- The center assists volunteers in reaching the Excellence Center in Hebron after their arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, either by guiding them to use public transportation or arranging a private taxi from the airport to the center.
- The center’s staff welcomes new volunteers on their first day and helps them settle into their accommodation in Hebron (either in an apartment or with a host family).
- Volunteers have Fridays and Saturdays off each week.
- During weekends, the center can assist volunteers in organizing visits to other cities in Palestine.
- Breakfast is provided daily at 9:00 or 10:00 AM at the center.
- Volunteers participate in the weekly group dinner alongside other volunteers and students at the center.
First Week:
- Attend Arabic lessons in the morning or evening.
- Reflect and write about their motivations for coming to Palestine and joining this program.
- Explore historical and cultural sites in Hebron, such as the Old City and the Ibrahimi Mosque, to gain insight into the city’s history and the impact of the occupation.
Second and Third Weeks:
- Participate in orientation sessions that provide an overview of the healthcare system in Palestine.
- Visit healthcare institutions to learn about their services and operations.
- Tour Palestinian hospitals and healthcare centers to observe their day-to-day functioning.
- Meet Palestinian nurses and doctors to discuss their experiences and challenges in the field.
- Visit Palestinian refugee camps to understand camp life and the state of healthcare services available to residents.
Fourth Week:
- Support the center in community activities, such as assisting in English classes as a teaching assistant.
- Organize workshops on healthcare skills for nursing and medical students, focusing on practical applications.
- Write articles addressing healthcare realities in Palestine and the effects of the Israeli occupation on the sector.
- Receive a certificate of participation at the program’s conclusion during a farewell gathering with staff and fellow volunteers.
- Upon program completion, the center assists volunteers in returning to the airport, either by guiding them to use public transportation or arranging a private taxi to ensure convenience.
The center’s team is dedicated to ensuring volunteers have a safe, comfortable, and rewarding experience throughout their time in Palestine.
Here’s a sample weekly schedule for the Healthcare in Palestine Program:
Day | 9:00 – 10:00 AM | 10:00 – 1:30 PM | 1:30 – 3:00 PM | Afternoon Activities | Evening Activities |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday | Breakfast | Arabic Lesson | Free Time | Orientation: Overview of healthcare in Palestine | Group Dinner at the Center |
Monday | Breakfast | Visit to a healthcare institution | Free Time | Visit to a local hospital | Free Time / Study |
Tuesday | Breakfast | Arabic Lesson | Free Time | Meeting with Palestinian doctors and nurses | Group Activity (cultural exchange) |
Wednesday | Breakfast | Visit to a refugee camp | Free Time | Observation at a healthcare center | Free Time / Write reflections |
Thursday | Breakfast | Workshop for nursing/medical students | Free Time | Workshops for Palestinian students | Farewell dinner or Arabic conversation day |
Friday | Free Day | Free Day | Free Day | Optional visits to other cities in Palestine | Relax / Socialize with other volunteers |
Saturday | Free Day | Free Day | Free Day | Optional guided tours | Prepare for the upcoming week |
Notes:
- Activities and schedules may vary depending on the volunteer’s specific interests and ongoing projects at the center.
- Volunteers have weekends free for personal exploration, with optional assistance for travel plans within Palestine.
- Group dinners and cultural exchange activities foster a sense of community and cultural immersion.
- Arabic lessons are tailored to the volunteer’s skill level and offered regularly.