Volunteer for a woman with Muscular Dystrophy, Al Azzeh Refugee Camp, Palestine

  Palestine

Bethlehem

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: year-round

Description: In Bethlehem, Palestine, there are three refugee camps built by the United Nations in 1948. One of those camps is the Al Azzeh Refugee camp. My name is Eklas, I am a young lady that likes to enjoy life and together with my mother we have been living here almost all of our lives in one of the houses in the camp. From birth I have had Muscular Dystrophy. I am in a wheelchair and need help with daily activities. My mother is not so young anymore and she uses a 'walker' but she is still very active. She appreciates very much if you can help her in the kitchen and you can learn some Arabic words from her. This is why I am always looking for motivated volunteers to help me.

Because of my culture I am only looking for women to help me. In spite of my disability, I have the same dreams and needs as every young woman. I do not see volunteers as care givers but also as friends and people who can become part of the family. I speak Arabic, German, English and a little Swedish.

* You will be a part of our family and you will learn about our everyday life.
* You will help me in the morning to wash, get dressed and put me in the wheelchair.
* You will help to arrange materials and the living space so that I can do some activities and I can live with some independence e.g. eating, using the computer, drawing, going on trips to see family, shops or the museum.
* You will be sleeping in my room and I may need help during the night.
* You will help my mother with the cooking and taking care of the house.

Highlights:
* We offer you a unique experience in Al Azzeh Refugee Camp in Bethlehem.
* Arabic lessons and knowledge about Palestine and its history.
* Food and board. If you stay longer than a few months then you will get some pocket money.

Do you have some time off and are you looking for an adventure in the Middle East?
Do you want to know more about the Palestinian-Israeli situation?
Do want to learn a new language, about a new country and a new culture?
Is taking care of somebody in a wheelchair something for you?
Do you want all your senses to enjoy the smell of Eastern herbs, to taste fine Palestinian cooking, to experience the rhythms of Arabic music, being able to see beautiful landscape and have conversations with Palestinian people?

If so, then maybe this is the experience that you are looking for.

Qualifications:
* Motivated volunteers who would like to help me for some months.
* It is possible to do this work with another volunteer, as a team.
* Knowledge and/or experience of people with physical disability is an advantage.
* Knowledge of English, German or Arabic will make communication easier.
* A social person who is open to learning a new language and has respect for the privacy of the family.
* Ability to be flexible in order to provide care during the day and night.

Cost in US$: free

Salary / Pay: Arabic lessons Food and board

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-60

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Palestine Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume