“Extra classes aren’t necessarily boring, they can be fun,” Omar says. Thanks to the guidance from his patient teacher, he’s learned Czech and now he’s successfully dealing with other subjects as well.
When he first came to a Czech school, he couldn’t understand a word. This wasn’t about fear, but rather about the language barrier. He didn’t know how to speak and didn’t understand what others said. He and his parents used Arabian at home. As their knowledge of Czech was virtually non-existent and they had just started learning the language, they were unable to help Omar with school homework. A new environment, the covid pandemic struck, a new school, online classes… These circumstances made studying difficult even for children without the language barrier.
Despite all of this, Omar had strong will and asked for extra classes himself. And he was lucky to meet Radek.
When extra classes mean more than just studying
They used textbooks, interactive tools, and their own methods. Even though school subjects remained the main focus, the extra classes often covered Omar’s areas of interest that kept changing over the years, like Omar himself. Dinosaurs, programming, technology… Whatever he fell for naturally became part of the extra classes. Today, Omar is interested in the IT world.
Radek, a volunteer at META, has been providing extra classes to Omar for more than three years. “We started from scratch – with a spelling book and simple phrases, focusing on understanding tasks,” Radek says. Starting with Czech and mathematics, they eventually got to French, a new school subject for Omar.
Regular meetings with Radek gave Omar reassurance. He knew he could bring any issue, and Radek would help him understand the problem.
Knowledge wasn’t the only issue
One of the most difficult moments for Omar was the time he solved a mathematical problem in front of the whole class, using a method he had known since the first year of school in Egypt. It was correct and transparent, but different from what is expected in Czech schools. Omar was relieved and happy to come up with an answer to the problem, as he was sure it was correct. However, instead of acknowledgement, all he felt was disappointment and uncertainty. Although the answer was correct, the teacher didn’t accept the method Omar used.
Similar clashes between two educational cultures are challenging for children. If they don’t receive external support, such situations may easily provoke uncertainty and resignation.
This is one of the moments when a different education system is at variance with the school’s expectations. A child, who’s ahead of their classmates, feels injustice and being misunderstood. It was at times like these that Omar had Radek by his side – someone with whom he could discuss such situations and who helped him understand the problem and find the motivation to carry on.
A teacher becoming a mentor
At first, their main goal was to find reassurance and to get to grips with the situation. Studying was the next step. Radek became a person who helps overcome challenges – a mentor, not a parent or a teacher – someone who persisted and believed a way out could be found.
What began as extra classes grew into something deeper. Radek and Omar discussed Omar’s dreams and questions far beyond school subjects.
What has changed?
Today, Omar’s got a 2 from math, is no longer afraid to speak Czech, and is on the way to achieve his dreams. “If it wasn’t for extra classes, I wouldn’t understand Czech,” he believes.
And what about Radek? The experience makes him happy, yet he stays humble. As he says, sometimes it’s better not to push things and look for new ways instead. This is what’s also involved in studying – patience, sensitivity, relationship.
“As a social worker, I believe this kind of long-term support is beneficial. Children who start off with a disadvantage can succeed and continue to develop. Moreover, it can give rise to friendships that are formative for both the teacher and the student,” social worker Adéla adds.
Would you like to change someone else’s story and help them in school? You’re one decision and a little bit of time away.
Join our volunteering team!
