Fawwar camp, 2013

Getting ready for lessons in Fawwar

A group of six men – Daniel, David, Ewan, Jack, Hector and Oliver – with co-ordinator Ismail built on the success of recent years teaching in the schools in Fawwar and with local groups and universities in Hebron.

The team was warmly welcomed. Jack says: ‘What can be said about Fawwar? The residents opened up their hearts and lives for us and made us feel like members of one big family. The camp offered us a rare opportunity to interact with the residents on a deeper level than usually possible, and to gain true insight into their lives. I feel lucky to have been given this opportunity.’

In the schools lessons focused on family, sports, directions and describing people, places, animals and habitats. School trips for both boys and girls were to local swimming pools and were enjoyed by everyone. A lively graduation ceremony was held at the end of the programme with all the children getting certificates.

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All of the team spent some time at the Hebron Polytechnic University which Hector enjoyed. ‘Teaching here was my favourite Unipal project. This was because I came away from each lesson having learnt a lot from the students in terms of how they perceived the wider world. These students were of a very high standard and the classes mainly revolved around discussing a topic, with the purpose that this would introduce the students to more complex English vocabulary.’

Ismail was keen to set up a conversational class in the camp to give all the volunteers a chance to get involved. Although only a small number of sessions took place everyone felt that the teaching and learning continued long after the classrooms were locked. Ismail reflects: ‘Our time was never wasted.’

Hector says: ‘Living in Fawwar was a fascinating experience. I learnt a great deal from the people we met and I will never forget how hospitable some families and individuals were to our group. They truly made us feel at home, and in doing so they gave us an unbelievable insight into their culture and way of life.’