An Interview with Hamza & Jehan · Refugee Week 2025

Hamza arrived in London from Yemen, and his first days in the UK were filled with fear and uncertainty. “When I first arrived, I was scared. I read in the media that people in the UK didn’t like refugees. I stayed in my room for two weeks, afraid to go outside,” he recalls. 

Jehan, a volunteer who has been involved in King’s House for over a year, first met Hamza during an ESOL class. He remembers the moment clearly: “Yeah, Hamza has a big smile, and he's like, smiling a lot. Not everybody is smiling around here. People have a lot of tough things going on, but I feel like you're a very positive person… Hamza is always very engaged… You come because you want to learn and talk to people, and you're very outgoing.”

Hamza, like many who attend ESOL, found that these classes did more than improve his English, they helped rebuild his confidence. “Now I understand more. I can speak with people and ask questions. It’s better than before,” he says proudly.

King’s House isn’t just about language support. It’s a place where friendships form and community grows. For Jehan, volunteering is deeply tied to his faith: “the reason that I come here and do all these things is because I think that is what we are called to do as Christians, to love other people and to welcome people and support people through their challenges. But for me, that hasn't been a chore or a hard thing, because when I come here and I spend time with people like Hamza, I get so much joy from talking to you and spending time with everyone here, and it makes me feel good as well.”

That mutual encouragement has had a lasting impact. Hamza recently received humanitarian protection status in the UK, allowing him to stay for five years. “I was confused at first, because it’s not permanent,” he explains, “but it means I can start planning. I want to go to college, improve my English, and do a masters. And one day, I want to help others, refugees or homeless people, just like people helped me.”

For both men, the importance of King’s House goes beyond classes or activities. It lies in the relationships that are built. “it's so nice when you when you see someone every couple of weeks, then you get to know, you know their name first, and then you know a little bit more, and then you get a sense of their personality, and then you have jokes.”

Hamza agrees. “Before, I didn’t know anyone. Now, I have friends from many countries… I told new arrivals from my hostel to come here. I say, ‘You’ll find support. You won’t be alone.’”

When asked what he wishes others knew about refugees, Hamza offers this reflection: “Not everyone comes here for fun. Many of us are escaping war, danger, and fear. My country is very dangerous; people die in the streets. I just want British people to hear our stories before they judge.”