“My name is Erwan but here people call me Sammi, simply because it is my second name (even though I normally never use it)  and because it sounds more Arabic or easy to pronounce, I am 23 years old and I come from France. I currently am post graduated but studied law, precisely European and international law.

I lived during few months in Iran and suddenly became more attracted and interested in the Middle East, its History, culture, people… Already surprised by the difference between the reality and the description in the media, I wanted to go to a new misunderstood or “not very known’ place to see things by myself in order to understand better and simply help.

My first main motivation to come to Palestine, I have to admit it, was simply to learn Arabic. Indeed, I was for a long time looking for a place where the local dialect could be as close as possible to the purest Arabic. So back at this time, I thought that Palestine could be a great, unique and original place to start. Very fast, I found the official website of the Excellence Center, immediately took contact, keeping in mind this desire to learn a new language.

But very fast, surfing on the website, I found some other interesting volunteering and traineeship programs. That is how I quickly changed my mind about my main motivation to come. Indeed, I suddenly wanted to take this great opportunity to help and give to a friendly community.

I am in Hebron for less than 48hours right now, so it’ll be difficult to give you a deep a precise impression of Palestine and its people, but what thing is sure: it is different than in Europe, I mean, very different. I personally am not surprised and already used by this warm and kind atmosphere as I have Moroccan backgrounds, but it is always positively surprising. To be honest with you, I already feel like at home, surrounded by caring brothers and sisters, and for a unique child, this is always very pleasant.   

Talking about security and feeling safe in Palestine… well, I’m not here for enough time to say something about this. For now, I do not feel unsafe at all, I’d even say that I feel as good as in any European country. I live here in a flat provided by the Center, not far from the Old city, it is very convenient. Unfortunately, I do not live with a host family. But I still may see a lot.

During my stay in Palestine, I want to see as much as possible but my main goal is to teach new things to the Palestinians and to give them hope for a better future, to make them realize that there are always solutions, even here…

So I plan to stay in total four weeks in the Center to sensitize local students about Human and Women Rights by theoretical and practical ways. I also plan to teach some basic French if it is possible. Then, I plan to stay one more week to travel in Palestine or simply to keep helping, we’ll see.”