At the Excellence Center, we make a point to start the day off right and all together with a community breakfast. It is a nice ritual and routine to be able to participate in each morning and is a reminder that the Excellence Center is rooted in the importance of people more than anything else.
Table of Contents
Team Spirit
Nourish both your body and your team spirit at the breakfast meal. The morning event creates a real sense of community at the center; just as we work together, we eat together.
The sharing of preparation work for breakfast is important as it creates a feeling of equality and mutual respect. Then, we sit around the table together. Whether you are staying in Halle for a week, or a month, or are a permanent member of staff, you will be invited to the community breakfast.
Socializing
Between bites, this breakfast time is a great opportunity to get to know fellow colleagues better. People often talk about their family lives, humorous stories, and their traveling experiences. It is a moment to share part of yourself with others and learn something about those around you. With the wide range of visitors at the Excellence Center, it is also an occasion to meet new people.
Language Practice
Because everyone is together at breakfast, the conversation will take place in a variety of languages. For this reason, it is the perfect moment to improve your listening skills by picking up on bits of Arabic or German that are most relevant to daily life, like “Kann ich bitte haben das Salz?” or… “(in Arabic can I have the salt please)”, can I have the salt, please? At breakfast, you can build confidence in your own language abilities in a non-judgmental environment by trying out phrases you have learned.
What Food is on Offer?
Ultimately, whatever you want to eat for breakfast, you can get it here at the Excellence Center. Breakfast is known to be the most important meal of the day and we make it so! Special requests can be made to manager Rafat, but some popular breakfast choices include yogurt with muesli, fresh fruit, boiled eggs, avocado, and fresh hummus on flatbread.
A warm cup of coffee or tea is always brewing at the center. With a German bakery just next door to the Excellence Center, a sweet warm pastry is another delicious option and the chance to indulge in German cuisine. This meal sets you up for the activities of the day.
Final Remarks
The community breakfast is one of the pillars of our program here. It helps our community (administration, teachers, volunteers, and staff) forge personal connections with one another. It is important to us that we not only work together but that we get along and feel as though we are somewhat of a family. This is especially helpful to our international volunteers who are far from their homes and families.
