The opportunity to participate â¤in the Volunteerâ Program for Palestinian Refugees is a chance to immerse yourself in Palestinian culture âand make a real impact on the local community. Volunteers can spend anywhere from one week to three months in the West Bank, assisting Palestiniansâ with âimproving their English skills and exploring the rich heritage of theâ region. This program not only allows you to âŁlearn Arabic but also provides⣠essential support to ârefugees in the West â¤Bank. By participating,â volunteers gain valuable âŁinsights⣠into âthe challenges faced by Palestinians, leading to a deeper understanding of âtheir experiences. Join us⣠for an enriching experience that not only broadens your cultural perspective but also enables you to make a meaningfulâ difference in the lives of individuals and âcommunities in need. This transformative journey will connect you âwith a vibrant culture and empower you to âcreate positive change.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGyoY1ZFYCk
Understanding Palestinian Refugees
When we think of Palestinian refugees, we often picture those living outside Palestine due to historical events like those⢠of 1948. â˘However, itâs crucial to recognize that thereâ are also refugee communities within the West Bank and Gaza. In theâ West â˘Bank, approximately 22⤠camps house around 176,000 refugees, âŁwhile Gaza⣠has 12 camps accommodating about 478,000 refugees. These communities play a significantâ role â¤in shaping the Palestinian refugee experience, highlighting theâ complexities and challenges faced by Palestinians across different contexts.
Learning Arabic Language Through Volunteering
As part of our â˘program, volunteers have accessâ to two Arabic classes per week lasting 1.5â hours each session for a total of 3 hours of immersive language âinstruction. This comprehensive learning opportunity⣠not only enhances Arabic proficiency but also deepens understanding âof Arab culture and communication nuances within it.
Enhancing â˘English Skills Through Conversations
Inâ our program, we prioritize helping volunteers achieve fluency in English through engaging conversations with students from various backgrounds. We believe that improvingâ conversational skills can open up new opportunities and foster connections with people from diverse locations.
Living with Local âHost Families
Staying with a Palestinian host family⢠offers anâ immersive experience that goes beyond language acquisitionâit provides profound insights into their culture and daily life. By living among locals, volunteers gain firsthand exposure to traditions, values, and hospitality while forging meaningful connections and deepening appreciation for Palestinian life. Discover Refugee âCamps through Day Trips
Immerse Yourself in Refugee Camp Life
Embarkâ on day trips to refugee campsâ in Hebron and Bethlehem to gain⣠a firsthand look at the daily lives of refugees.â By spending time in âŁthese camps,â you can witness theirâ struggles and resilience, fostering âempathy âand a deeper understanding of their communities.
Experience City â˘Tours in Hebron
Participate in the Help Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Programâs city âŁtours⣠in Hebron, where you will explore âŁvarious areas with unique stories. These tours offer â¤insights into the cityâs history and⤠contemporary life, including âvisits to âlocal factories to learn about the economy and âŁcraftsmanship. This immersive experience provides a valuable perspective on Hebronâs âculture.
Culinary Journey with Authenticâ Palestinian Dishes
Engage in a culinary adventure⤠with the Helpâ Palestinian Refugees Volunteer⢠Program by preparing authentic Palestinian dishes together. This hands-on experience allows for bonding over cooking while enjoying theâ flavors of the region, creating lasting memories and connections within the community.
We provide â¤two days off each week for exploration beyond Hebron, offering âopportunities to visit other captivating destinationsâ such as Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, â˘Jericho, andâ Jerusalem.
This âtime off allows participants to immerse themselves in new âexperiences and create lasting memories outside of their âvolunteer activities.
The program âis located in Hebron within Palestine. Withâ a population of approximately 300,000 residents within the city itselfâ and an additional 500,000 residing in surrounding villages.
What âDoes Theâ Volunteer Program Include?
Teaching conversational English â¤primarily to children living in refugee camps
Involvement in optional entertainment,sports,and educational activities
Opportunities for meaningful interactions with Palestinian refugees through storytelling sessions,fosteringâ friendships,and gaining insights into âtheir experiences.
Duration of Participation
Volunteers have the option to join the program for a period ranging âfrom one to 12 weeks.
