played football, went to the beach and joking together. At Habibi Centre I didn’t only learned English. But also learned how to be kind, polite, having good behavior with big small, understanding others, and showing respect to every single one. I will ever never forget those unforgettable moments. We are thankful of the teachers and everyone who mate it possible for us. Result studying at Habibi Centre. One . I’ve learned a lot of things, could say like writing, reading, and so much English vocabularies. Two. I met wonderful people, relationship, and honesty. Three, Habibi Centre changed my life and guided me in the right direction. At the moment I feel so comfortable and now I can communicate with different people very easily. I’m always thankful of those who did their best for us at Habibi Centre. I can’t describe Habibi Centre in a few words, with their amazing people and their biggest hearts. Have to say again million million thanks to Habibi Centre and everyone who made possible for us.
Reflective (Undisclosed) – Student since February 2019
Habibi Center, it may sound like just a name but it’s more than just a name. It’s very important to us and personally, to me. It’s my heartbeats and without heartbeats, no one can live so do I and I am sure I am not the only one who feels like this. Habibi Center boosts confidence and apart from studying teaches us to establish and maintain things in every condition, and helps us learn how to work together as a team, which is a primary tenet of any successful society. Habibi Center is a place where we learn enough worthwhile things to make a strong start in life and where we develop the desire to learn more. All the credit goes to those who ran Habibi Center.
I’m so grateful that I am part of the Habibi Center. Thank you, Miss Stephanie, for emboldening me. Your positivity and encouragement brightened my days. You made me a better, more thoughtful person. You are one of the sweetest people and teachers I’ve ever known.
Aziza (Iraq) – Student from August 2016 to January 2017
My name is Aziza. I am 18 years old and I am from Iraq.
When I was 15, I went to Greece and everything was very difficult for us: to speak English and to know other people. I lost my friends and everything in my country and I was so lonely. My hopes were cut in school. I thought that I would never be able to go to school again, but one day I moved to a camp in Katsikas with my family and met new people and got to know friends in Katsikas.
One day I was looking at people and I told myself how they can speak English because learning English was one of my dreams. Next day Steph and Toby came and they asked us if we wanted to join Habibi Center to learn English language and how to use computers. I was so happy and I said of course I will come to Habibi Center and I want to learn English. Our wish was to learn English. The teachers taught us English and opened a school for us. They all taught us, helped, and gave us a new life. I remember my fırst day in Habibi Center had mixed feelings. I was a little nervous, a bit scared and very excited to meet new people. A few weeks later my feelings changed as time passed by. After that I wasn’t anxious anymore and I was satisfied to learn English and I met many friends.
I don’t know what to say. I can’t describe Habibi Center in a few words. When I arrived in Germany the English language helped me a lot. I had very nice teachers and I had a lot of contact with them. I learned a lot and had so much fun. We were like one family together. In short, Habibi Center was my second family. Thanks for everything and for teaching us. I will never forget that. I hope to see you all again Toby, Stephanie, Pablo, Alex, Eva, Anne, Emilio, Martin, Gomi, all teachers…
Bushra (Syria) – Student from January 2018 to November 2018
My name is Bushra. I’m from Syria. I’m 18 years old. I came to Athens when I was 17 years old.
One day I was so upset because I am losing my future and my big dreams and it’s really hard to start from zero but I said to myself I have to be more patient and stronger to face this hard circumstances. Next day I heard about Jasmine she is pretty good girl and she is the same age and she is studying English in Habibi Center. Then I decided to meet Jasmine to ask her about Habibi Center.
I was really excited to continue studying English because I had already a little bit in my school in Syria. I went to Habibi Center and I meet kind teachers and they helped me to improve my skills in English. After 3 months my teacher told me you are ready now to do B1 exam. I was really happy and surprised because in a short time I achieved what I want with my lovely teachers’ help. After studying in Habibi Center I traveled to Germany and now I am working as a translator for refugees from English to Arabic for 6 months.
I’m really thankful to Habibi Center.
