Meet Mehdi Mokrani, House Coordinator

Our 'Meet the Team' series aims to highlight the exceptional staff and volunteers who work hard to make Camphill School Aberdeen the wonderful place that it is.  

Next up is Mehdi Mokrani, who first joined the global Camphill community as a volunteer in Finland and now works as a House Coordinator Camphill School Aberdeen’s St Andrews House.  

How long have you been working at Camphill School Aberdeen?

I have been at Camphill School Aberdeen for 15 years and am coming into my 16th year.  

I first became involved with Camphill in Finland in 2011, where I volunteered for a year. That experience gave me a lot of insight into the movement and community living, and it inspired me to seek opportunities here in Aberdeen.

When I moved to Aberdeen, I first worked with Newton Dee adults for two years. My main role was living with six residents and one co-worker, providing guidance and support. I was also involved in the gardens and cooking for the houses. During that time, I would visit other Camphill communities to learn more about the work.

I joined Camphill School Aberdeen in 2014. I started at St Ternans as a foundation year volunteer. That was quite a different experience, focusing on spending time with younger residents. My responsibilities included personal care, supporting daily routines, mealtimes, housework, workshops and classroom support.

What did you do prior to joining Camphill School Aberdeen, and what attracted you to the organisation?

My experience with Camphill in Finland introduced me to the organisation’s values and approach, and through contacts there, I learned about the opportunity in Aberdeen. What attracted me most was the sense of community, the chance to work closely with residents, and the hands-on, meaningful nature of the work and life sharing experience.

You started as a volunteer and now run a house. Can you talk us through that journey?

When I first joined as a volunteer, my house coordinator gave me the opportunity to start my SVQ studies, which was a real turning point for me. Once I began SVQ Level 4, the school offered me the chance to stay longer, and the timing felt right. I often say, “If you want it, you can do it.”

This role gave me supervision and managerial responsibilities. I worked as an Additional Support Needs (ASN) care worker for three years at St Ternans, and then had the opportunity to apply for an assistant house coordinator position at Cherrywood House. In that role, I was involved in problem-solving, organising weekly and daily routines, and supporting both staff and young people. Eventually, an opening came up for a house coordinator position at St Andrews House, which I now run.

What support or training helped you progress from volunteer to house coordinator?  

The level of support I received was incredible, from managers, to HR, to house coordinators. People at Camphill are very welcoming and supportive. When I joined Cherrywood, I was especially supported by Ashley to learn more about the role, which made a big difference. One of the great things about Camphill is that you can find the right support and given the opportunity to grow and progress in your professional career.

If management see that you want to grow and progress, they’ll give you the opportunity to do so.

What does a typical day look like for you?  

Mornings start with a handover from the night staff, where I hear feedback about how the evening went, which helps me plan the day. I try to proactively anticipate what each day will need and inform staff of essential adjustments to the day schedule.

We usually have two workshops with a lunch break in between. Evenings are filled with activities like singalongs, crafts, baking, movies, and walks. Fridays often include a pool session within CSA in the morning and a movie in the evening.

Last year we had lots of talented coworkers who formed a musical band, which led to a music event for the volunteers' farewell. We had all of the Camphill School houses joining in either playing instruments or singing in Murtle Hall. We also celebrate festivals, cultural events, and birthdays, making every experience meaningful for the young people, volunteers and staff.

What has been your most rewarding moment at Camphill?

The most rewarding moments are seeing the growth and progress of the young poeple we support, how their lives improve and the skills they gain. Feedback from parents on their progress is always encouraging. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see the development of the coworkers, who play a great role in forming a strong team.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Camphill?  

My main advice is that you have to love what you’re doing. Be ready for the challenges and know that everyone here is supportive and will help you grow in your career. This is what makes Camphill School a unique experience.

When you’re not working, how do you enjoy your time?  

I try to create a good work life balance, which includes meeting with friends, catching up with family, going to the gym and traveling.