Sisters’ Stories: How English classes have inspired Aveen

Our English language project has been running since 2017, and remains one of our most popular programmes to date. With beginner and intermediate-level classes for women and girls, each course is informative but also fun, and lasts from one to three months. 

 As the world’s most common language, we believe being able to communicate in English gives participants the best chance of embarking on their own career and achieving financial independence. Running alongside girls’ studies at school, our classes also complement their learning, significantly improving their skillset and wider knowledge.

Aveen is one teenager to have benefitted from our programme, which she began in February 2022. As a young Syrian refugee who came to Domiz 2 camp with her family in 2018, Aveen had searched in vain for a long time to find a place where she could learn English. “Now with the support from the Lotus Flower, my English is becoming noticeably better. The classes help me become better at school, because when we have a school exam, our teacher here at the centre practices with us, which makes a big difference in my language level and school marks.”

She adds: “I also like the awareness sessions we take after our classes because they focus on things that are important in my life.”

Aveen has found learning English extremely helpful to her school progression

 Providing an immersive learning environment, our English courses introduce a range of vocabulary and expressions which are essential for every-day life, as well as grammar and other principles of the language. The classes also develop students' verbal skills – including reading out loud, discussion and debate – and help promote their understanding of and appreciation for books and writing. Vitally, we create a safe and flexible classroom environment, which is conducive to optimal student learning, and which encourages the students to work independently and collaboratively in groups.

At the end of the course, each participant receives a certificate, and it's always a joy to see how students have flourished and grown by the end…