Media & Journalism Program internship in Palestine: Meet Esther “My name is Esther Pérez, I am twenty-five years old and I am from Spain. I have studied the Degree in Journalism at the University of Valencia, and then I have done the Master’s Degree in Culture of Peace, Conflicts and Human Rights at the University of Granada. On the other hand, I am doing the Journalist Program at the Excellence Center. That is because of I like to be up date on currents affairs, to know the history and to explore an issue, and finally, take time to tell in-depth stories.
Actually, I have been collaborating for a year as a volunteer in Red Cross Organisation, as an external communication reference. I consider myself committed, patient and responsible, and I like to meet new cultures, also dialogue with people from other cultures and countries. Finally, I want to say that I like learning new skills and I am interested in know languages, as they help me to explore new stories around the world.
On the other hand, I have chosen to volunteer in Palestine because I have always been interested in studying and reading about the social and political situation that Palestinian society is currently lived and they have lived. In addition, last year, during my Master’s Degree, I have been able to deepen more about it, from different points of view: research for peace, human rights, culture of peace, international humanitarian law and environmental impact.
That is why I had need to come to Palestine to know the situation first-hand, as well as, all the stories that local people can tell me. Even more, I decided to travel to the West Bank, specifically Hebron, because I know that is one of the territories where the situation is more complicated, because it is divided into areas that belong to Palestinian Authority and others to the Israel authorities.
I also believe that here you can see the consequences of this colonization, through the checkpoints that divide society, and conflict with the settlers and Israeli authorities. Therefore, the human rights situation is visible.
I got to know the Excellence Center thanks to a friend who told me about it, and about the educational work that you did for the Palestinian community. When I looked at your social accounts I really liked all the activities and programs that you carry out, and that allow so much that the international volunteers can contribute things to the local citizenship, and, on the other hand, the local citizenship contributed to us.
In addition, I was interested in learning Arabic and doing excursions and activities to know first hand these situations. I also liked the fact that I lived with a Palestinian family, as I can learn a lot from them, their day-to-day lives and customs. It’s fine just by having a conversation with them, and I would love spending time with my host family!
In relation to how I feel here in Hebron, I have made a long journey to arrive to Hebron, and at any time I felt insecure or afraid. People have always helped me when I found myself lost on the street, or when I have doubts about the bus I had to take. I have met very friendly people. In addition, I know that I have the help of my host family, the Center staff or the rest of the international volunteers in case I have any problems. However, I know that I have always follow the advice and recommendations of the Center.
At the Excellence Center, I would like to learn more about the political and social situation between Palestine and Israel, especially here in Hebron. I would like to know first-hand all the stories and information that people can bring me.
The part I like most about journalism is writing in-depth articles and research, so I can write them about the topic that you tell me. In addition, I find interesting to know how journalism and the media work in the West Bank, as well as the role they play in reporting about the political and social situation in Palestine. And perhaps the importance of the international media. Thirdly, I have prepared a dossier on the media: what is a news? how to tell stories in the news, how to locate information… among many other things, so I could also prepare classes.
I am very happy to be here in Palestine, and although it is the first time that I have to express myself in English, I know that little by little I will be expressing myself orally more fluently, because I can write and I understand everything I hear. In addition, I hope too learn more about the Arabic language.”
Related Volunteer Programs
How To Get Further Information
For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org/
Whatsapp:+972599479880
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Excellence Center’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Excellence Center’s Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
