By: Charlotte Anderson – England

I came to Palestine with a mix of emotions, a lot of excitement but mostly a lot of nerves. Two weeks later I leave with a lot of sadness as Palestine is a country that has exceeded all expectations. To future volunteers I envy you greatly as you are about to embark on a program which will open your eyes to a country full of love and happiness in a region divided by occupation.

It is very easy to come to Palestine expecting to witness sadness and desperation, a region where people are divided and broken – however, this could not be more wrong. I admit that some things have been hard to see, I challenge anyone to go to Hebron and not feel great sadness that in 2018 the Palestinian people are not able to walk on a street because they have a certain ID card or they are not allowed to pray freely or that their city is a maze intertwined with checkpoints and settlers. However, despite learning the harsh realities of what it is like live under occupation, you will also come to learn the true meaning of hope, love and most importantly resilience – something I came to truly understand through my workshop.

Aside from the people, my favorite thing about the Zajel program has been the workshops. I delivered the ‘icebreaking’ English workshop, which aims to give people more confidence in speaking English. Admittedly, day one was terrifying as I had a class of 30+ students with me and a translator, but somehow, seven or eight workshops later I have formed such a bond with my students and class discussions that will stay with me forever. In particular, one workshop we spoke about social issues and wrote key words on the board – at the end of the class for every negative word the students got up and replaced them with positive words. For the first time in my life I felt power, not in myself, but in my students and I know they felt it too, that they had the power to make change happen, not only in Arabic, but also in English and that’s really amazing.

Through my workshop I saw my students get louder, gain confidence and most importantly they found their voice. I think that’s the most important thing about the Zajel program, that you really feel that you can make a difference. For the first time in a long time I felt a confidence and power in myself. I fell through my time in Palestine I have been able to develop myself. My eyes have been opened and I go home with a heart full of love.

In a region divided by war and conflict, you opened up your hearts and homes and never have I felt so welcome. You have taught me the true meaning of how to have hope, be brave and how to be resilient in the face of adversity.

The whole experience was such an immense privilege and I know I will forever have a piece of my heart in Palestine and for that I am eternally grateful.

So to Zajel volunteers, fellow international volunteers, my students and most importantly to the people and Palestine

Until next time – THANK YOU,