"I felt impelled to join a cause that has a positive impact"

Today we meet Alex, a young scientist who has helped refugees with A levels and at after school clubs:

"I’m 27 and originally from Baldock, Hertfordshire, but now based in the East Midlands. I have a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry, focussing on using earth abundant metals as greener alternatives for industrial applications (I could talk about this for hours so probably best to leave it there!). I still work in chemistry, as a Process Chemist for Rolls-Royce. Outside of work I’m a big foodie and sports lover so if I’m not doing one, it’s probably the other!

My motivation to volunteer with HWR stems from the unsavoury scenes the country witnessed in the summer of 2024 when asylum seekers and refugees where subject to violence and abuse. From then I felt impelled to change that narrative and to join a cause that has a positive impact across many communities.

Initially I helped out at two asylum hotels at the afterschool/homework clubs. This involved anything from football to algebra, and buckaroo to thermodynamics!  In particular some of the residents had upcoming GCSEs or A Level exams, so my volunteering quickly became focussed around providing these students 1:1 tuition, mainly for maths and sciences and was able to open this up to a couple of additional refugee students via weekly sessions on Zoom. I have moved away from Herts but have continued with online tuition and assisting with university applications.

There are so many rewarding aspects to volunteering at HWR so choosing one is very difficult. I’d say the gratitude and appreciation shown by the asylum seekers and refugees is up there as the most rewarding.

The afterschool clubs in particular were very rewarding, seeing the kids get to enjoy the joys of childhood and games, and allowing the parents a well-earned break and an opportunity to focus on their ever-changing situations.

To anyone considering volunteering with HWR, I would urge you to give it a go; there are so many ways in which you can help out which aren’t always obvious to start with - no gesture is too small and the appreciation you are shown by those you’re helping goes a long way."

We know how much you are appreciated Alex; this is what one of the students you helped wrote:
"Alex has been such a source of motivation and kindness. When I first started school, I struggled with the language and my studies, but his patience and encouragement helped me to keep  going and believe in myself." 
Thank you Alex for all you have been doing for Herts Welcomes Refugees!