“Hello! My name is Michael and I’m from the UK. I’ve been here at the Excellence Center for 3 months, doing a variety of different programs.
For the first month I did the ‘volunteering with Palestinian children’ program. This included providing English lessons at the Center to children of all ages, as well as visiting a number of local schools. I also visited other educational centres and refugee camps in the surrounding Hebron area, providing English lessons to students. This experience was so rewarding and the children of Palestine are absolutely amazing!
For the second month of my trip I completed 2 weeks of intensive Arabic, which allowed me to really practise and improve my Arabic, giving me the confidence to speak more with the local people. My teacher Saja has been amazing! I have really enjoyed my lessons. Saja has been very kind and supportive, making the lessons fun and engaging. She has helped me so much.
For the second month I also took part in the Human Rights Internship which has included visiting a variety of different places and organisations here in Hebron and the surrounding area to highlight the Human Rights situation for the Palestinian people. This has included a number of lectures about the history of Palestine and the current situation here in Hebron and the West Bank. I have visited the H2 area of the city and met a number of people and families living there who have told us about their daily lives lives, describing the difficulties of living in an Israeli controlled area. Some stories have been difficult to hear but seeing it with my own eyes has highlighted the importance of hearing and sharing their stories.
I have also visited places of historical importance, such as the old city and Ibrahimi Mosque and I have also met a number of individuals and organisations within Hebron such as schools for disabled children, the Hebron Center of Commerce, a law firm, hospitals, clinics, a radio station, a film production studio, a keffiyeh factory and refugee camps, that highlight the situation for Palestinians here in Hebron. In the surrounding Hebron area I have also visited Masafa Yatta, an area where Palestinian homes are at risk from demolition by the Israeli Government.
For my final month I mainly did the Human Rights internship, taking part in the activities described above as well as some teaching in local centres and refugee camps
During the weekends I was able to travel to a number of different cities in the West Bank and Israel including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Ramallah, Nazareth and Haifa. Palestine is amazing and beautiful! Being able to explore the country was wonderful.
I feel so safe in Hebron and the Palestinian people are the friendliest people I have ever met. During my time here I have lived in a flat with other male volunteers. The flat is nice, spacious and has all of the mod cons for a great stay.
I am a vegetarian, so although many local Palestinian dishes include meat, I was able find vegetarian food quite easily. Some of my favourite foods included falafel, hummus, fresh bread, a large variety of fruit and vegetables and salads.
The Excellence Center environment is so friendly and supportive. The staff have been amazing and supportive, listening to to any concerns you may have. When I wished to change my program slightly to incorporate more Human Rights, this was not a problem. The Center is also a great place to practise you Arabic in a supportive environment.
All of the volunteers at the Center have been from around the globe, so it has been so interesting and enjoyable to meet different people.
My lasting impression of Palestine is of a people who are so hospitable and kind. Despite the challenges of occupation, the people are wonderful. My experience has made me appreciate my life. Palestine is also so beautiful and I hope to return soon. Come to Palestine!”
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