By: Justyna, Poland  

I am very happy that I have had the opportunity to participate as a volunteer in the Zajel project at the An -Najah University in Nablus. It has been a wonderful experience and I am so pleased that I could be a part of this amazing project.

I enjoyed it from the very first moment, being stunned with a warmth welcome we had received. Every day was for me a remarkable journey of discovery about Palestine and its people, history, culture, traditions and political situation. We have had an intense program, visiting different cities and villages all across Palestine, meeting and talking with people. Even though I was tired, I woke up each day smiling and looking forward to new discoveries and positive vibes the coming day will bring.

What was particularly interesting to me is learn about the every-day life of the Palestinian people, of the reality that they are living in and the challenges that they are facing on regular basis.

But it was not only about the very serious issues. Besides visiting places like the University, the refugee camp, museums, the Bethlehem wall, the divided city of Hebron and many others, we have also had an amazing cultural program and entertaining activities.

I love our visit to the dessert where we spent a night at the Bedouins’ camp meditating at a sunset and a sunrise, with an amazing panorama over the Dead Sea and an unforgettable jeep-ride under the open sky in the dessert. I will cherish my great memories from the local family visit when we were invited to Jasmin’s house and her mother prepared delicious food for us. It was simply amazing! We were sitting there, together with Jasmin’s mother and sisters, enjoying the wonderful dishes and talking, talking and talking… I was so much touched by that wonderful moment that I have simply forgotten about the entire world and had a feeling that I could sit there for hours and hours. A visit to the Nablus bath, during the female day, was also an extraordinary and an extremely pleasant experience!

However, besides all the issues mentioned above, I strongly believe that what made the project and our stay in Palestine a remarkable one was the people that we met, the people of Palestine. Every day I was touched with the warmth, kindness and hospitality that we were receiving. It has been a long time since somebody was taking so much care of me. I had a feeling that whatever happens, I could absolutely rely on help and support of my Palestinian friends. Even my visit to the doctor was a pleasant experience and I could hardly remember that any doctor in Europe was so nice to me.

I am very glad that I have had the opportunity to deliver workshops for the students of An-Najah University and I hope that my advice on CV writing, job interview, recruitment and selection process will help them to find fulfilling jobs that they are dreaming of.

I am extremely grateful to all the local volunteers and An-Najah University staff that made this program running. Without their hard work, energy and commitment it would not be possible. I find ‘the Zajel’ project a wonderful initiative that helps to make this world a better place. I wish all the best for the organizers and for all the future editions of Zajel. As my last sentence, I will just say: I was simply happy here in Palestine! Thank you for everything. Good luck for the future!