Here volunteer Pete tells his story:

"I was introduced to HWR by an Iranian friend (not a refugee) who, in the course of describing the dire situation in her native country, mentioned that there were Iranian and other asylum-seekers at a local hotel and that an organisation, Herts Welcomes Refugees, was helping them.

Being appalled both by the plight of people fleeing their homes in desperation and the negative coverage in Parliament and the press of those arriving in the UK, I joined immediately. Having taught EFL overseas, albeit many years ago, it was natural for me to slip into an ESOL role, notwithstanding the very different circumstances and needs of those we support as compared to my students of long ago. Despite having a (post-EFL) career which I loved -doing academic research involving people with learning disabilities – my work as part of HWR is by far the most rewarding activity I have ever done. An example illustrates why.

Arriving at the hotel one day, I was asked to take an ESOL session with a recently-arrived couple (co-incidentally Iranian) who were beginners. Not having any prior experience of teaching at this level and with no appropriate material prepared, I gave the most boring, repetitive, uninspiring session possible. At the end, just as I was wishing I could speak Farsi so I could apologise and promise to have something prepared and more engaging next time, the husband smiled broadly, shook my hand and then gave me such a huge appreciative hug that I nearly burst into tears! It was just one of so many beautiful moments I have been lucky enough to experience with both residents and co-volunteers. 

Little vignettes like the one described show that, whilst we may give a little of ourselves to the people we support, they actually give back far more - in warmth, humility and (sometimes unwarranted!) appreciation. A heartfelt thanks, therefore, to my fabulous ESOL group learners, and to others who always brighten my day with smiles and friendly chat. I am grateful to you all!"
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Thanks Pete, we are so grateful for your commitment to the refugees you support.

We were delighted to hear from our volunteer Lorna, who tells us:

"My first experience of volunteering with HWR was helping at the monthly social lunches for Syrian refugees in Hitchin/Letchworth in 2017. Since then, I have used my experience as a secondary English teacher to help two secondary age Syrians with their English work, practised English conversation with one of their mothers and am now giving English support to another Syrian couple who moved to the area more recently. Once a week I also help at the HWR homework club in Hitchin.

I am inspired to volunteer because I can see that there is a great need for support and believe it is vital for people settling here to learn the language. I enjoy being able to use my teaching experience, now that I am retired. Alongside this, I dislike government policy towards refugees and the frequent negative press coverage, so as an individual I want to do something to counteract this.

From volunteering I have learnt more about how the system for asylum seekers and refugees works.

Meeting people face to face has also allowed me to learn more about other cultures and languages, and most importantly it has reinforced my feeling that asylum seekers and refugees are people just like us.

At first I was using Zoom to give English language support, as this was during the pandemic, and this created some difficulties, as I was unfamiliar with it. Nevertheless, it has been good to try to upskill myself on how to teach remotely and I think I have learnt quite a lot. Finding ways to overcome the language barrier is a challenge, which I enjoy.

In every interaction with those I have worked with there have been many moments, which have made this volunteering experience worthwhile – too many to mention. Overall, it is life-enhancing to get to know lovely people."

Thank you Lorna, we so appreciate your reflections on volunteering, and all that you do for Herts Welcomes Refugees!