My time at Brave Hearts was truly meaningful, and I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such wonderful children. From the very beginning, the students welcomed me warmly and made my experience incredibly special. They were kind, affectionate, curious, and full of energy. What stood out most to me was their willingness to learn and the enthusiasm they brought into each class. Even in a short amount of time, I was able to build genuine connections with them, and the experience became one that I will always carry with me.
One of the challenges I encountered was understanding how to best support the students at their different stages of English learning. The children had varying levels of confidence and ability in reading, writing, and speaking, which meant I had to be patient, flexible, and thoughtful in the way I approached each lesson. Rather than relying on one fixed method, I had to find ways to make the material more accessible, encouraging, and engaging for everyone. This experience reminded me of how important it is to meet children where they are, to be sensitive to their individual needs, and to create a learning environment where they feel comfortable enough to try.
What made this experience especially memorable was the relationship I built with the children. Over time, we developed a bond that went far beyond the classroom. Many of the students would come to see me after school, greet me with hugs, and excitedly tell me about their day. Those simple moments meant so much to me because they showed the trust and comfort that had grown between us. After my first class with them, several students asked when I would be teaching again, and some even said they wished I could teach them every day. That was incredibly touching and showed me how much they valued our time together.
One of the most emotional parts of this experience was reading the reflections written by the Grade 7 and 8 students about my stay. In their writing, many of them expressed how much they appreciated me, how much they enjoyed learning with me, and how they wished I did not have to leave. Their words were so sincere and heartfelt. They described me in such kind and encouraging ways, and reading their reflections made me realize that I had meant more to them than I had initially understood. Because my time there was short, I had wondered whether I had done enough, but their reflections reminded me that even a short season of genuine care, support, and encouragement can leave a lasting impact.
The children themselves impressed me deeply. They were eager to learn, attentive in class, and often showed initiative that went beyond what was expected. If a student missed a lesson, they would come and ask what they had missed so they could catch up. Some students would even come early after school and choose to sit and read with me instead of playing. That level of commitment was inspiring. I also remember one Saturday when I called in one student for one-on-one support, and another student came along and asked if she could join and learn as well. Moments like that spoke volumes about their motivation and desire to improve. Their effort, curiosity, and openness to learning made working with them an absolute joy.
Even within a short period of time, I was able to see progress in the children’s English. In some cases, this progress showed through their growing willingness to participate, read, and try new words. In other cases, it appeared in their confidence to ask questions, and to attempt speaking even when they were unsure. To me, that kind of progress is just as important as academic improvement, because confidence is often the foundation that allows learning to grow.
Looking ahead, I believe the children at Brave Hearts would continue to benefit greatly from consistent English support, especially in reading, vocabulary, comprehension, and spoken expression. I also believe it is important for future instructors and volunteers to be creative in the way they teach. This is something the children themselves expressed, and it is clear that they respond especially well to lessons that are interactive, engaging, and different from a traditional routine. Creative teaching methods can help make learning more enjoyable, more memorable, and more accessible for students at different levels. Alongside this, I believe maintaining a caring and relational approach is essential, because the children thrive when they feel encouraged, understood, and personally supported.
Overall, my experience at Brave Hearts was incredibly fulfilling. I came there hoping to support and encourage the children, but I left having learned so much from them as well. Their warmth, resilience, eagerness to learn, and genuine affection made this experience unforgettable. I will always be grateful for the time I spent with them, and I sincerely hope the children continue to grow in confidence, knowledge, and all that they dream of becoming.
—————
Rakeb is a psychology graduate from Canada with a background in youth support. She worked closely with our children to strengthen their language skills, personal development, and build confidence. We are grateful to Rakeb for her passion and commitment!
We are deeply grateful for her heart to serve and the positive impact she is making in the lives of our children.
If you are passionate about empowering young lives and would like to make a meaningful difference, we warmly invite you to join us as a volunteer. Please email us your cover letter and CV to info@braveheartsethiopia.com
