🌟 Volunteer Voices: The Heart of A-CLASE

How Senior Volunteers Became Co-Learners, Empathetic Guides, and Storykeepers

The A-CLASE project was designed to build bridges through dialogue, but the true pillars of this journey were the volunteers. These retired teachers, lifelong learners, and everyday citizens stepped into unfamiliar roles—not as instructors, but as listeners, facilitators, and companions on a shared path of discovery.

🤝 Who Were the Volunteers?

Our volunteer facilitators came from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Some were veteran teachers, others lifelong learners. Most had never worked with adult women from underserved communities before—but all brought curiosity, care, and courage to the table.

Their role was not to teach, but to invite reflection, hold space for emotional exchange, and encourage storytelling through literature, visual art, and dialogic techniques.

🎤 What They Said — Reflections from the Circle

"We talked about life, emotions, daily words we never really thought about—and the women in our group were eager to speak and share. I was surprised by how open they were, and we all learned so much from each other."— Serap

"At the beginning, some barely spoke. But over time, they began to open up and trust each other. The change was emotional. We met their stories, not just their names—and discovered the gentleness behind the resilience."— Kadriye

"Facilitating these gatherings added rhythm and purpose to my retired life. Each week I prepared something meaningful—and they responded with depth and joy. Their confidence grew, and so did mine."— Züleyha

"I was amazed at how they interpreted stories by Tolstoy or Seneca. They weren’t just participating—they were thriving. It reminded me how much untapped wisdom there is in our communities."— Nilgün

"We didn’t just talk about art—we connected. The women said they felt relief, made friends, and wanted to keep learning. It showed me how powerful public education can be when it’s built on trust and dialogue."— Kutsal

"The project helped me reflect on how women’s daily lives shape their voices. When we spoke about poetry or music, their tenderness came through. It was a gift—for them, and for us."— Mevlüde

"I noticed meaningful development in them. Their perspectives on life, the way they interpreted things—it was different. I saw beautiful changes, which really says a lot about the group dynamic.”_ Kıyas

"Joining this project as a volunteer gave me a new perspective on human connection. I’ve worked in structured environments before, but this was different. It was about holding space—not giving answers. I walked away a better listener."— Ertan

"As a facilitator in a circle, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But the atmosphere we created was powerful. The participants didn’t need to be taught—they needed to be heard. And I’m grateful to have listened."— Cenk

"Managing the mentoring process throughout this project showed me how important it is to build a culture of mutual respect. The volunteers trusted each other, they trusted the method, and they trusted the space. My role was to support that growth—and it was deeply rewarding to witness how far they came, together. —Meltem, local mentor coordinator and implementation lead

"As the coordinator of A-CLASE in Türkiye, I had the privilege of witnessing something rare: circles that transformed strangers into listeners, listeners into storytellers, and facilitators into co-learners.What began as a structured methodology soon revealed itself to be much more. People who had never spoken in public began to share their truth. Our volunteers—especially the retirees—became the soul of the project. Their humility and commitment inspired me daily.This project reminded me that democratic education is not about content—it’s about courage, trust, and equality. I’m proud of what we built across countries and communities. The circle doesn’t end here."— Sibel Saygın, Project Coordinator, SAYEGDER

📈 What Changed?

Before and after surveys revealed a significant improvement in:

• Emotional expression and empathy

• Confidence in speaking within a group

• Appreciation for diversity of thought

More than data, the real transformation lived in the rooms where these gatherings happened—in the laughter, the silences, the brave first words, and the heartfelt thank-yous.

🌱 A Model for Intergenerational Empowerment

These volunteer stories prove something we believe deeply: retired professionals are an untapped resource in adult learning. With minimal training and trust in the process, they can:

• Enrich community dialogue

• Model lifelong learning

• Foster solidarity across generations

A-CLASE’s dialogic method empowered both facilitators and participants—and showed that everyone has something to learn, and something to give.

“I thought I came to help. I didn’t realize how much I would grow myself.”— Volunteer Reflection

💬 Keep the Circle Growing

We thank our volunteers not only for their time, but for their generosity, and spirit. They were the soul of A-CLASE.

And as we continue building inclusive spaces, we carry their stories with us—proof that change doesn’t start with a lesson plan. It starts with listening.