Virtual Xenia: Veronica's Story

We chatted to Veronica, a participant at Xenia workshops, about what Xenia means to her. 

How long have you been coming to Xenia?

I joined Xenia in August 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, and in the middle of a change in my personal life.

Why did you start coming to Xenia? Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I found out about Xenia looking for opportunities to volunteer in Hackney. When I read about the purpose of Xenia I thought I could contribute to the cause, and hopefully make new friends.

Not being a native English speaker, I know how difficult it can be to live your life speaking a language that is not yours. I see Xenia and our conversation sessions as a unique occasion to empower other women as well as myself, to make all of us feel confident in our communities and everyday lives. And at the same time I feel part of a group, a colourful group of wonderful women that want to learn, want to share and are always ready to teach each other something new.

What is it like coming to virtual Xenia sessions?

I can’t wait every Saturday morning to wake up, prepare my cup of coffee and sit down in front of my pc to start the virtual Xenia session. 

Joining an online Xenia session means discussing a specific topic, guided by the Xenia facilitators. I have learned about other cultures, discovered lots about other traditions and shared my own. Everyone is always very happy to be there, and we all have the chance to speak and express our ideas. 

What kind of topics do we discuss? Who do you speak to? 

Every week there is a new topic, always interesting, entertaining and educational. We discuss topics that unite us, despite our different backgrounds, like food, celebrations, art and hobbies. But we also discuss issues that we face in our daily life, for example the Census, how to use the recycling bins correctly, Refugee week etc.

During the online sessions you are assigned to a group of 3 or 4 people and after checking out on each other’s lives, we then discuss the topics. I have had brilliant conversations with an unbelievable variety of women, exchanging opinions and ideas. I don’t know how (and if) in my normal life I could have met such a diverse group of women, and this is one of the reasons I’m grateful I came across Xenia.

Why is Xenia important to you?

I feel I am part of a group of wonderful women. I am always ready to listen to other people’s stories, ideas and opinions, and I feel free to express my ideas and my stories, comfortable that everyone respects each other and there is no judgment.

Owning a language means that you can have a deeper understanding of what are your rights and your duties, you can apply confidently for a job, you can be an active member of your community. When I think about Xenia, I see a group of people that decide to come together to fill a knowledge gap, to empower all women to live their lives fully. Also, beyond the language aspect, Xenia is also a reference point to get information, to get help and support.  

How would you describe Xenia to your friends? Would you recommend them to come to Xenia?

When my friends invite me for breakfast on Saturdays, I always decline saying that I have an important appointment with my “girlfriends at Xenia”.

And yes, I have mentioned Xenia to some of my friends and they appreciate and recognise the positive role that this group plays in Hackney and beyond. 

Has anything changed in your life since coming to Xenia?

One year coming to Xenia and I have found something that moves me, that interests me and makes me proud. 

I can’t wait to start the sessions in person and finally get to see all of you at Xenia!