Tea and Talk

Two sugars only, please

Hi, my name’s Zakariya, I’m from Syria. Where I lived, Aleppo, very dangerous, not good. I have children, I cannot stay in Aleppo.

When I first met the families, it was obvious that they’d been through a lot. They were, understandably, quite quiet, not very forthcoming, so I set up Tea and Talk with the aim of helping people who didn’t speak English learn English in a friendly, safe environment.

Hello Aya, how are you? Are you alright?

There was sort of a warmth there, a real warmth. And the more I got to know them the more I realised that it’s my age group they’ve left behind. Their granny. Their mum.

I have 4 brothers and 3 sisters who live in Syria – Aleppo. Maybe 7 years, I don’t see my family.

I think it will have a lasting impact on everyone involved. So not just the learners themselves, but also the volunteers.

You can’t say to me what have you given to them, because I would say very little, but what they’ve given to me is masses. Masses.

You do have to be dedicated. You do have to be prepared to give up your own time, but after every Tea and Talk I never regret doing it because people have been so happy, and I’ve been happy.

I’m very happy I love Harrogate because Harrogate is beautiful, very nice people, everything in Harrogate is beautiful.

It’s for “super improved in his English work” and I got 5 house points.

I think if you can’t communicate in a new country you miss out on so much. You miss out on making connections with people and feeling part of the community.

We’re all people – we’re all people – because of that it’s easy to love. 

It’s easy to love.