Operation tidy-up:  when our fantastic local hub asked Herts Welcomes Refugees for volunteers to spend a few days sprucing up their grounds, refugees and asylum seekers couldn't wait to don their hi-vis jackets and get stuck in.  Here they are - keen to work and give back to our community - sweeping, clearing, weeding, cleaning, painting and, though you can't see it, most definitely smiling.   

This asylum seeker from Afghanistan volunteers as a senior teaching assistant on a Friday afternoon. With over 30 learners of very mixed ability the teaching assistants are essential to make the lessons effective for everyone.
 
Paulina who is the lead teacher at the session said:  'H is so enthusiastic and great for the learners.'

These are the inspirational words from H about volunteering with Herts Welcomes Refugees:

“Volunteering isn't just an activity for me; it's a profound way of life. It’s a powerful path to becoming a meaningful part of this society, to truly belong and contribute to the community that has welcomed me.

Despite the demands of being a father to three sons, a husband, and my studies, I allocated time because my heart is full of a deep desire to help others and give back. The feeling of being able to help someone in need, to be a useful person in society, brings me immense and huge joy and a sense of purpose.

Every time I teach, my heart fills with a powerful mix of joy, passion, and peace. It's a feeling of being truly useful and alive. This experience has been the best way for me to integrate into a new society, to embrace different cultures and values. Knowing that I am making a difference in someone's life, helping them navigate their new world, is an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience.

I love teaching in the English class.  These moments feel so important because they are about more than just a language; they are about helping people feel connected and confident in a new place. But what truly touches my heart is the chance to act as an interpreter.  I feel that I'm a bridge for people, helping them navigate crucial parts of their new lives, whether it's for healthcare, college or their children's education, or housing issues. It is in these moments, when I can make a difference in someone's life, that I feel a deep sense of purpose and genuine joy.

I hope these words help people reflect on the reality of being an asylum seeker—someone who has been forced to leave their home, family, friends, job, and everything familiar, simply in search of safety, freedom, and independence.

It saddens me when I see negative comments on social media. While I understand that a small number of people may misuse the system, the vast majority of asylum seekers have genuinely fled persecution, war, torture, and violence.
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I’d like to thank the British people, the government. Thank you for your trust and for allowing me to be a small, but proud, member of your beautiful community.”

One of our refugee partners has been volunteering to cook a nutritious lunch every week at a local community hub. The lunch is available for everyone in the whole local community.

Our refugee friend is from Sudan, but her children's favourite meal is pizza! So in the last week of the summer holiday she cooked pizza for everyone to enjoy. 
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HWR cookery volunteer Helen said 'R is incredibly popular with the staff and clients at the drop in - and her food is delicious'.
 

​As you will have seen from this news item https://www.hertswelcomes.org.uk/news/young-asylum-seekers-and-refugees-volunteering-over-the-summer we were so impressed by the young refugees and asylum seekers who helped with the playgroup over the summer. 

We asked the young people what they felt about volunteering and here are some of their replies:
 
“It was good to interact with new people taking care of kids try to understand them what they need what they like.  It was a good time, best time with kids.  The best parts were spending time with kids knowing their interest in the activity. Volunteering has helped me a lot as I am shy but this helped me to talk with others.”
 
“I loved volunteering! I had an amazing time with everyone around me. They were all super helpful and positive. The best part was definitely working with the kids and setting up the games for kids to play.  We all did our best to help each other out and make sure all the sessions went smoothly. Volunteering helped me engage with people I didn’t know or had never seen before and to be more active during the summer. I also made lots of new friends. I  loved it and I will for sure be doing it again if possible!”

"Thank you so much for making us feel welcomed at the playroom."
 
"Thank you for the opportunity"😍
 
"The references are wonderful; they will help us a lot. It was a pleasure to be able to help you this summer. 🫶🏻"

"I am so grateful for being part of such a good community like ours!!I love you all so much" 🩷