An Interview with Hamza & Jehan · Refugee Week 2025

Hamza’s first days in London were filled with fear and uncertainty. He had arrived from Yemen, and was afraid to walk down the street. “I read in the media that people in the UK didn’t like refugees. I thought British people would say, ‘This is an asylum seeker – let’s hit him’. I was very scared. I stayed inside for two weeks.”

Eventually, he heard about King’s House. Hamza joined weekly English classes, where he met Jehan, a KXC volunteer. “Hamza is always smiling,” says Jehan. “Not everyone is smiling around here, because many people have tough things going on. But despite the challenges he’s faced, he’s such a positive person. He brings so much warmth into this space.”

On Thursday nights, around 20 people gather for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). For Hamza, it’s a useful way to learn about British culture and customs, and also to build his confidence. “Now, I understand more,” he says. “I can speak with people and ask questions. My English is better than before.”

King’s House isn’t just a place for refugees and asylum seekers to learn practical skills. It’s also a place where friendships form, and community grows. “Before I came here, I didn’t know anyone,” Hamza recalls. “Now, I have friends from many countries. I have told new arrivals from my hostel to come here. I say, ‘You’ll find support. You won’t be alone’.”

Jehan and Hamza also hang out at KXC’s Saturday Cafe, where they chat during long games of Jenga. “It’s so nice when you see someone every couple of weeks,” says Jehan. “At first, you only know their name. Then you hear more of their story. You get a sense of their personality. You start having jokes, and the relationship grows from there.”

For Jehan, who has been part of the King’s House community for a year, volunteering is tied to his faith. “The Bible says a lot about welcoming the foreigner. That’s what we’re called to do. But it’s not difficult, because I get so much joy from spending time with people like Hamza.” “He told me that, in Arabic, his name means ‘lion’ and I can see his courage.”

Hamza recently received humanitarian protection in the UK, meaning he can stay here for five years. “I was confused at first, because it’s not permanent,” he explains, “but it means I can start to plan my life here. I want to go to college to improve my English, and do a master’s in accounting. And one day, I want to help others – refugees or homeless people – just like people helped me.”

To mark Refugee Week, Hamza has a message for all of us. 

“Refugees and asylum seekers don’t come to the UK for fun,” he says. “Many have run away from war. Their countries are very dangerous, and life is very hard. Please don’t judge us. Listen to our stories. Then, you’ll know why we have come here.”