Staff Spotlight: Mohammad Tamimi

Title:
Center Manager

Photos

Mr. Mohammad Tamimi is a highly experienced manager at Go Palestine with a track record of twelve years of working with international volunteers and interns. He has been actively engaged in international activities and events centered around education, law, human rights, and refugee rights. Mr. Tamimi's commitment to serving the needs of vulnerable populations is deeply rooted in his passion for creating positive social change. His experience in managing and coordinating programs has enabled him to develop an exceptional ability to inspire and motivate individuals to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Mr. Tamimi is known for his dedication and professionalism, and he continues to be a leading figure in advancing social justice and human rights causes in Palestine

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is from my trip to Germany. While exploring Berlin, I stumbled upon a small and traditional restaurant that only seated a few people. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the owner, who welcomed me with a warm smile and seated me at the counter. I ordered the Döner kebab.

What followed was a culinary journey that was both delicious and memorable. The chef prepared an array of dishes that showcased the flavors and techniques of German cuisine. Each dish was presented with care and attention to detail, and the chef took the time to explain each ingredient and preparation method.

The combination of delicious food, attentive service, and the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant made for an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. This memory reminds me of the joys of traveling, discovering new cultures, and experiencing different cuisines.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working with Go Palestine and international volunteers and interns has been a transformative experience for me. Through my work, I have been exposed to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. This has broadened my horizons and helped me develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity.

In addition, working with volunteers and interns from different backgrounds has taught me valuable interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity. I have learned to navigate different communication styles and cultural norms, which has made me a more effective and empathetic communicator.

Moreover, working with Go Palestine has given me a greater sense of purpose and social responsibility. I have been involved in projects and initiatives that have a tangible impact on the lives of Palestinians and contribute to the wider community. This has instilled in me a sense of purpose and a desire to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Overall, working with Go Palestine and international volunteers and interns has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It has opened up new opportunities, broadened my perspective, and given me a greater sense of purpose and social responsibility

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One international volunteer who worked with Go Palestine shared an inspiring story about her experience teaching English to a group of Palestinian girls in a refugee camp. When she first started teaching, the girls were shy and hesitant to speak in English. However, as the weeks went on, they began to gain confidence and speak more fluently.

One day, the volunteer gave the girls a challenging writing assignment, which involved writing a personal essay in English. To her surprise, one of the girls submitted a powerful essay about her experience growing up in the refugee camp and the challenges she faced as a young woman in Palestine.

The volunteer was deeply moved by the essay and realized the profound impact that language education could have on these girls' lives. She continued to work with the girls and witnessed their progress and growth firsthand.

This story highlights the transformative power of education and the resilience and strength of Palestinian youth in the face of adversity. It also demonstrates the importance of cross-cultural exchange and the valuable insights and perspectives that international volunteers can bring to local communities.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose "Teaching English in Palestine" Program. The reason behind this choice is it can have a profound personal effect on participants, as it provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of Palestinian students while also learning about Palestinian culture and history.

Volunteers in the Teach English in Palestine program often report feeling a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction from helping students improve their English language skills, which can open up new opportunities for them in their academic and professional lives.

Moreover, teaching in Palestine provides volunteers with a unique perspective on the political and social realities of life in the region. Through their interactions with students and local communities, volunteers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Palestinians and the ways in which education can be used as a tool for empowerment and resistance.

Overall, teaching English in Palestine can be a transformative experience that broadens horizons, challenges assumptions, and fosters empathy and understanding across cultural and national boundaries.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Go Palestine is unique in its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and grassroots community development through responsible tourism and volunteering programs. We prioritize community-led initiatives and work closely with local partners to ensure that our programs have a positive impact on the community.

One moment that made me especially proud of my team at Go Palestine was during our "Planting for Palestine" program, where international volunteers worked alongside local farmers to plant olive trees in the West Bank. Despite facing some logistical challenges and unexpected weather conditions, our team and volunteers remained committed to the project and were able to successfully plant hundreds of trees, which will have a long-lasting impact on the local environment and economy.

It was inspiring to see everyone come together and work towards a common goal, and it reminded me of the importance of our work in promoting cross-cultural understanding and community development.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

According to my long experience, the success of Go Palestine as an organization in Palestine may be attributed to several factors, such as:

Strong partnerships: Go Palestine has established partnerships with several universities, NGOs, and local organizations in Palestine, which have helped them to build a strong network and expand their outreach.

Diverse programs: Go Palestine offers a wide range of programs, from language learning to volunteering, internships, and cultural exchange, which cater to the diverse interests and needs of participants.

Local knowledge and expertise: The team at Go Palestine is comprised of experienced professionals and locals who have a deep understanding of the culture, history, and social issues in Palestine. This knowledge is shared with participants to provide them with an authentic and meaningful experience.

Personalized support: Go Palestine provides personalized support to participants, including pre-arrival orientation, 24/7 emergency assistance, and regular check-ins during the program to ensure participants' safety and well-being.

Overall, these factors have contributed to Go Palestine's success in providing participants with a unique and transformative experience in Palestine.