Happiness Volunteers

Program Reviews

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Zahraa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Online English class

So, it's one of the best experiences I have ever done, I have learned many things while creating my content and also by teaching. I have gained the experience I need. Thank you happiness volunteers. Over the past four months, I've enjoyed every moment of teaching and connecting with learners from diverse backgrounds.One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was the opportunity to create my own content tailored to English learners' needs. This not only allowed me to be creative but also helped me to better understand how to make learning engaging and effective.Through this process, I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in teaching, content creation, and cultural sensitivity. The skills and insights I’ve developed will undoubtedly benefit me in my future endeavors.Overall, this journey has been enriching and fulfilling, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to others’ learning while also growing personally and professionally. I would highly recommend this volunteering opportunity to anyone passionate about teaching and learning.

What was your funniest moment?
We had so much fun actually!
Pros
  • Experience
  • Learning
  • Challeng yourself
Cons
  • I can't find any
  • I don't have
  • No cons
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Yassine
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Turkey

Volunteering with Happiness Volunteers in Turkey was a deeply fulfilling experience, focused on teaching computer science basics and English to Syrian orphans. The program's emphasis on education as empowerment resonated with the belief in the transformative power of knowledge. Teaching computer skills opened doors for the children, providing not just technical know-how but also fostering confidence and curiosity. English classes became a bridge for communication, breaking down language barriers and creating connections. The cultural exchange enriched the experience, exposing volunteers to the resilience and hope of the orphans. The journey highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. The collective effort of the volunteer group created a support system, reinforcing the belief that positive change is possible even in challenging circumstances. Overall, the experience was a reciprocal journey of growth, emphasizing the profound impact of compassion and education on lives facing adversity.

What was your funniest moment?
he funniest moment was definitively when the kids were talking in arabic thinking that I'm american and how american people are and then I surprise them by telling them I'm Tunisian.
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August
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Happiness Volunteers

This program allowed me to work face to face with refugees from Syria, and it allowed me to grow as a person. You will gain a greater appreciation for the blessings you have once you hear some of the stories of the refugees. I feel I have a greater perspective on the refugee crisis, and I feel more motivated to help solve the problem, now that I have completed the program. Overall, a great program and definitely cost effective. The program coordinator was very flexible to my needs and helped me with recommendations.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was when the refugees confused me for a Syrian and my friend Yassine
Pros
  • Great kids
  • Good location
  • Cost effective
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Yassine
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Happiness Volunteers experience

Volunteering with Happiness Volunteers in Turkey to teach computer science basics and English to Syrian orphans has been a profoundly rewarding experience. The program's emphasis on education as a means of empowerment aligns with my belief in the transformative power of knowledge.

Teaching these resilient young minds computer science basics opened a gateway to a world of possibilities. Witnessing their eagerness to learn and adapt to the digital realm was truly inspiring. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, providing them with these fundamental skills not only equips them for future opportunities but also instills a sense of confidence and curiosity.

English classes became a bridge, connecting hearts and minds across language barriers. The orphans' enthusiasm to grasp a new language mirrored their determination to overcome adversity. Communication became more than just words; it became a tool for fostering understanding and unity. Through language, we shared stories, exchanged ideas, and built a sense of belonging.

The cultural exchange inherent in volunteering added another layer to the experience. Immersed in the rich tapestry of Turkish and Syrian cultures, I learned as much from the orphans as they did from me. Their resilience in the face of hardship and their unwavering hope for a brighter future left an indelible mark on my perspective.

The smiles on the children's faces as they grasped new concepts and formed sentences in English were priceless. It reflected not only their academic progress but also the joy that comes from empowering others. Volunteering became a reciprocal journey of growth, where each lesson taught was met with gratitude and a hunger for more knowledge.

The sense of community fostered within the volunteer group and with the local communities added depth to the experience. Sharing challenges and triumphs with fellow volunteers created a support system that extended beyond the classroom. Together, we became a collective force for positive change, working towards a common goal of making a lasting impact on these young lives.

