Fatima’s story
How long have you been coming to Xenia?
When I came to London I found out about Xenia very quickly, I’ve been coming for about two years. I started coming 2 months after I arrived in the UK.
Why did you start coming to Xenia? Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I started coming because when I came here I felt poor and I wanted to learn more English and I wanted someone like my family to speak to. I needed someone to speak to because I didn’t have anyone to speak to when I first arrived in the UK.
What is it like coming to virtual Xenia sessions?
I want to say that on Zoom, it is not that different, we use the breakout rooms to make small groups. It’s the same thing just in a different place! When we meet at the museum we can drink coffee together, and when we meet on Zoom everyone brings their coffee or tea just like when we meet. Xenia is the best thing I do on Zoom! I like watching other people on the screen, because I can learn about different people and different cultures.
What kind of topics do we discuss? Who do you speak to?
We talk about lots of useful topics, it is not just chatting. We talk about the environment, plastic waste, composting and things from the government. I want to know more about the country I live in, because I always need more information about the UK and British culture and Xenia helps me do that. For example, what do people like eating for breakfast in different countries? I love learning things like that. For example in Xenia I learned what what a muffin is!
Why is Xenia important to you?
Xenia is important because you feel especially for me as a woman, this conversation in English is easy because everyone speaks very clearly and I feel comfortable. At Xenia you feel like you are with your family. In the Middle East we have this similar setting. In my country we call this ‘women sitting together’, جلسة نسوان. Women can sit together and speak about the things that are important to them. Coming to Xenia reminds me of being in my country, sitting with women, and talking. It gives me a chance to leave the house and meet your friends. I also meet people for other countries. Different ages, different cultures, different traditions. I like this and I think Xenia is the number 1 for community! I love hearing other people speaking about their country, there are so many languages at Xenia. Xenia is my second home.
How would you describe Xenia to your friends? Would you recommend them to come to Xenia?
When I speak to my friends in Syria, I tell them how much I love Xenia and how important it is to me. I have told my mother in Syria that there is a community in London for me. There are many things I have tried in London but I keep coming back to Xenia because I love it.
Has anything changed in your life since coming to Xenia?
I have grown with Xenia. I am not just being polite, I don’t really like saying things when I don’t mean them. Xenia makes me confident and excited, I don’t feel shy, I speak a lot. Xenia is a place where everyone can speak comfortably. Xenia changes my thoughts and my mindset.