M-Rateb (Syria) – Student from March 2018 to December 2018
I was a student in Habibi Center for more than 8 months. I was studying in another school (Greek public school) before I got to know Habibi Center. My friends used to study there and they told me about the center and how it works. I went there after I got the address and I registered with them and they told me: “you can start from tomorrow afternoon”. Actually I went because I wanted to improve my English language.
Honestly I was a little bit nervous because I had to make new friends and new teachers. I was like that around 1 week. The week after I felt the teachers knew me from a long time ago because they were so friendly and the students were amazing.
I spent a lovely time in Habibi Center and I’ve learned a lot of things like reading, writing, new words and all that because of the teachers. I really miss Habibi Center and the teachers who are working there.
I’m now living in UK (London). I’m very happy to live here and I can use the English language because I’ve learned the correct grammar from the Habibi Center.
Big thanks to the teachers and Habibi Center and to everyone who contributed to it.
Layla (Iraq) – Student from August 2016 to December 2017
My name is Layla and I’m from Iraq. Going to Habibi Center wasn’t only an opportunity for me to learn English but also a place to get my mind off of everything I was going through at the time. I will never forget the time I spent with all the incredible people I met there.
It was another normal day of my life doing absolutely nothing, when a teacher (Toby) and one of my friends asked me if I wanted to go to school. I couldn’t believe what I just heard to be honest. They said that I’m gonna be taking English and Computer classes. I was excited to finally learn English so that I could communicate with people from different countries and help others translate. The first day of school, we’re only two girls and the others were all boys. Each of us got a camera and we went to different places (restaurants, cafés, streets, etc.) to take pictures. Then we got back to school and we were asked to make different facial expressions. I chose SAD because I was too shy to show my face and that way I could cover it. Then we took photos of each other and had fun scanning them.
The next day I started English classes and I had a feeling I was already improving. Weeks went by and more and more people joined the school, which made everything even more amazing than it already was. I would wake up every day and be eager to go to school and see all of my favourite people. I mean, isn’t it everyone’s dream to spend time with people they love while learning something super important? After some time there were more classes (Art, Math, German, Greek and German) If I didn’t go to Habibi Center I wouldn’t be able to help my family in any way, I mean I was living with my grandparents and they were sick almost all the time and someone needed to stay with them at the hospital to translate and of course that someone was me.
Despite the circumstances, the teachers encouraged me to learn for my Cambridge English exams. I’m so beyond thankful that they paid for and prepared everything. I took it three times alongside my friends until I got to level B1. People always told me to stop learning English because they thought that I was gonna forget it anyways, but I never listened to any of that. When I got to Germany, I of course had a lot papers to do and I couldn’t do any of that without the help of English. Even now (after two years of living in Germany) I speak English whenever people don’t understand me.
I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart for everything Habibi Center has helped me with until now. I really don’t know how I would’ve done this without everyone’s help. My teacher (Stephanie) is the most amazing and inspiring person I’ve ever met in my life. Whenever it comes to helping others she’s the first to be there. One day I would like to be just like her.
Jasmin (Syria) – Student from August 2016 to May 2018
I am Jasmin and I am from Syria. Right now I live with my family in the south of Germany. Everyday I and my siblings go to school and our life is going well, but 3 years ago, I was 15 years old, and it wasn’t like this. I was with my mother, big sister and 4 brothers is Greece. We were in a village where we lived in a big camp with many people who wanted to travel to another country like us but we couldn’t travel because the border between Greece and Germany was closed. It was a very bad life because we lived in a tent and we couldn’t go to school. It was cold then but we didn’t give up.
My brother met a young woman who made a place to teach young people how to read and write because there were too many people who didn’t know how to read in their mother language. From the beginning I heard that she made bread for people who didn’t have money, then she made a place, which is called Habibi Center. I didn’t go there but my brother went because he needed to go more than me. After 4 months, I started to go and learn English and Maths. I learned how to read and write in English and so many funny things. But luck wasn’t with us because she planned to move the school to the capital of Greece. In that time we couldn’t change our place because of our organisation. I was sad but it wasn’t the end, don’t stop reading.
