In addition to learning English, the center provides other subjects and workshops. Whenever specialized volunteers are available and there are opportunities during summer breaks, we hold different short-term workshops, such as art, science, computer classes and typing, as well as photography.
Thanks to these specialized volunteers, students diversify their learning and expand their knowledge, as well as experiencing unknown fields which can help them discover new talents and skills.
Second Editors Workshop
In October, the sequel to the successful Editors Workshop unfolded, building on the triumph of the initial endeavor. The inaugural Magazine, ‘Journey to Habibi Center,’ garnered a warm reception and appreciation within our community, prompting a collective decision to further empower our students.
In an ambitious move, we expanded the scope to involve additional students in the heart of Habibi Center. While a second Magazine was indeed on the horizon, the ambitions did not end there. The anticipation builds as the narrative promises a continuation, leaving the details of this expanded initiative intriguingly open-ended.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting chapter in the ongoing journey of empowerment and creative expression at Habibi Center!
First Aid Workshop
In September 2023, a comprehensive First Aid workshop took place, commencing with an overview of First Aid principles, safety awareness, infection control, and effective communication with injured individuals and emergency services.
The workshop unfolded in three distinct sections:
Breathing: Participants were instructed on the critical steps to take when encountering a casualty not breathing. Emphasizing the simplicity of the emergency call, students practiced stating their identity, location, incident details, and the number of individuals involved through role-play exercises.
Bleeding: Students learned to apply pressure and practiced bandaging various body parts, including hands, elbows, knees, and ankles. Practical exercises involved raising limbs and applying slings to keep arms elevated. Additionally, they acquired skills for addressing embedded objects in the skin, such as glass or gravel, with a focus on not removing or pushing the object deeper into the body.
Bones (And other Injuries): The final section covered burns, fainting, and sprains. Participants gained insights into using ice/cool-packs, applying them, and using crepe bandages with padding for wrapping. Practical demonstrations included a second type of sling for wrist/arm injuries and techniques for tying splints around legs and fingers. Important points were reiterated, such as avoiding popping blisters, safely moving a person who has fainted onto their side, and cautioning against ice-burn.
In the subsequent workshop, essential topics were revisited, including safety awareness, infection control, communication strategies with the injured, and a review of bandaging techniques. The session concluded with a focus on addressing nosebleeds.
Throughout the workshops, students actively engaged with bandages and slings, relishing hands-on practice with their peers. Despite the condensed timeframe, they rapidly acquired valuable skills, collaborated in assisting one another, and posed pertinent questions, demonstrating enthusiasm and a keen understanding of the vital first aid techniques imparted.
Interpreter's Workshop
In July 2023, Habibi Center proudly hosted its inaugural Interpreters’ Workshop, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering students with valuable skills. The workshop aimed to refine interpretation abilities, boost self-confidence, and provide comprehensive insights into the role of an interpreter. Fourteen current and former students participated in this transformative experience, both in-person at our school and online from Germany, underlining our commitment to accessible education.
Throughout the month, expert guests generously shared their experiences and knowledge, covering fundamental aspects of interpretation. The workshop delved into the basics, differentiating between interpreters and translators, outlining job requirements, and addressing the do’s and don’ts in interpreting. Challenging settings, potential cultural misunderstandings, and the intricacies of humanitarian, legal, and medical fields were explored in detail.
To supplement daily lessons, students engaged in online courses, focusing on safeguarding in the humanitarian sector. The subsequent weeks delved into the specific language and nuances of legal and medical contexts. The comprehensive curriculum culminated in addressing psychological aspects of interpretation work, including stress, trauma, and the importance of self-care strategies. Role plays at the end of each week allowed students to apply their newfound understanding practically.
At Habibi Center, our commitment to empowering students extends to English classes, and this workshop served to deepen the knowledge of current interpreters while preparing those contemplating a career in interpretation. The creation of personal glossaries further enhances their preparedness for the field.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed guest speakers, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the individuals who generously shared their experiences as interpreters. “شكرا” (Arabic), “تشکر” (Dari), “Merci” (French), “Waad mahadsantahay” (Somali), and “Matondo” (Lingala) – Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this workshop and enriched the learning journey for our students.
