The Middle East, a region rich in history and culture, is often marred by conflict and instability, creating challenging conditions for humanitarian work. Among the most vulnerable in these volatile areas are women and children, who endure severe shortages of necessities, healthcare, and education. Opportunities to help children in the Middle East are particularly critical, as they face not only the immediate consequences of conflict but also long-term impacts on their development and well-being. The disruption of social and governance structures exacerbates their plight, making it both crucial and difficult to provide effective assistance.
Humanitarian efforts in the region face significant obstacles, including geographic isolation, damaged infrastructure, and the risks posed by ongoing violence. These barriers complicate the delivery of aid, yet addressing the needs of the most vulnerable—especially children—is essential. Children are often disproportionately impacted by conflict, facing heightened risks of violence, displacement, and the interruption of their education. Overcoming these challenges is vital for alleviating their suffering and fostering resilience in the hardest-hit communities. By seizing opportunities to help children in the Middle East, we can contribute to their immediate relief and support their path toward a more stable and hopeful future.
Where Can You Help?
Children in the Middle East are suffering all over: it is hard to prioritize one area over another. The biggest problems currently are in Yemen, Syria, and Palestine, but that is not to say these are the only problems. The issues tend to spill over borders so that Jordan and Lebanon for example end up hosting refugees from Iraq, Syria, and Palestine.
It may be that these countries (Lebanon and Jordan) are better places to help the vulnerable because these countries are more stable than say Syria. Palestine however is often misrepresented in terms of safety for traveling, visiting, or volunteering. Accessing Gaza is not possible, but the West Bank is stable and easy enough to visit. Many Palestinians are refugees in their territory so many people need help in the West Bank.
How Can You Help?
Fortunately, some organizations arrange programs for those who are passionate about helping people in the Middle East. Some of the most prevalent involve volunteering in refugee camps to teach children English or distribute food to those who need it the most.
Some programs can be more specific if you have a background in a certain field – for example if you have an engineering degree, you might help develop clean water sources for children, or if you have a background in human rights law, you might be represented unaccompanied child refugees in their legal battle for their rights.
Effective Volunteer Activities for Children
In the previous section, we talked about all the specific things you can do to help children in the Middle East. Sometimes even just putting a smile on those faces can be a massive help – living in reduced circumstances can be very demoralizing and anything that can lighten a child’s mood is invaluable in its way. Here at Volunteer in Palestine, one of our volunteers was a circus performer and made shows, involving magic tricks for the children in refugee camps and the local schools here in Hebron. Another came for one week to coach football and hand out football shirts to the kids with the names of their favorite players on them.
Volunteer or Intern in the Summer
Join us this summer for a unique and vibrant experience! Summer is when our organization is at its busiest, offering a variety of opportunities that go beyond traditionally similar programs. Whether you’re interested in volunteering or gaining professional experience through an internship, our summer programs are designed to make the most of your time abroad.
We offer volunteer placements and internships that allow you to engage directly with local communities and gain hands-on experience in your field of interest. Thanks to our partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, these opportunities can also provide academic credit towards your studies, making them ideal for university or college students looking to enrich their summer break. However, if you’re not currently a student or aren’t seeking academic credit, you’re still welcome to participate.
If you’re interested in making a meaningful impact this summer, explore more about our volunteer and internship programs on our website.
Winter Volunteer Programs
Our Winter Volunteer and Internship Programs run from October to late March, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and community of Palestine during the cooler months. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, gaining practical experience through an internship, or exploring a new language and culture, our winter programs are tailored to provide a fulfilling and impactful experience.
Participants can choose to stay for anywhere from 1 to 13 weeks, allowing for flexibility in how they engage with local communities and contribute to meaningful projects. Winter in Palestine offers a different pace and atmosphere, making it an ideal time to connect with the people, explore the region, and make a lasting impact.
Our Volunteer And Internship Programs
Volunteer in Palestine offers short-term volunteer and internship programs for people interested in going to Palestine, focusing on human rights, Palestinian children, women’s rights, journalism, teaching English, sports, medicine, Palestinian refugees, Palestinian culture and politics, Palestinian laws and legal system, and the political history and current situation of Palestine and Israel.
Our volunteer programs in Palestine are especially ideal for students and people looking for volunteer and internship programs in the summertime located in the West Bank, Palestine, Israel, or the Middle East.
Our volunteer programs were developed for graduate and undergraduate students of Middle Eastern studies, Arabic studies, or political sciences, as well as professionals, employees of human rights organizations, scholars conducting case studies on Palestine and Israel, human aid workers, social workers, teachers, English native speakers, non-native speakers and anyone interested in engaging in Palestinian culture and daily life.
Here you may find the list of our volunteers and internships program in Palestine:
Customized Programs and Safeguarding Measures
The point is, that whatever your talents and skills, however long you can visit the West Bank, Volunteer in Palestine can provide the medium for you to help the children. There are so many ways to help and so many children, the Center can always provide the link to the community. The Center can tailor the program to your requirements to ensure you provide the maximum impact during your stay here.
Safeguarding is of course very important for anyone wishing to work with children so there will be an interview review process before accepting applications and all contact with the children will be supervised. It is so fulfilling when you can see you are making a difference and putting smiles on children’s faces and people who undertake these programs often find they want to visit again (for longer next time) because they find the experience so worthwhile.
Who Can Join Us to Help Children in the Middle East?