The volunteer experience in Turkey also highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience. Working in a dynamic environment with limited resources necessitated creativity and flexibility. Overcoming these challenges not only strengthened our commitment to the cause but also reinforced the idea that positive change can happen even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, volunteering with Happiness Volunteers in Turkey to teach computer science and English to Syrian orphans was an enriching journey of education, cultural exchange, and personal growth. It emphasized the transformative power of knowledge and the profound impact that compassion and education can have on the lives of those facing adversity. As I reflect on this experience, I carry with me the smiles of the children, the bonds formed, and the belief that, through collective efforts, we can contribute to a brighter future for all.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Turkish pizza
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Jamie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent Experience!

As an experienced English teacher, it meant a lot to me that Happiness Volunteers encouraged me to apply my knowledge and creativity with a team in creating and teaching a 10 day English workshop for the young refugees. The other teachers and management staff spoke English, Turkish and Arabic (I only speak English!) and together we stayed focused on our goal of supporting the refugees through English instruction- which can make such a difference in their future! Good staff communication and a class of 20 motivated students made teaching fun and rewarding to me and the students. Including lesson preparation time, the project took about 3-5 hours per day. A great and unexpected benefit of volunteering was the cultural and travel activities that Aya organized for us after the work was done- we visited mosques and museums, took boat rides on the Bosphorus Straight, and ate Turkish, Yemenese, Iraqi and Syrian cuisine!

Pros
  • Motivated students
  • Supportive staff
  • Creative and meaningful team lesson planning
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Mustafa ahmed hama
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer

Volunteering with the orphans organization was an incredibly enriching experience. I learned so much and had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the children. The sense of fulfillment and personal growth I gained from this experience is truly invaluable.

One of the most cherished memories from my time volunteering with the orphans organization was witnessing the genuine happiness and joy on the faces of the children. It's heartwarming to know that even a small effort can bring so much happiness to their lives.

Pros
  • How to teach
  • Joy
  • Open mind
Cons
  • No
  • No
  • No
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Hussein
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer

experience with the orphan volunteering program. The opportunity to contribute to the lives of these children while also finding a sense of spirituality is truly remarkable. The program's focus on making a meaningful impact on the lives of orphans demonstrates
the world. Overall, your experience sounds like an enriching and rewarding journey that speaks volumes about the program's effectiveness and the value it brings to both volunteers and the children involved.Thanks to the leader of the volunteering team hopefully we will other programs in the future.

Pros
  • Friendly people
  • Meaningful experience
  • Safe
Cons
  • Nothing really to mention
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Ali Ramadan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Team and Program

I was lucky to have mer the founder who managed my experience from A to Z. I really apperiated all the details given to me From the day I register to the day I received my certificate. The founder is very friendly and down to earth person. The program is full of amazing views and great weather. The food 😋 were delicious. Accomodation clean and staff were friendly. The program is flexible so they accepted me resting for a day instead of hiking. Airport pickup was fun as we had to move from Sabiha Airport to Bursa which is like an 1 and 15 mins by bus but then the views were stunning.

Cons
  • Suitable for whose who loves walking only.
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Naji
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

not my first time with happiness volunteers and definitely not the last

Although this was the third time I was volunteering, I must say it was the best experience I have had so far. Living with a host family not only introduces you to the culture, but it makes you feel safe in the sense that you know you can have immediate help from someone in the community as soon as there is an issue. The volunteering was incredible. Furthermore, I learned about the culture in the orientation program, which was very useful to know more specific customs and cultural things. All in all this volunteer experience was great and taught me more about life than any other trip I have done before.

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Karen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I loved it

We all think that İstanbul is the best city in Türkiye but give Bursa a go, you will love it. The kids were very polite and behaved really well. Happiness Volunteer local coordinator were always with me and there for me whenever I needed support. The food is delicious, something you shouldn't worry about. Just get your comfy shoes because you will be moving a lot during this program. Leave some time for the local team to teach you some turkish, they are really good at it. The city tours and free time activities are endless so your transportation will be on you though. They will only transport you between the project location and accomodation which is by subway and walking only.

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