Art Workshop
The theme “There’s more to me” came to life through a captivating two-week art workshop held at Habibi Center this July. In a quest to delve beyond the surface, each student embarked on the creation of two distinctive self-portraits – one revealing the intricacies within, and the other showcasing their artistic prowess in the collage technique.
These portraits served as a canvas for students to convey the depth of their meanings, values, interests, and dreams in the inside portraits. The external portraits, on the other hand, showcased the students’ artistic finesse, employing a collage technique that required patience, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication. Through the use of numerous tiny, vibrant paper pieces, each student painted their unique images, resulting in a visually stunning display.
As a teacher, witnessing the culmination of these artistic endeavors on the wall fills me with immense pride. The workshop not only allowed students to explore their inner selves but also honed their artistic skills, transforming their visions into captivating works of art. The theme transcends the visual, reminding us all that there is indeed more to each individual than what meets the eye.
Editors Workshop
In July, the Habibi Center embarked on a mission to provide its students with a platform to freely express themselves. Recognizing the need for stronger connections among students who, despite attending the school daily, often remained strangers within their own community, the center initiated a unique project.
In a collaborative effort, students united to give life to their own magazine. Through intensive days of writing, designing, and honing photography skills, the inaugural student-produced magazine, “Journey to Habibi Center,” was born. This creative endeavor stands as a testament to the students’ collective voice and serves as a space where they can share their perspectives and experiences.
More than just a publication, “Journey to Habibi Center” is a manifestation of the students’ desire to bridge the gap and build connections within the Habibi Center community. Crafted by the students and intended for the students, this magazine embodies the spirit of unity, self-expression, and the vibrant diversity that defines the Habibi Center student body.
Greek Workshop
In early July, we are thrilled to share the exciting news of the successful launch of a long-awaited Greek workshop at our center. After years of diligent efforts, we have finally realized a workshop dedicated to enhancing Greek literacy, specifically designed to support students in improving their reading and writing skills.
This achievement is made possible through the generous contribution of Katerina Mosh, who selflessly dedicated her time to impart valuable knowledge to our students. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Katerina Mosh with a resounding “Ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ!” (Thank you very much!). This workshop represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing diverse and enriching educational opportunities for our students, fostering a deeper connection with the Greek language and culture.
Employability Workshop
In April 2023, the Habibi Center conducted its third Employability Workshop, a transformative experience for six students seeking to enter the workforce. Guided by the EuroPASS website, participants crafted personalized resumes and gained valuable insights into the entire job application process, from submission to interviews.
The workshop went beyond the mechanics of job applications, focusing on instilling critical thinking about personal achievements and their relevance in the professional arena. Students were prompted to reflect on seemingly ordinary skills, realizing their unique value in the eyes of employers. For instance, multilingualism, often perceived as commonplace, emerged as a highly prized asset.
Participants grew in self-confidence through this introspective journey, learning to effectively present themselves to potential employers. The workshop extended beyond immediate job applications, encouraging students to envision their future careers, ranging from accountants to flight attendants. Practical steps were outlined to bridge the gap between aspirations and reality, identifying existing skills and those needed for progression.
Engaging in online job searches, students not only navigated various platforms but also discovered the myriad opportunities available to them. The workshop’s holistic approach encompassed an introduction to the intricacies of job applications in Greece, including necessary documentation and employer responsibilities.
The true essence of the workshop lay in fostering critical thinking and reflection, surpassing the mere creation of resumes and offering tips. In the initial stages, students exhibited limited knowledge and confidence in job applications. However, by the workshop’s conclusion, they not only gained confidence in resume creation but were also enthusiastic about applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and embarking on a journey toward a future filled with adventure and opportunities.
IT workshop
The March 2023 IT workshop comprised three progressive levels, building upon the foundational skills introduced in the initial stage. Students were guided through the essentials, including email communication, document creation, presentations, and web navigation in the first level, fostering a solid IT foundation.
Moving to the second level, participants delved into more advanced capabilities, gaining confidence in following instructional videos and troubleshooting issues independently. This stage specifically targeted skills such as website creation, as well as photo and video editing, enhancing their technological proficiency.
