No amount of training can prepare each volunteer for their particular class and there are always nervous moments when first meeting pupils. Suzie was concerned that behaviour might be an issue with the boys but found “…they were an absolute joy to teach – imaginative and enthusiastic.”  Clare, who taught in Dheisheh, says, “The boys’ class was very challenging at first but the girls were lovely – lively and interesting. All of them were eager to learn, especially about Britain but also were keen to teach me about Palestine and Islam.”

Ele, also working in Dheisheh, found that her girls were happy to learn grammar and “actually enjoyed working out the rules of English!” The girls also loved Ele bringing her guitar in to the class where she taught them American Black civil rights songs and drew out similarities with their own situation from the lyrics.

In Aida Greg found his class enjoyed creative writing classes, producing some impressive short stories, poems and Haikus by the end of the month.

All the children enjoyed the swimming trip and the volunteers welcomed the opportunity to get to know the children in a more relaxed atmosphere.

For many of the volunteers, afternoon classes with local organisations are an opportunity for them to learn more about the Palestinian situation. Greg, working with student ambassadors at Bethlehem University, welcomed the chance to engage with an intelligent, brave, interesting and amusing group. The focus was on confidence building activities including group discussions, formal and informal debates and a mock tour of the university, (tours being a key task for the ambassadors). The university is in a beautiful setting but has been subject to violent attacks from the Israeli army over recent years.

Paul taught conversation classes to the Tourist Police, all the while imploring them not to call him ‘Sir’. The differing levels of English they possessed made it a real challenge, but all agreed it was well worthwhile.
Classes were held in several cultural/children’s centres, each with their own identity and covering a wide range of ages and abilities. Ibdaa in Dheisheh camp has worldwide connections through its well- known Dabke dance troupe, who have travelled to many countries. Phoenix, also in Dheisheh, is undergoing rebuilding work after having been destroyed by the Israeli army. Here Greg and Suzie held a ‘Million Shekel’ debate dealing with the camp’s needs, which engaged all the students and got passions running high.

The children’s centre in the small nearby village of Doha suffers from a lack of resources with only one freestanding flip-chart for all the classes. Al-Rowwad in Aida has excellent computer facilities and Michael was able to help kickstart their website.

It was a great return to the Bethlehem area, with strong partnerships forged and good friends made.

• < Back to previous page