As a migrant, I think a decent level of English can help me integrate well into the UK’s community. That was my motive to find English classes soon after I landed here. Apparently, councils were offering free classes. However, all normal (face-to-face) classes were suspended due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Fortunately, when I surfed through websites, I managed to find some organisations that offered online classes. Heart and Parcel was one of them. They were offering English cooking classes at the time. Although I was not a fan of cooking, taking the class was definitely a bonus, as I would learn both English and cooking at the same time. I was very excited about starting my first lesson in the country. That’s how I began my learning journey with Heart and Parcel. After a few lessons, a new blog writing project called “Food for Thought” was launched. Then, I joined the project seamlessly.
But something is lingering with me. Let me tell you a little secret. I have always been intrigued by the name of “Heart and Parcel”. “Why is it called Heart and Parcel?” Although I have not searched for an answer, I have come up with my own interpretation; the interpretation that I prefer.
“Heart” represents their belief and the way their volunteers treat learners. I felt accepted and encouraged by my teachers during the lessons. They also treated my writing drafts very seriously and nonjudgmentally, despite how rough my works were. They taught me from their hearts, the heart that gave me room to create in writing and improve my English.
Then, the word “Parcel” pictures a delivery person who dispatches me gifts. Taking part in the production of “CuiZine” and being the facilitator of “Our tastes in Reading Group” allowed me to learn new skills and explore areas that I have never been to. Moreover, because of the “Food for Thought” writing project, I picked up writing, which I had left behind since I was in school.
I can not believe that I have written 17 blogs so far, and those blogs can now be found on their website. Without the “hearts” of the teachers, I would not be able to accomplish them. Those blogs are the parcels delivered to me.
Again, I can never say thank you enough to Heart and Parcel, the amazing team. I will bring along such priceless gifts on my learning journey and share them with other learners. Let’s pass on the parcels with hearts.
