How the strength of the RAK community can inspire others
Some further reflections on their work experience with RAK from Esam and Lev who are students from Tiffin School.
“The English classes at RAK are inclusive, fun, and social. They are also truly amazing because they present an opportunity for people from all walks of life to connect, share their stories, and build a real community. Volunteering here as a 15-year-old on work experience, I got to see firsthand how these classes are about so much more than just learning vocabulary or mastering grammar. It is a safe, welcoming space where laughter is shared (and songs are sung), confidence is built, and long-lasting friendships are made. Watching the clients support each other and seeing their bright smiles completely changed my perspective on what volunteering means, and it is something I will never forget.
Ultimately, my time volunteering at Refugee Action Kingston opened my eyes to the incredible strength of the clients and the power of a welcoming community. Teaching English to them taught me so much in return, and I am deeply grateful for their patience, kindness, and smiles. Thank you to everyone at RAK, and especially to the amazing clients, for making my work experience an absolutely unforgettable and inspiring week! “
“During my wonderful time volunteering at Refugee Action Kingston, the most eye-opening experience was talking to the clients and hearing their life experiences. Before I began my time at Refugee Action Kingston, it always felt to me that refugees and asylum seekers didn’t receive any sympathetic attention, only seen as “nuisances” from the other side of the world - from regions perceived as alien or even negative to the average person - and had only come to diminish countries like the UK. However, once I finally sat down with these people trying to create a new life, I began to admire their personal stories of suffering and hope. According to UNHCR , 69 million people are displaced from their homes due to conflict or violence within their own country. Many of RAK’s clients originate from countries where this is wildly prevalent. So my favourite part of Refugee Action Kingston was my personal conversations and experiences with the clients; like helping them speak English and appreciate mundane things I’ve taken for granted (like country or city) or aid them with translations (whether it be booking appointments or helping with driving licenses), it gave me confidence for tackling these tasks when I am an adult. Moreover, I was very grateful for being able to communicate with many clients in Arabic, which I greatly appreciated as one of the most important languages in this line of work. Overall, I am extremely thankful for my time at Refugee Action Kingston for opening my eyes and allowing me to be a small piece in these clients’ journey and as part of the wider network of organisations that help those less fortunate.”