The Palestinian Center - Go Palestine

I volunteered with Go Palestine for a month, teaching conversational English twice a week at a community center in a refugee camp. My main work was to get the kids and teenagers talking. We played games, practiced simple conversations, and sang songs. The goal was to build their confidence to speak. It was challenging but so rewarding. Seeing a shy student finally say a full sentence with a smile was the best feeling. Teaching just twice a week was perfect. It gave me time to prepare good lessons and also to visit families, explore with the center's staff, and really understand the community. The people in the camp were incredibly strong and generous. They taught me about their culture and daily life. This wasn't just volunteering; it was a real human exchange. If you want to make a direct, personal impact and learn more than you ever could from a book, do this program. You won't forget it!!!

I came to Palestine for one month. I did the volunteer with Go Palestine for one month. My program was to teach English at the refugee camp. However, the expectation was not met as I did not teach, I went to the camp a total of 3 times and only did tours of classrooms. I was expecting to go at 3 times a week. Other than that, in the centre, I met great international and local people. I was able to make memorable experiences with them.

Arriving here and being in Palestine for the first time (def. not the last time) of my life, I felt very nervous at first. However, the moment I stepped into the center all the nervousness disappeared. I came just in time for breakfast and immediately got to meet the other volunteers and the organizers of our programs. It felt like meeting your family that you only see once or twice a year - a very warm welcome! The program itself was a bit different from what I originally imagined- more city tours, more factory visits, ... . which was a very enriching as well and allowed a deeper understanding of life and work here in Hebron! Also, I was lucky to be placed in a host family from the program which was a true blessing. The Arabic lessons were well structured and allowed me to choose my focus (topic of conversation etc.). All in all the experience with GoPalestine was very eye opening (its one thing to hear about the occupation and life and a total different feeling to actually see and "experience" it ). Would recommend.