Harriet Perks

Teaching and Human Rights, 3 months. Nationality: UK

Harriet Perks, 18, joined us for two months to volunteer at one of our teaching projects, and one month at our Human Rights project.

At Hyde Park Primary she had the opportunity to teach different classes, either as an assistant to the teacher, as a co-teacher with other volunteers or as an independent teacher with her own class. Besides the standard subjects like English, mathematics and geography, Harriet took the initiative to teach some subjects of her own, including French and drama. Because of her positive attitude, endless energy and the tremendous support from the local staff Harriet has grown into a confident and skilled teacher. She has shown great interaction with the children, and created a personal bond with all of them. Harriet has been able to teach them so much in such a short amount of time, and has been a wonderful contribution to the school. At the Human Rights office, she used all that energy to become a wonderful asset to the team, and make a long lasting impression.

Harriet has been an amazing volunteer, and I think we all wished she stayed a lot longer. Thank you Harriet, you are a true Volunteer of the Month!

Above: Harriet in action teaching French, followed by Geography
Below: Harriet's farewell at Hyde Park Primary School

  

Ben Greene

Human Rights, 3 months. Nationality: UK

Stories went around the staff that the Human Rights office had an absolute star in their hands; in the words of Social Justice Coordinator Shuan Solomons: “Ben is good at everything he does.”

With some volunteers arriving with their law educated minds to the Human Rights office, Ben came without any experience in this field. Recently graduated from high school in St. Bee’s, Cumbria, Ben’s interest in law drew him to his project, and he wanted to gain the most knowledge during his stay. His enthusiasm for law made him an excellent addition to the Human Rights team, and shortly after his arrival stories of Ben’s efforts reached all staff members of Projects Abroad. He started off helping with legal cases, was thrown in the deep end, but he relished the opportunity to learn new things. Twelve weeks later, Ben considers himself an expert on South African Refugee Law, and has helped over 30 clients. Ben noticed that with his initiative and diligence he received great responsibilities and reward.

His efforts are a great contribution to the Human Rights project, and for that reason he received the ‘high distinction’ from the PAHRO staff, which will be a helpful attribute to his undoubtedly successful career in law. On top of that, Ben is a well-deserving Volunteer of the Month! Congratulations!

                                                                                            Head of Information – Mark Wijsman

 

Above: Ben working on some of the legal cases
Below: Ben on a Social Justice project - Bonnytoun fun day