In the culminating level, students were presented with the opportunity to tailor their learning experience by selecting online courses of their choice. This not only expanded their skill set but also opened doors to diverse opportunities for their future endeavors. The workshop’s comprehensive approach provided students with the tools they needed to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and autonomy.
Art workshop
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
I had the privilege of conducting a two week’s long art workshop at Habibi Center this July with 4 wonderful students. In advance I’ve had the proverb “Alone we go faster, together we go further” in my head for a common theme for the workshop and planned a program around it.
Visual art is often thought to be something quite private or at least something that you do alone, only to share the final results with others. However, I wanted to challenge that. I thought it would be interesting to see what would happen if the students collaborated with each other and combined their strengths. We began gently by preparing the ground: getting to know everyone and making several portraits of each other and of ourselves. It was fun, rather easy and nice. But then came the toughest part: creating a mural together in one of Habibi Center’s classrooms. Exciting, a little bit scary for sure, and extremely frustrating at times! It was frustrating to just talk and not do any art at all at first. I It was difficult to find a common theme, decide on details such as colours, will there be text or not, who does what and so on…insisted that everyone’s handprint had to be seen in the mural. Everyone’s effort was required for a successful result. Even though we made a plan together, it was still difficult to let others continue and possibly do something differently than you had thought in your mind. It was also difficult to believe in your own ideas and capacities, think what if you fail and everybody will see it on the wall! Having grace, being brave, and believing in yourself became our new themes while working with the mural, as well as accepting some imperfection, after all, beauty does not equal perfection.
Slowly, working together became easier, and at the end the mural came out beautifully, showcasing everybody’s handprint and effort. I am extremely proud of the students’ work, and I hope they’ll keep on remembering our new theme while continuing their lives on. Likewise I hope the mural will inspire new students to believe in themselves.”
– Anne (Art Teacher)
Self-Defense workshop
‘Unfortunately, women are up to four times more likely to be the target of harassment and attacks than men. Being aware of your surroundings and projecting self-confidence are the best ways to avoid being the target of an attack. But knowing how to ward off and escape an attack helps give this self-confidence and these are critical skills for every woman to have.’
– Matt Simmons (Self-Defense Instructor)
Maths workshop
An Easter maths workshop was a great addition to what the Habibi center offers students.
“For some, it was an important introduction to essentials such as percentages and decimals. Some students hadn’t studied these things for several years, and it was great to see understanding come back. Of course, many people will never really enjoy maths, but I think everyone had at least a moment of satisfaction having solved a problem.
For a separate group, the workshop provided individual attention and a careful English language explanation of maths covered at Greek schools. It highlighted the inadequate adjustments made in Greek schools for non-Greek-speaking students with disrupted schooling. I think their confidence was really boosted as they understood what was written in their school books. I hope we can do similar things in the future to help students keep pace with maths taught in Greek and maintain interest in an essential subject.”
– Matthew (Maths Teacher)
Theatre workshop
“Theatre is a powerful method of telling stories. One that connects the performer with the audience and has the capacity to bring new life even to familiar narratives. Theatre can also help bring clarity to the nuances involved in communicating with English speakers, instilling confidence in proud people brave enough to seek a fresh start, a better life, and a new home. It also gives students a chance to tell stories that are meaningful to them – inspiring stories that give new perspectives and create empathy.
The six-week workshop began by focusing on getting to know and trust one another, which will allow us to open up and participate in theatrical activities designed to help refugees more fully express themselves. As we built trust and let our walls down, we focused on stories or situations that the students resonated with and provided the audience with a glimpse into the life of refugees”.
The workshop culminated in a wonderful public performance of a play written by the students using these stories called: REVELATIONS.
– Adam and Windy Desmond (Theater Teachers)
Employability Workshop
No matter your background, embarking on the job search can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. This workshop provided the basics for Habibi Center students to start looking for work including creating their resumés, thinking about their future, using job sites, balancing their time, and practicing for interviews. By the end of the four-week workshop, students displayed more confidence in how to talk about themselves and their experiences and how to apply this to various skills they will use in the workplace. Many of the students have bigger dreams that involve helping the community and caring for people and are excited they now have a strong starting foundation.
– Steven