A Day to Remember: School of Life with Hearts United

A Day to Remember

Every smile and every moment of learning at the Mon Refugee Learning Center is a gift. One of those days was the recent School of Life session, which was filled with laughter, discovery, and a beautiful reminder that education is more than just lessons; it's about growing together, hand in hand.

A Trip of Energy and Kindness

The energy of the volunteers and facilitators since day one could light a room: hellos beaming with happiness, soft chuckles, and the inevitable warmth that comes from working together. As people prepared themselves for the session, it was evident that this was far from another event but a celebration of community, compassion, and connection.

The unique qualities that each facilitator and volunteer brought contributed to the students feeling seen, supported, and inspired. They worked together to set up spaces, ensuring everyone had access to space, worksheets, and smiles; this was a quiet way of showing they cared.

The Morning Language of Laughter

The day started not with books, but with games, movements, and fun. Simple games, such as "Duck and Goose" and "Mingle Game," were introduced to help people get to know each other. They reminded us that once again, it is laughter that brings friends together the fastest. As they ran, talked, and learned to trust each other, giggles echoed in the room from the students. Facilitators were patient and full of energy, so even the most timid students felt encouraged to speak up. These times were enjoyable, but they also held a more profound significance—the first steps toward building trust and connection.

Learning Through Happiness

When the English class started, it wasn't about tests or grammar drills. It was about sounds: voices learning to ask, share, and be heard. With the use of simple conversation starters and 5W1H questions, the students began to practice speaking in English with new confidence. The facilitators moved around, listened, gave advice, and celebrated each small victory. Worksheets became windows of expression, with every word written on them showcasing pride and progress.

Then came the Bingo! Challenge, a game where students moved around and talked with each other, using their new English skills to ask questions, connect with, and learn more about other students. Again, students laughed as they proudly collected signatures and raced to complete their sheets. What started as a simple task turned into a beautiful lesson in friendship and bravery.

Gratitude That Says More Than Words

One could not deny the fact that there was joy in the room when it was all over. Pride shone on the people's faces, hearts full. Not only were the fastest or best-received prizes given, but prizes were also awarded to those who demonstrated effort, kindness, and courage in their attempts.

The last few minutes were more than just goodbyes; they were filled with songs, laughter, and cherished pictures. They were promises. Promises that every student, volunteer, and facilitator carried with them: to keep learning, to keep caring, and to keep believing that together, we could make every day meaningful.

A Thank You from the Heart

On behalf of all of us at the Mon Refugee Learning Center, we would like to extend our gratitude to the extraordinary team from TMAST, our dedicated facilitators, and each volunteer who generously shared their time, heart, and energy with us. You have given much more than lessons; you have become the lesson of compassion, teamwork, and humanity. Your kindness will continue to echo in our classrooms and our hearts. Until we meet again, know that you've left a lasting mark—one that reminds us that authentic learning begins with love.