Regardless of the duration chosen, we are committed to ensuring that you have a fulfilling and memorable experience at our center and in Hebron.
Reasons⣠to Choose GO Palestine
We do not impose any âŁhidden or extra âcharges on our volunteers.
We arrange weekly excursions to various locations âŁin Hebron andâ Bethlehem.
Our program includes three hours of Arabic lessons per week, taught by â˘experienced âinstructors.
Situated in the heart of Hebron, our center âŁis easily accessible⣠for both local Palestinian students â¤and international participants.
We offer flexibility â˘in⤠adjusting program start and end times according to⤠individual needs.
We carefully select host families that female participants feelâ comfortable staying withâ during their time in Hebron.
We organize â˘tours of popular landmarks âin Hebron for a better understanding of the⣠cityâs culture and âhistory.
We provide comprehensiveâ supportâ and⢠guidance to enhance the overall experience âfor âŁall participants.
Our 8th-floor apartment is specifically designed for our male participants, offering a â˘stunning view and all the necessary amenities. Located âŁjust a three-minute walk from the center, it provides convenience and comfort for⢠our volunteers.
Tasks and Activities
Educational Activities
International volunteers play â¤a crucial role in creating and âŁorganizing educational activities for Palestinian children and adults. These activities â¤focus on practical English conversation skills rather than âgrammar, emphasizing interactive learning through presentations, games, group work, and more. Volunteers also have the opportunity to âengage withâ primary and secondary school students within the camp.
Entertainment Activities
In addition to educational tasks, volunteers canâ participate in orâ organize entertainment activities for Palestinian refugees. These activities may include music⢠sessions, drawing classes, sports events, games, arts and craftsâ workshops, providing a diverse range of experiences for both volunteers and participants. Rest assured that you will not be alone in â¤organizing these activities as Palestinian volunteers will be there to supportâ you throughout the process.
Benefits of Volunteering with Refugees
Experience the warmth and hospitality of Palestinian culture by engaging with Palestinian familiesâ and refugees.
Enjoy a traditionalâ Palestinian breakfast at the center.
Participateâ in 3 hours of Arabic âlessons per week, with two classes lastingâ 1.5⢠hours each.
Explore local sites in âŁHebron to learn about the cityâs rich history.
Choose between âstaying with a local host⤠family or at our 8th-floor apartment,⢠with private accommodation âŁoptions available for an âadditional fee.
Embark on day trips to refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem, as well as politically significant areas.
Receive a âŁparticipation certificate and recommendation letter upon program completion.
Linguistic Learning Throughâ Volunteerism in Palestine
If youâre interested âin learningâ Arabic while making a positive impact, volunteering in âPalestine offers a unique opportunity. â¤Whether youâ prefer âModern Standard Arabic âor Levantine Arabic, you can dedicate three weekly hours to languageâ study through â¤two classes per week. This dual approach allows you to enhance yourâ language skills while contributing to your community throughâ volunteer work.
When you volunteer with us in Palestine, you will have the opportunity to âŁengage in a variety of activities that will⢠enrich your experience. From educational sessions â¤toâ social gatherings and fun outings, your weekly routine will be filled with diverse and meaningful interactions. One highlight of your day âwill be the special⢠Palestinian breakfastâ served at âŁ9:30 âam. This breakfast includes traditional ingredients such as Palestinian thyme (Zaatar),â labneh, falafel, hummus,â olives, and more. The menu is âvaried regularly to âprovide a unique culinary experience.
Program Schedule
The program commences at â¤10:30 âinâ the morning and runs until 1:30 or⣠2:00 in the afternoon. During this time, participants engage in teaching conversational English to various groups of Palestinians, â¤including school⣠students,⢠university students, and community members. âThe specific activities may vary âbased on â˘the⤠program you are enrolled in; therefore, it is advisable to reviewâ the programâs⤠description⤠for more details.
