Volunteering Life in Palestine: Before coming to Hebron, I didn’t quite know what to expect. Obviously, I knew that I’d do some teaching and learn some Arabic, but I wasn’t sure what my schedule would be like. What would the other volunteers and teachers be like, what would home life be like, and would it even be fun?
My first day in at the Center was awesome, after meeting the other guys staying at the apartment, we walked in to the Center for breakfast where I met everyone else. Everyone was very warm and welcoming, we laughed, chatted, told stories, and ate yummy food prepared by the two amazing chefs Kitam and Marwa. This is the same every day, coming in to the Center for breakfast is a fun, social experience. Everyone is spritely and in a good mood, I usually hate mornings and am a shocking person to be around, but coming in to the Center is fun and everyone looks forward to it.
Teaching is also fun, the students are all lovely and in no way intimidating to stand in front of and talk to. They are excited to have you there, and teaching them is an absolute privilege. You can teach in the center, or be taken out to another school somewhere. Wherever you go, the kids are thrilled to have you there, and you always leave the class feeling rewarded.
The Arabic lessons in Palestine the center provides are extremely valuable. Paired with the fact that everybody on the street is speaking Arabic to you, it strives you to learn as much as you can. I undertake a one on one Arabic class and I love it. The teachers are aware of the difficulties of learning a new language as well as a new alphabet, and they are extremely patient with you if need be. At the same time, they spur you on to learn more and more.
When away from the center, it’s impossible not to engage socially with the locals of Hebron. People will speak to you wherever you are; walking down the street, eating at a restaurant, shopping for food or clothes, playing football. People will be desperate to become your friend and speak to you. Every day you meet someone new, and every day you learn more Arabic because of this.
All in all, every day here presents something new to you. One moment can be relaxing, the next can be exciting and fun, there’s never a dull moment. All the other volunteers in Palestine are great people who I hope to know for the rest of my life, and the locals you meet will leave a profound impression on you.