After 4 months our organization told us that we have to go to the same city where my teacher was. I was happy to hear that. We changed our place to the capital city of Greece. My teacher rented a house there and started to teach English. She had so many students from all the world. Some other teachers wanted to teach there too. I can’t explain how friendly and lovable they were. In short, they are the best people I met in my life.
After the hard times, I was enthusiastic to learn more English but it was nicer when I met a friend who wanted to learn too. She was Bushra and she is the same age as me and she also came from Syria. We improved our English very fast that’s why we did B1 together. Before she came to that class I did the A2 exam with other students. Every day I had 2 hours with students who were in the same level as me. Some of them had school before that course but they came because they liked to have lessons with our teacher.
I will never forget what I learned from her and I am going to do the same thing as her one day and help people. There are too many things I would like to tell you about but it’s going to be too long. I admire people who think about other people.
Raid (Iraq) – Student from August 2016 to October 2017
My name is Raid. I am 17 years old and I am from Iraq. When I was in Turkey I was trying to learn English because I knew that English is very important and global. After the borders opened between Turkey and Greece, we came by boat to Greece.
Before Habibi Center was founded I met the teachers at Habibi Kitchen which was a kitchen that cooked food for us and all the refugees who were in that camp. I was helping them in the kitchen. Actually I was not thinking of studying English at the kitchen but they told me and other guys that we have to learn English one hour every day and I was so happy to have this opportunity because it was always my dream to speak English fluently. After the kitchen was closed Steph and Toby, who were working as volunteers and teaching us English in the kitchen at the same time, decided to open the Habibi Center.
At the beginning of Habibi Center I could not actually go to Habibi Center every day because I was often busy with translating in hospitals inside the camp. I was going to Habibi whenever I had time because I knew that I can improve my English. We were going to Habibi Center on foot but then they rented a bus. The bus was coming to the camp, picking us up and bringing us to camp after school. After, UNHCR decided to separate the people who were in the camp, taking part of us to another village, but the teachers did not leave us. They had the bus pick us up from there also and bring us to Habibi Center.
After almost six months, UNHCR decided to move us again but this time was to Athens. After this decision I lost hope of ever going to Habibi Center and it was very difficult for me to leave people that I spent the best days of my life with and people that taught me English. After we moved, the teachers came to us in Athens. One teacher left because he had to go back home and there was only one teacher with us, which was Steph. She said that we are gonna open Habibi Center here. I was surprised and at the same time happy. I said that is gonna be great and I will be able to improve my English more and more.
Steph could not find somewhere to teach us in the beginning. Then she said that we will go to an Internet Café to study on the computers. We were doing our tasks in English and Math and sending on the internet to our teachers in Spain and England. Steph helped us and taught us to work and she and Toby and Alex were uploading tasks. We were doing these tasks and sending back to them to check it. After a couple days, Steph found an apartment and we were going there every day.
After studying for almost six months in Athens, the teachers came up with an idea of doing Cambridge exams. At the beginning I did not know anything about that but Steph explained to us how it is. I took A2 exam and I did not pass. Then, after 2-3 months I tried again and this time I passed. After my friends and I passed A2 exam, she started to prepare us for B1 exam. At this time my family was accepted to go to Germany. Two of my friends did not take B1 exam because they went to Germany before the exam. Two other friends and I took the B1 exam. After we took the exam, we came to Germany. I was very happy when I heard that I passed the exam and then, after Steph got a Certificate, she sent it to me to Germany
After being here in Germany for almost one year Steph asked me and my friends if we can meet again and we said okay. Then she came to Germany with Adam and taught us English here also. She wanted us to do B2 exam. We studied English for almost three weeks but we did not take the B2 exam because we did not have enough time to study for it. But we learned a lot of things.
I am now living in Germany and I am still able to speak English. I will take the B2 exam as soon as I get enough education for it. I always say that I was lucky to meet these kind people. I am very happy that I was a student in Habibi Center and I thank the teachers and everyone who made this great school possible.
