Samah & Sonja

Samah Says,

My name is Samah Hnehen. I’m an English teacher at Sourif Basic Girls’ School 2, where I’ve been working since 2023. I’m passionate about education, empowering young learners, and creating engaging classroom experiences.

My students and I had the enriching opportunity to engage in a link-up session with Sonja during school time in May and June 2025. This collaboration was both timely and meaningful, as it aligned with our curriculum topic on explorers. The session provided our students with an authentic and engaging platform to practice English, learn about real-world experiences, and broaden their understanding of global history and culture.

The session began with mutual introductions, which immediately created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Sonja shared fascinating stories about her explorations that captivated the students’ attention and set the stage for meaningful dialogue.

The students’ enthusiasm was evident not only during the session but also afterward: they eagerly asked about future sessions and expressed a strong desire to have more— even offering to use their break time for additional opportunities to connect.

One of the most valuable aspects of this session was the opportunity for students to actively use the English language in a natural, conversational setting. They were able to ask questions, respond to prompts, and present the information they had researched about famous explorers. Their enthusiasm was clearly visible, and their willingness to speak—even when unsure of certain words—demonstrated significant progress in their confidence and communication skills.

My students also conducted independent research on famous explorers and shared their findings during the session. This not only deepened their understanding of historical contributions, particularly by women, but also empowered them to speak publicly about what they had learned—an important skill in both language development and personal growth.

It was particularly encouraging to see how the students supported one another and how eager they were to ask questions and remain engaged throughout. Even when vocabulary gaps arose, they showed resilience, and I was happy to provide scaffolding when necessary. This interaction emphasized the value of real communication over perfect grammar and helped students appreciate the importance of making an effort.

The session also inspired students to imagine their own future explorations. Many began writing about the places they hope to visit and the adventures they dream of—and they enthusiastically shared their writing with the class.

In conclusion, this link-up experience had a powerful effect on my students. It boosted their speaking confidence, encouraged critical thinking, and fostered a spirit of curiosity and global connection. I am especially grateful to Sonja for her time, enthusiasm, and incredible patience with my students. Her genuine interest in their ideas and her ability to create a safe, encouraging space made a lasting impression on them. Her thoughtful responses and warm presence helped even the shyest students find their voice. Thank you, Sonja, for your inspiring contribution to our class.

Sonja Says ,

In May 2025, I had the pleasure of conducting several link-up sessions with Samah and her Grade 6 class. The students were learning about explorers as part of their curriculum, so Samah and I decided I would continue that conversation during our sessions.

I began by introducing myself, and the students asked me a variety of thoughtful and engaging questions. I shared some of my own experiences, including a recent journey I made on foot from my home in Switzerland to Rome. The students also introduced themselves with great joy and humour, setting a warm and welcoming tone.

After the introductions, the students eagerly shared what they had learned about various explorers. They were enthusiastic, attentive, and answered my questions with impressive depth. It was a joy to witness their passion for learning and their willingness to practise English in a meaningful context.

When students stumbled over vocabulary, their teacher Samah was quick to offer support, and I was pleased to see that they weren’t shy about asking for help. It was refreshing to observe a classroom environment where every student participated and encouraged one another while retelling the stories of explorers.

Ahead of our sessions, I had shared a list of notable female explorers with Samah, and she had the students research them. They then reported back on their findings with confidence and curiosity. Following this, I shared further insights into the lives of female explorers through history and into the present day. The students responded with thoughtful questions and showed a genuine eagerness to learn more.

Sadly, due to the ongoing situation in Palestine, our final session had to be cancelled. I had asked the students to write about their own future explorations—where they would like to go and what they might do when they’re older. I hope to one day hear their stories.

These link-up sessions were a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience. The students seemed to thoroughly enjoy using their English in a real-world context, and I loved connecting with such an engaged and supportive classroom.

It was a great pleasure to work with Samah and her students in Palestine, and I look forward to more link-ups in the future.