Midday Break
At 2:00 pm,â a one-hour lunch break begins. Participants have the option to purchase lunch from nearby restaurants offering a variety of dishes such as shawarma, falafel, fried chicken, Maqluba (a traditional Palestinian dish), Hebronâs Qidreh âŁ(a local specialty), Chicken Mansaf or Lamb Mansaf. Alternatively, there are â¤supermarkets and âmalls close⤠by where individuals can buy ingredients to prepare their meals at the center. Learning Arabic in âŁPalestine: A Culturalâ and⤠Linguistic Experience Arabic Language Immersion Program Our âprogram offers a unique opportunity to immerse⣠yourself in the Arabic language⤠and Palestinian culture. Through a combination of classroom⢠instruction and cultural activities, you âŁwill âgain a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural context. Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial) Participants receive two âArabic language classes per week, each lasting an hour and a half. Our experiencedâ teachers â¤leadâ these⢠classes, which⢠are available in⢠both Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya). Students have the flexibility to choose one or both dialects based on their preferences. Cultural Activities In addition to language classes, our program includes various cultural activities that provide insight into âŁPalestinianâ traditions, history, and daily life. Theseâ activities may include visits to historical⤠sites,⣠cooking classes featuring traditional Palestinian cuisine, music performances, and more. Homestay Experience To further enhance your immersion experience, participants have the option toâ stay with local host families.⣠This allows for authenticâ interactions with Palestinians âin their everyday lives, providing valuable opportunities for language practice and cultural exchange. Excursions Our program also includes excursions to significant⤠sites across Palestine. These trips offer participants the chance to explore key historical landmarks such as Bethlehemâs â¤Churchâ of the Nativity or Jerichoâs⤠ancient ruins while deepening their understanding of Palestinianâ history and culture. Conclusion By âparticipating inâ our Arabic â¤Language Immersion Program in Palestine, you â˘will not only âŁimprove your language skills but also gain a profound appreciation for Palestinian culture. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with locals, explore historical sites firsthand, and develop a deeper âŁunderstanding of this rich linguistic tradition within its cultural âcontext.Explore Refugee⣠Camps⢠in Bethlehem & Hebron: A Unique Day Trip Experience Embark on a â˘journeyâ to the refugee⣠campsâ in Hebron and Bethlehem, where youâ can immerse yourself âŁin the stories andâ conditions of Palestinian refugees. These eye-opening trips depart from the center at 10:45 â¤am⤠and typically conclude around 2:00 or â3:00 in â¤the âafternoon. Discover the âŁRealities of âPalestinian Refugees Join us on a weekly â˘excursion to explore the refugee camps, engage with residents, and gain insights into their lives.⤠Hear âfirsthand accounts, âlearn about their struggles, and witness resilience in action. Local âTours to Uncover Hebronâs Rich⤠Heritage Every two â¤weeks, we offer local visits that delve into Hebronâs historical⢠and economic landmarks. From âiconic sites⤠like the â¤Ibrahimi Mosque and âAl-Shuhada âStreet to artisanal factories producing keffiyehs, glassware, and ceramics â âthese tours provide a comprehensive understanding of this vibrant city. Immerse Yourself in⣠Cultural âExperiences Experience the âŁheart of Palestine through immersive visits that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Engage with local artisans, explore traditional crafts, and gain a deeper appreciation for Palestinian culture. Enhance Your Perspective Through Meaningful Encounters Engage âwith communities, listen to personal narratives,⢠and broaden your worldview through meaningful âinteractions. These experiences offer a unique opportunity to connect with locals and gain a deeperâ understanding of âtheir daily realities. Uncover Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Path Venture beyond tourist hotspots and discover hidden gems that offer authentic glimpses âinto Palestinian life. From bustling markets to quiet alleyways, these âexcursions reveal the true essence of⣠Palestine beyond stereotypes. Join Us on an Unforgettable Journey Embark onâ an unforgettable journey âŁfilled with enriching experiences that will leave a lasting impact â¤onâ your perspective.⣠Join us asâ we explore refugee camps, uncover cultural treasures, and forge connections that transcend borders.
Cooking a Traditional Palestinian Dish
Every couple of weeks, our team members come together to prepare and cook a traditional Palestinian meal. This involves making starters, frying vegetables, cooking rice, cutting chicken or meat, and sometimes stuffing vegetables based on the ârecipe for the day.
