Lisa Bruni - Volunteer Research Assistant
How did you first get involved with Hope English School (HES)?
I first got involved with HES because I was seeking a volunteering opportunity that would allow me to help minority groups in England that may be oppressed as a result of social inequalities, and I had a special interest in language barriers. Hope English School gave me the chance to do this rewarding work whilst I took a year out of my master's and figured out what I would want to go into after my studies. My master's in international development was also a big driver to get involved with a charity who's aims were based on social justice.
What specifically does your role involve?
As the funding and research assistant I help Rachel seek ways of funding the charity's activities, such as writing grant applications, and I carry out primary research to help the charity form it's aims and objectives on evidence-based issues to ensure we are maximising the benefit of our work for those we are trying to help.
What do you like most about working for HES?
Most of all I feel happy in the knowledge that I am working in a great team of kind-hearted people whose hard work is directly and indirectly improving the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. The weekly team meeting have been amazing to continue social activity throughout lockdowns, even if I've only ever met the team virtually!
What else do you do with the rest of your week when you are not working for HES?
Whilst on my year out, I've got to be quite busy with volunteering and working! Outside of HES I volunteer for my local Oxfam group and I create blogs and social media content for my friend's food security social enterprise (s/o to Rooting for Justice). For work, I am a mentor for A level students and I've recently started working for the ONS on Census 2021. In free time I run, practice yoga, and have video calls with my friends.
Have you always lived in Sheffield, if not what brought you here?
I am currently living back at my parents' house in Portsmouth but I was brought to Sheffield for University studies 5 years ago. I am hoping to secure a more stable job as the pandemic eases off and move back to Sheffield in the coming months (it's an awesome place to live - I'm a big fan of the Peak District!)
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
Over lockdown I have discovered that I love DIY and upcycling old materials or objects to make useful new ones. I've been making shelves out of old planks of wood and climbing ropes, creating earrings with shells I have from a holiday from who knows when, and cutting up clothes to transform into new pieces ready for summer!
