"My motivation is to give back the support I received and help with integration, because learning the language is so important."

Volunteer Carlos teaching English to asylum seekers

Today we are delighted to hear from Carlos who volunteers at the local drop-in.  He is kindly offering his time teaching English while waiting for his asylum claim to be heard. This is what he told us:

Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what brought you to the UK?
​I came to the UK from Venezuela because I needed international protection and safety.
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How did you hear about Herts Welcomes Refugees?
​I found out about the organisation through HWR volunteer Jane.
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Can you tell us a bit about how you have been volunteering with Herts Welcomes Refugees? Is there a particular motivating factor?
​I use my university degree in language education to volunteer as an English teacher for other asylum seekers. My motivation is to give back the support I received and help them with integration, because learning the language is so important.
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What is most challenging about your work with Herts Welcomes Refugees?
​The hardest part is teaching students who speak very different languages, like Arabic or Farsi. Back in Venezuela, I could use Spanish to help explain things, but here I have to teach people from many mother tongues without that common linguistic link.

What is most rewarding about your work with Herts Welcomes Refugees?
​The most rewarding thing is helping people directly and feeling like I’m useful. It makes me feel connected to the local community.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming involved with Herts Welcomes Refugees?
​I would tell them go for it. It is such a rewarding experience, and even a small amount of support makes a huge difference in the lives of asylum seekers.

What are your hopes for the future?
​My hope is that my asylum case will be resolved positively soon, so I can start working legally and contribute fully to UK society.

Is there anything else you would like to say about being an asylum seeker here?
​Being an asylum seeker is a long and difficult emotional process. The support from organisations like Herts Welcomes Refugees is essential for helping us keep hope and stay connected to life here.

​Thank you so much Carlos. We are inspired by your dedication and wish to help others whilst facing a difficult situation yourself.