Exploring Free Time Options
Free time typically begins at either 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM. During this period, volunteers have the opportunity toâ engage in various activities and explore the local surroundings.
Exploring Hebron âŁAfter âŁVolunteering
Once your volunteering period in the⢠center âconcludes, you have theâ opportunity⣠to spend your free⤠time socializing with âother international participants⤠and locals⤠you have⤠met during â¤your stay in âŁHebron. This can involve visiting a cafĂŠ or⣠coffee shop, or simply relaxing in a nearby park in the evening. The centerâs location⤠on one of the cityâs bustling streets providesâ easy access to numerousâ cafĂŠsâ and parks for leisure activities.
Eligibility for the Volunteer Program with Refugees⣠in Palestine
The Palestinian Center has âwelcomed individuals from various countries including the⢠USA, UK, âDenmark, Colombia, France, Japan, âŁChina, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany and more.
The Volunteer with Refugees in Palestine program⤠is open to individuals aged between 18 â 75 years old. People from all nationalities and academic backgrounds are⢠encouraged to participate.
Applicants under 18 years old can⣠also apply âbut â˘require parental consent by having one â¤of their parents âŁfill out⤠and sign a consent form.
Application â˘Timeline for the Program
The application process for the program is ongoing throughout the year. Interested individuals can apply at any time within âtheirâ eligibility age range. It is recommended to check for specific⤠deadlines or updates on application⢠periods on The Palestinianâ Centerâs website. Join the Palestinian Refugee Volunteer Program⢠at Any Time Are â˘you interested in volunteering with Palestinian refugees? The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugeesâ program has a flexible⤠application process, allowing youâ to apply year-round. You have⤠the freedom to choose when you want to start and end your volunteer experience. The minimum duration for participation is one week,⢠while the maximum is four weeks â¤or â˘one month. Fees for the Volunteer Program The participation fee includes various components suchâ as accommodation with a host family or at⤠their 8th-floor⤠apartment. Private accommodation options are also available for an additional cost. Additionally, volunteers receive three hoursâ of â˘Arabic lessons per â¤week, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips to refugee camps in â˘Hebron and Bethlehem, visits to politically significant areas, and⢠sightseeing tours of historical sites â˘in Hebron. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of participation âand a recommendation letter. Language Requirements Volunteers do not âneed prior knowledge of Arabic as the program provides three hours of Arabic âlessons each week. Participants can choose between learning Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or âSpoken Arabic⢠Language (Ammiya) during their time volunteering â¤with refugees in Palestine. joining this volunteer program offers a unique⢠opportunity⤠to make a difference in the lives of Palestinian refugees while immersing âŁyourself in their culture âand community. Apply today andâ embark on a meaningful journey⤠towards creating positive change!
Enhancing Yourâ Experience with the Volunteer â˘Program
Manyâ volunteers find that their experience with the program is greatly enriched by âimmersing themselves in the local culture and â˘language. One way to do this âis by adding extra Arabic language instruction hours to your program for an additionalâ fee of $20.00 per hour. This can help you âbetter connect âwith the community and make a more meaningful impact during your timeâ volunteering.
Customizing Your Experience
Whenâ applying for the⢠program, be sure to indicate if you would like to include additional Arabic language instruction hours in your schedule. This customization allowsâ you to tailor your experience⣠to meet your specific goals and interestsâ while also deepening your understanding of the local culture.
Program Details
Location:
Hebron (H1 â Under Palestinian Control), Palestine
Age Range:
18-75 Years Old
Minimum Volunteer Period:
One Week
Maximum Volunteer Period:</td >td
â ⢠>< span style = âcolor:#313131â class = âtadv-colorâ > Three Months â 12 Weeksâ < / strong > < / span > < / td >
< tr >
< td >< strong > âVolunteering Hours </ strong ></ td >
< td >< strong > 4-5 hours a day â 5 days a week </ strong ></ td >
< / tr >
< tr >
< td >< strong > Starting/Ending Dates </ strong ></ td >
< td >< strong > Flexible â Anytimeâ </ span ></ div > ⢠p>Theâ volunteer program offers flexibility inâ terms of starting and ending dates, âallowing participants to âŁchooseâ a timeframeâ that fits their schedule⤠best. There is no strict âapplication deadline, giving individuals the opportunity to apply at any time throughout the year. .