From my heart, Raid Youssef
Sherif (Syria) – Student from January 2019 to November 2019
I’m Sherif. I was a student in Habibi Center for 10 months. I was studying at another school before Habibi Center. Then my old school closed and my teacher told me: “there is another school and we will go there to register you”. I accepted immediately because I wanted to improve my English language and I did not want to stop halfway. Then I went and spoke with the new teacher and I took a simple test to find out my level and the right class for me.
The next day of the registration was my first day in school. I was not comfortable because the place, students and teachers were new to me. In very short time it became very comfortable for me, I got used to the place and I made many new friendships.
There is usually a distance between students and teachers, but here we felt as if teachers were our friends and our siblings.
In those 10 months, I learned a lot and my English improved a lot. With the help of teachers and the school I could take the KET Cambridge exam, and I passed it with high marks I’d never expected! This is all thanks to the teaching and effort of teachers with me and with all students. The level of education is high and that helped me to improve more and more.
I spent a really great time in Habibi Center with lovely friends and teachers while I was studying there. I hope I’ll be back there someday to visit that cosy place and their great people.
Thanks to Habibi Center and to everyone who makes it possible!
Marwa (Afghanistan) – Student from March 2018 to May 2019
It was a warm day of March when I came to a shelter. I couldn’t speak English but I could understand a bit. I was worried about my future and what will happen. All that without being able to communicate very well.
After a couple of days the social worker of my shelter told me that I will go to an English school called Habibi Center to learn English. In those days I wasn’t well because I missed my family and it was almost 3 months I left them. After 3 months I had found a place where I felt safe and I thought: “okay, I will go but I don’t have money to pay”. With so much suffering I told my social worker: “I don’t want to go because I don’t have money to pay for going to this English school”. She laughed and said: “you don’t need to pay. It’s a free school. You can go and learn English without paying”. I couldn’t believe and she told me that some girls of my shelter were already going to Habibi Center. When the girls of my shelter came from school I asked one of them and she told me: “yeah, Habibi Center is for us like our second home and you don’t need to pay for learning there”.
I was still doubtful but the next day came and I prepared myself to go there with one of the girls because I didn’t know how to get there. When I reached the school, a girl opened the door and I saw an angel with a peaceful smile. She welcomed us and then she gave me a small test to know my level. After that test she told me: “you are good at learning and there is no need you start in Basic English”. I started coming to Habibi Center every day from 10:00 to 11:30.
I remember that every day I was with a special passion and interest in coming to class and day by day I improved and I made friends. I remember every night that I thought about Habibi Center before going to sleep.
The days quickly passed until my teacher said: “we are near to a big exam and you all guys should more push themselves for this exam. That moment I couldn’t understand which exam he was talking about and why we should take this exam. And I was a little bit shy and I didn’t ask about the details of this exam. After class I asked my friends and they told me: “it’s a Cambridge English exam and there is one every 6 months in Athens. The school will pay for it and we can get a certificate from Cambridge to show how much we learned English and open a shine way for our future because English is nowadays an international language”. When I heard all of that I was in shock and I couldn’t express my emotions about how nice my teachers were to sacrifice their time and money to help us to learn a language. That day tears ran down my face and I cried inconsolably. I will never forget that unforgettable day.
Everyday we were going to Habibi Center with willpower and a hard working attitude to pass the Cambridge exam. The day of the exam came and I remembered I had stress but, when I looked at my teacher how they encouraged us for take a good result, my stress changed to power, not only for taking a good result but to make them happy for all the hard work they did for us.
After that exam I took an A2 Certificate and because I had to travel to Netherlands for living l couldn’t continue at Habibi Center.
It was the 5th of May when I left my sweet home, Habibi Center. And on the 8th of May I also left Greece to go to the Netherlands. I should mention that by the blessing of Habibi Center I can speak well English in here and express myself in English.
Sometimes when people ask me: “how did you learn English?”, I tell them about Habibi Center and my teachers. They can’t believe that within a year I was able to learn English so well.
I appreciate my teachers and I want to say thank you for all the hard work and sacrifice teaching English to refugees’ girls and boys to have a good future.
