Voices of Our OG Volunteers
Every great journey begins with a few brave souls willing to take the first step. For The English Connection, that step was taken by our very first group of volunteers — the legends we now proudly call our OG Volunteers.
Long before our programmes expanded, before our network of teachers and supporters grew, these dedicated individuals stepped forward with open hearts and a shared vision: to give underprivileged children the gift of English education. They came with no promise of reward, no guarantee of recognition — only the belief that every child deserves a fair chance to learn, dream, and succeed.
It was their commitment, energy, and love for teaching that laid the foundation for everything we have built since. Their example inspired others to join, creating the strong and passionate volunteer family we have today..
Their stories, experiences, and reflections continue to remind us why we do what we do.
I was truly honored to have been given the opportunity to teach at The English Connection. It was more than just a teaching experience – it was a chance for me to grow, explore different sides of my personality, and develop patience in new and meaningful ways. This space offered something special not only for me but also for the children. They were able to learn English in a fun, interactive environment – far beyond the typical classroom. Through singing songs, playing games, and engaging with their peers, they practised the language naturally and confidently. It’s always exciting to see how much the children enjoy their time here. The joy on their faces when they arrive for lessons, the laughter during activities, and their eagerness to learn make every moment worthwhile. Watching them build friendships and grow in both language and confidence has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.
The English Connection is a dedicated group that I have had the privilege of being a part of, from the get go. It has not only been extremely impactful for many youngsters, driving them to form a brighter future for their families and community, but has also been truly eye-opening for myself, as well. Overcoming obstacles and breaking down language barriers, this opportunity has given me skills and resilience that I will carry on throughout my lifetime. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to contribute to such meaningful and transformative work, and I am forever grateful to have been a part of it.
Being a teacher at The English Connection has been an extremely beneficial experience for the past two years of my life. It’s helped me to connect with the marginalised children, in my neighbourhood and understand their struggles, while simultaneously allowing me to connect with them, by teaching them English. It’s also opened me up to how enjoyable and rewarding, teaching is.
Volunteering at The English Connection has been a truly rewarding experience. Every week, I look forward to engaging with our children, watching their confidence in English grow, with each lesson. Their enthusiasm and curiosity inspire me, and I’ve found myself learning just as much from them as they do from me. Teaching in this environment has deepened my patience, creativity, and understanding of how language can empower young minds. It’s a joy to be part of their journey, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to something so meaningful, while continuing to grow as an educator and a person.
We live in a time where prioritising ourselves, often becomes about the superficial. But it can also mean living a life you're proud of, one that’s meaningful and fulfilling.
Volunteering at the English Connection is just that for me. The time I spend there is as much for me as it is for the children. It's my way of giving back.
Volunteering at The English Connection has been an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience. The children have shown me that even in the face of hardship, there is always room for growth and learning. Their resilience is truly inspiring. Teaching them has reminded me of the power of education, and I’m truly grateful to be part of their journey.
Watching their excitement when they understand something new, or their pride in using a new word correctly, is honestly the most rewarding part. It reminds me why I started volunteering in the first place. Experiences like this have shown me how education can be a lifeline: bringing hope, building confidence, and opening doors to a better future.
We absolutely loved teaching at the English Connection. As volunteers among the Bullers Lane residents, we were both in school ourselves when the classes began. Teaching, especially when you focus your attention on a small group of 3-4 kids, makes you realise how lucky you are to have received a good education in English, from a young age. It made us feel happy and ultimately fulfilled to see our efforts result in these kids, becoming more confident in their reading and writing. We know that we will remember them and their playful mischief for a long time.
Driven by gratitude for the immense support I received during the more challenging times in my life, I have always felt the calling to give back, in a meaningful way. Joining The English Connection allowed me to turn that gratitude into action, by helping out those, who like me once, simply need a hand to hold. I believe that even a small fragment of knowledge, can spark a lifetime of change and I’m honoured to be part of that journey of learning, for other youngsters.
This programme is to me, about…
Giving children the opportunity to grow, the confidence to be themselves and helping young minds to take flight.
Being part of the English Connection has been such a meaningful experience.
Watching the kids learn and grow more confident, has been truly inspiring. I feel incredibly lucky to have shared even a small part of their journey.
Being part of The English Connection has been one of the most eye-opening experiences. It’s a powerful initiative that supports marginalised children in our own communities - children who are so often overlooked. It takes vision and compassion to not only recognise this need but to act on it, and I’m grateful to have played even a small part in that mission.
As a 20-year-old volunteer, I quickly realised how privileged I was and how fortunate I’ve been to have access to education, something so many of us take for granted.
The English Connection not only gives these children the chance to grow but also gave me the opportunity to grow alongside them - an experience I will always carry with me.
Volunteering at The English Connection has been such a rewarding experience. It’s amazing to see the kids’ enthusiasm grow as they notice their own improvements in reading and tests, and to watch their personalities—full of sass and curiosity—come alive in class.
I love seeing how building their confidence in one area, inspires growth in others. Being part of a dedicated group of volunteers, who goes above and beyond to make the classes and the children’s lives a success, makes the experience even more special.