Volunteering and internship opportunities in Palestine have been gaining increasing attention each year, particularly in the areas of education, community development, human rights, and support for refugees and Palestinian children. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer, a first-time contributor, part of a group, or a family, there are meaningful ways for individuals from various backgrounds to engage in the West Bank and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture.
Regardless of your background, skills, age, or abilities, we offer opportunities that align with your passion and commitment. Join us in making a positive impact in Palestine.
When Can You Join Us And For How Long?
Volunteers, interns, and Arabic students who would like to help children in the Middle East can join our programs for 1-13 weeks at any time of the year (summer, winter, fall, and spring). We are flexible with starting and ending dates.
Cultural Immersion and Living Arrangements
Aside from helping children, you will have the chance to experience these culturally rich people and explore some of the most famous sites of the Holy Land. Added to that, you will be immersed in the local environment, giving you the chance to learn Arabic rapidly and get to know the people you are helping on a personal level. Volunteer in Palestine will house you either with a host family or in a shared apartment and provide you with some meals during your stay. There is free time during your program to explore the city of Hebron (or Al Khalil as the locals call it) and the surrounding country. In short, the programs with Volunteer in Palestine provide a fantastic way to start helping children (or continue this path if you already have experience doing this) in the Middle East region.
Impact Of Volunteering Or Interning In Palestine
Our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine are well-researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Palestinian legal affairs and human rights.
We aim to make a long-term difference for the Palestinian local community through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. Volunteering and interning is a unique opportunity to genuinely make an impact on your life as well as others including Palestinian children, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine.
Volunteer and Internship Programs in Gaza
Gaza Strip offers a variety of volunteer and internship programs. They cover important topics like human rights, teaching English, women’s rights in Palestine, supporting Palestinian refugees and children, journalism, Palestinian culture, and politics.
The volunteer and internship opportunities in Gaza, Palestine are for a wide range of people, including students who study the Middle East and Arabic, people interested in politics, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, researchers studying Palestine and Israel, humanitarian workers, social workers, teachers, native English speakers, non-native English speakers, and anyone who wants to learn about Palestinian culture and daily life. If you want to learn more, please click here.
Internship opportunities in Gaza primarily center in cities like Gaza City, Khan Younis, Rafah, Deir al-Balah, and Jabalia. Gaza City, the region’s economic and cultural hub, offers internships with NGOs, media outlets, and universities in fields such as humanitarian aid, human rights, and education. Khan Younis and Rafah, known for their refugee populations, provide internships focused on community development, refugee support, and agricultural projects. Deir al-Balah and Jabalia offer opportunities in areas like environmental conservation, health clinics, and social services, particularly within refugee camps. These internships allow you to engage directly with communities while gaining valuable experience in a complex environment.
Volunteer in the West Bank
Volunteering in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity to engage with Palestinian communities in cities like Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron, each with its distinct cultural and historical significance. In Ramallah, the administrative hub, you can work with NGOs focused on human rights, youth development, and education. Bethlehem, known for its religious heritage, offers opportunities in community centers, schools, and refugee support, while Hebron, with its rich history and complex political landscape, is ideal for those interested in peace-building and human rights monitoring. Other cities like Nablus and Jenin provide volunteer experiences in cultural preservation, youth empowerment, and support for local artisans and refugees.
Cities like Jericho, Tulkarem, and Qalqilya present opportunities to volunteer in environmental conservation, rural development, and educational programs, often within communities facing unique challenges due to the political situation. Whether you are into teaching, cultural initiatives, or social services, the West Bank offers a diverse range of volunteer experiences that allow you to contribute meaningfully while immersing yourself in Palestinian culture and daily life.
Reviews and Awards
Volunteer in Palestine has been offering its services since 2011. Throughout the years, we have been developing many programs and online courses. We use the most advanced methods which we develop and enhance year after year. Education and learning is an active process that is always advancing, and you will be part of the development.
Despite continuous program improvements for the best learning experience, our core goal remains: connecting, teaching, and developing individuals for the benefit of them and the community. Additionally, we aim to promote and encourage exchange in the local and international communities.
We continue to strive towards excellence:
In 2022, we ranked as “one of the top three organizations worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities”. We also ranked as “one of the top three language schools worldwide” by Go Overseas. We also received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards. Among others, Volunteer in Palestine earned recognition as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits”. Besides that, we were also one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.
In 2021, we were one of the top three volunteer programs in the world. Go Overseas awarded us the community choice awards in the categories of “best language school”, “fun”, and “teaching”.
In 2019, we received our inaugural “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards”. This award was a recognition of Volunteer in Palestine’s positive effect on the global travel community. You can check our ratings below.
- +800 Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +160 Reviews and ratings on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Conclusion
Volunteering or interning in Palestine offers a profound chance to help children in the Middle East and contribute to a region deeply affected by conflict and instability. Despite the challenges posed by geographic isolation, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing violence, there are meaningful opportunities to make a difference, particularly for the most vulnerable, including women and children. By participating in programs designed to address issues like education, human rights, and community development, you can have a direct and positive impact on local communities, all while gaining invaluable experience and insight into Palestinian culture and daily life.
To ensure a successful and rewarding experience, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and choose reputable programs. Staying informed about safety and logistical details, as well as understanding the local context, will help you navigate the challenges and maximize your impact. Whether you choose to help children in the Middle East directly, engage in our other summer or winter programs, or find a specific role that aligns with your skills and interests, volunteering or interning in Palestine can be a transformative experience that enriches both your personal and professional life.
Find Out More
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Info@ecpalestine.org and on Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
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