Description

The history of the Palestinian refugees started during the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948. 957 000 people fled to public buildings and refugee camps of the United Nations. Over the course of time those tent cities and shanty towns developed into densely built neighbourhoods that are still called refugee camps and are inhabited by the 1948 refugees and their descendants. In the native town of Jesus there are three such camps, too.

Urgently Needed:
Volunteer for young, physically disabled woman
Al Azzeh Refugee Camp/ Aida Camp
Bethlehem, Westbank
Palestinian Territories

My name is Echlas Al Azzeh. I'm a 38-year-old woman used to enjoy my life together with my mother. We have been living almost all of our lives in one of the houses of the Al Azzeh Camp. After my mother passed by on October 18th 2011, I am living in the Aida Refugee camp which is also one of the three Camps in Bethlehem. Here I live with my sisters family. I have my own room and bathroom which I share with my volunteer. My room has a separated entrance. The Aida Camp is very close to the wall which means without the wall it would take ten minutes to go to Jerusalem. Compared to the Al Azzeh Camp it is much bigger and you can feel the atmosphere of a Refugee camp more, especially when you enter the Camp you can see a huge key above the gate of the Camp. This key is the symbol for the return of the refugees.

Now about me. I was born with muscular dystrophy. My situation worsened tremendously after an accident in 1995, when I was hit by a car through a settler woman. I'm in a wheelchair and thus need help in my everyday life. I am looking for a motivated volunteer who is willing to help me. I'm from a Muslim family but I'm not religious and I don't wear a scarf. In spite of my disability I have the same dreams and needs as every young woman. I don't consider the volunteers that live for a certain time with me as caregivers but as friends and people who become a part of my family. I speak Arabic and English fluently plus some German and Swedish. I give Arabic lessons for the local Palestinian dialect to foreigners from all over the world in order to earn some money.

Do you have some time off? Are you looking for an adventure in the Middle East? Do you want to know more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? Would you like to learn a new language and to get to know a foreign country and a different culture? Can you imagine taking care of someone in a wheelchair? Do you want to see a beautiful landscape and have conversations with Palestinians? Would you like all your senses to enjoy the smell of oriental herbs, the taste of fine Palestinian food and the rhythms of Arabic music?

Job description

You will be a part of our family and get to know our everyday life. In the mornings I need help with washing, using the bedpan and getting dressed, and I have to be put into my normal or electric wheelchair. In the evenings you help me to move into my electric adjustable bed.

It is important that all the things I need are in the right place so that I can manage some things independently despite my disability: eating, painting pictures for my annual calenders, reading and answering emails, and preparing Arabic lessons at the computer. You will accompany me when I leave the house in my 'car', the electric wheelchair, in order to visit relatives, go shopping, see the physiotherapist or meet friends. During your stay you will sleep in my room, where I have a second bed because every once in a while I might need help in the night.

Many of my closer relatives often visit us and help. Therefore you don't always have to take care of everything alone. Sometimes I have two volunteers staying with me at the same time and you share the tasks. Sine I said that I live with the volunteer in one room in the Aida Camp, it is also possible to move to my other flat in the Al Azzeh Camp where are more rooms.

If you are interested and have questions feel free to contact me. You can
also get in touch with one of the current or former volunteers. If You know someone or institutions that might be able to help, please feel free to forward this advertisement to them.

Echlas Al Azzeh (Arabic, English)

Highlights

What we can offer to you
* Accommodation and board for free. Unfortunately we cannot contribute to the flight ticket.
* A unique experience in a refugee camp.
* Living in the Palestinian culture.
* Arabic lessons for free.
* Stories and conversations about Palestine and its history.
* If you stay longer than three months a small amount of pocket money.

Qualifications

Volunteer profile:
* Female, motivated volunteer who has time for a few weeks or some months.
* Experience with physically disabled people is an advantage but not required because none of the tasks are complicated.
* Basic English knowledge, knowledge of Arabic is useful.
* Open-minded and willing to learn a new language, respect the privacy of a family and the customs and traditions of a predominantly Muslim-Arab society.
* Ability to be flexible in taking care and in supporting mostly during the days, rarely also in the nights.

Languages

• Arabic
• English

Cost in US$:

your travel expenses

Program Fees Include:

no program fees

Salary/Pay

small amount of pocket money if you stay over 3 months

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Cooking
• Disability Issues
• Handicapped
• Health Care
• Nursing
• Volunteering

Age Range

19-35

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application