You are unforgettable in our hearts.
With love from the bottom of my heart,
Marwa
Nargis (Afghanistan) – Student from August 2017 to April 2019
I am Nargis. I am 19 years old. I am from Afghanistan and I am living in Athens, Greece. It was two years ago when I met my future teacher in my shelter. That time I was living in Attiki. One day I was studying with my computer teacher in the corridor. It was in the afternoon when I saw that two girls came in my shelter. “Who are they?” I asked my social worker. “They are volunteers. They are teaching English,” she told me. Then my future teacher came and said hello to me. We met each other and she explained to me about her work in Greece and invited me to attend her classes. When I heard that, I was excited. I went to tell my social worker that I wanted to join Habibi Center, but she ignored me. “We don’t allow you because that area is dangerous for girls,” she said. But I didn’t give up and one day I called my future teacher and I said to her, “I want to be your student”. I was worried if she didn’t accept me, but when I called her and I asked, “can I attend your class?” she said, “Of course you can”. I felt a positive energy. When she invited me to see the school it was unbelievable because she came and picked me up from the metro station. I was surprised because I had never seen something like that in my whole life, even in my country. Her behaviour was so good and friendly. The first week that I came to Habibi Center I hid it from my shelter. After that, I explained to my shelter that there was a good teacher in that centre and she taught me very well. Finally, my shelter allowed me to go there.
It was very difficult for me to come to Habibi Center because I had Greek school and English class and I didn’t have time to eat lunch because I was finishing my Greek school at 2:30pm and I arrived to Habibi Center at 3:20pm. I loved the way my teacher taught me. I was very interested in Habibi Center. She also encouraged me to keep studying. It was like my sister was talking to me. I went to many courses in Athens, but I didn’t find out anything like Habibi Center. The other schools taught me the same lessons every day. For example, if one new student came to class, the teachers taught us the same things. Also, when teachers changed for a new one, we repeated again and again. I was bored with those lessons, so in Habibi Center I found my future. I have been there since 2017. Habibi Center has helped me to get three Cambridge certificates. Speaking, reading and writing in English and everything else that I have achieved are because of the hard work of my teachers.
Then, I changed my teacher for some months and I met other of my best teachers. I was fasting so I didn’t eat during the day. Also, I had Greek school, but I didn’t stop coming to Habibi Center because that new teacher taught us very well. I was working hard, but I missed her classes because I was looking for a job. My teachers encouraged me to be an independent person. They helped me and they taught me how to speak to get the job and how to write the CV. So I got the job and I was very happy. But I was stressed and very worried about my English classes. I said to myself, “if I leave Athens and I come back, will she accept me to continue my studies in Habibi Center or not?” So I asked my teacher and she told me that there was no problem. I was very excited that I heard this from her.
I don’t have my family with me. That time I wanted to start my job, but I didn’t have even one euro to live one month on my own until I took my first salary. My teachers helped me and they lent me money. From that time until now I don’t think the Habibi Center is only a school for me. It is also my family. I have learned how to help each other, how to be friendly and how to respect each other. When I am going there I feel I am in my home with my family. The behaviour of my teachers is very nice and friendly. I have never forgotten the day when I had exams in my Greek school. I came back from my work in Santorini and my flight was at 12 o’clock in the midnight and it was delayed for one hour. It was very late in the night and my teachers came to pick me up to the station. It was again surprising for me and I cried. When they hug me I felt I was not alone anymore. I have some family in Habibi Center.
After a few months, I finished with my job and I came back to Athens. I started again my studies in Habibi Center. This time I changed again my teacher. He is other of my best teachers. I changed my time to go there in the evenings and it was late and dark to go back home. Sometimes, my teachers came with me to the metro station and sometimes until my shelter.
I think that I didn’t pass the B1 exam because when I went for work I had spoken in Greek and I stopped my English studies. But I didn’t give up and I kept trying and trying. I attended all classes and I studied hard. Also, it was thanks to the hard work of my teachers that I passed the B1 exam.
I am very happy that I have them with me. I really love them. They are the best teachers in my whole life.