Volunteer in Deheishe Refugee Camp

Program Description

Karama Organization is a small committed, local-led NGO established in 2002 in Deheishe Refugee Camp on the West Bank in Palestine. We provide an open and safe place in our community center for children, teenagers and women to recreate, learn and grow away from the violence apparent in society. Volunteers are highly welcome to join our local community and exchange with our youth: both to give and to receive! Teachers, musicians, theater makers, sportsmen and good-hearted people are all welcome to live among us for shorter or longer times. There is a short review process to ensure a good match and costs need to be discussed. Volunteers can give their energy and skills to develop workshops for the children, teach the teenager in topics of interest for them or contribute to our community in a practical way. There are some facility in our community center: a computer room with 6 pc's and internet, a library with English and Arabic books, sports and craft supplies, teaching rooms and outside areas for sports and games. A vegetable garden as well!

Highlights

Local stay allows the volunteers to really immerse into local society where people will be welcomed with generous hospitality. In this way you will get in an insight in the Palestinian refugee community that is otherwise hard to obtain. We want the volunteer to learn about our stories as well as the local community to learn about the stories of people from Europe, the Americas, Asia and all over the world who visit us.

Qualifications

- No specific requirements, other than an open mind and a good heart!
- Teachers are needed, but also people with no specific experience and a willingness to learn and take some initiative are very welcome.
- This is as much an opportunity for the volunteer to contribute as well as to learn and grow into new skills not earlier used!
- Communication in English - and during workshops/activities with the children possibly with hands and feet and some translation will be provided where needed and possible.

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

- Preparation process and pre-departure information
- A pick-up service can be arranged and is highly recommended but not included
- All volunteers are hosted in the camp; females with a host family and males in a small apartment. Accommodation is basic (no internet) but comfortable (running water, hot water (most of the time) electricity). Fresh and delicious local meals will be provided every day, breakfast is available in the house as well
- Trips will be arranged during the volunteers stay to further explore the area, for which only taxi costs need to be covered
- Arabic classes are optional and recommended for long-term volunteers!