⢠⢠â â¤
Language and Cultural Immersion Program Details
Are you interestedâ in a uniqueâ opportunity to immerse yourself in⢠the Arabic language and â¤culture? Our Language and Culturalâ Immersion Program offers a comprehensive experience that includes:
Language: Learn Arabic for 3â hours a â¤week, with options for Standard Arabic or Ammiya dialect.
Schedule: Enjoy two days off per week, typically Fridays and either Thursdays or⤠Saturdays.
Educational Requirements: No formal degree is required to participate in this program.
University Credit: Earn university credit⤠while engaging in this immersive⣠experience.
Mixing Programs for a Customized Experience
If youâre looking to enhance âyour experience further, you can combine our Language and Cultural Immersion Program with other internship or volunteer opportunities available âat â¤our center. This flexibility allows you to tailor your schedule according to your interests âand availability, creating a truly personalized experience.
Tips for Your Visit to Palestine
Cost of Living:
Average weekly âliving costs range from $50-70 in⢠Palestine.
Weeekend Activities:
Fridays are typically considered âthe⤠weekend in Palestine.
Cuisineâ Diversity:<//stronng></tdIn the West Bank, expect hearty meals with bread, rice,⣠and meat; while coastal areas offer seafood⤠dishes âlike fish and lentils.
</tr< strong > Wifi Availability: </ strong ></ td > < td > Stay connected with wifi access available almost everywhere including âhouses, cafes, restaurants. </ td > < / tr > < / tbody > < / table >
Exploring Palestine: â¤A Comprehensive Guide
Palestine, a region rich in history and culture, offers a unique âexperience â¤for travelers. From its vibrant markets to its ancient landmarks,â there is much â¤to discover in this diverse land.
Essential Information
Language: Arabic (Palestinian Dialect)
Currency: Israeli Shekel (NIS), Jordanian Dinar, American Dollars
Airports: Ben Gurion⤠Airport in Israelâ or Alia International Airport in Jordan
Frequently Asked Questions
âCan I extendâ my stay while volunteering?â
If you are volunteering in Palestine, you have the option to extend your participation period. Simply inform the âŁcenter coordinator at least one week before your program ends for smoothâ coordination.
âHowâ do I apply for a program?â
Step 1:
Contact us through our website or emailâ to express â˘your interest.
Step 2:
We will⢠guide you through the application process âand provideâ necessary information.</td ⣠</tr </tbody </table â>Send us an email expressing your⤠interest and we will âguide you through the application process.
Steps toâ Join the âŁVolunteer Program
If you are⤠interested in joining our volunteer program, follow these steps:
Fill out and return the confirmationâ form we send you.
Receive the Invitation Letter, âŁcontract, andâ invoiceâ from us.
Sign the contract â˘and âŁmake payment to secure your spot in the âprogram.
Get⣠an orientation booklet and âtravel guide toâ Palestine from us.
The Documents Youâllâ Receive
If you⤠decide to join our program, you will receive various documents from us. âŁThese may include important information about your volunteering experience with Palestinian refugees. â
Contact Information
To registerâ or inquire further âabout our⤠volunteerâ program, please contact Mr. Tamimi at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. In your email subject line, mention âThe Help Palestinian â˘Refugees Volunteer Programâ for a prompt response. Feel free to express your interest, ask questions, and request an application form in the body of your email. We willâ get back to you shortly with more details.
When you volunteer with us in Palestine, you will have the opportunity to âŁengage in a variety of activities that will⢠enrich your experience. From educational sessions â¤toâ social gatherings and fun outings, your weekly routine will be filled with diverse and meaningful interactions. One highlight of your day âwill be the special⢠Palestinian breakfastâ served at âŁ9:30 âam. This breakfast includes traditional ingredients such as Palestinian thyme (Zaatar),â labneh, falafel, hummus,â olives, and more. The menu is âvaried regularly to âprovide a unique culinary experience.
