Ms. Manar Amro is an experienced International Activities Coordinator at Go Palestine. With a passion for working with international volunteers and interns, she has spent many years dedicating herself to the field. As part of her role, she oversees the weekly schedules of all volunteers and interns, organizing their visits, meetings, and activities in the city of Hebron and Bethlehem.
Ms. Amro has built a wide network of local and national organizations that work in various fields, including human rights, education, and social development. She is well-known for her ability to connect with other NGOs, activists, and researchers, which allows her to provide unique opportunities for volunteers and interns to gain exposure to various aspects of Palestinian life and culture.
With her exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, Ms. Amro has proven to be a valuable member of the Go Palestine team. Her ability to coordinate activities and events with precision and care has contributed to the success of many programs and projects. Through her work, she has helped to foster meaningful relationships between international volunteers and the local community, creating a powerful platform for cross-cultural exchange and understanding.
What is your favorite travel memory?
One of my favorite travel memories is from a trip I took to Nablus in Palestine a year ago. I went with a group of friends, and we decided to take a cooking class to learn how to make some traditional Kenafah dish.
The class was held in a small outdoor kitchen and our instructor was a kind older woman who spoke Nablusi dialect. She taught us how to make dishes like a great Nabulsi Kenafah. At the end of the class, we all sat down to enjoy our creations together. . It was a truly unforgettable experience to not only learn about this traditional sweet in Palestine but to also connect with the people in Nablus.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
As the International Activities Coordinator of Go Palestine, I have grown in many ways since joining the organization. I have developed my communication skills by working with a diverse group of international volunteers and interns, which has taught me to be more patient and understanding of different cultures and backgrounds.
I have also gained a better understanding of the importance of networking and building relationships with other NGOs, activists, and researchers in the field of human rights and social justice. Through organizing visits and meetings for our volunteers and interns, I have been able to connect with other like-minded individuals and organizations, and this has helped to strengthen our work and impact.
Additionally, organizing weekly schedules for the volunteers and interns has helped me to become more organized and efficient in my work. I have learned to manage my time better and prioritize tasks to ensure that our volunteers and interns have the best possible experience during their time in Palestine.
Overall, working with Go Palestine has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of our volunteers, interns, and the local community.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
One volunteer was teaching English at a local school in Hebron and had become particularly close to one of her students. The student had a difficult home life and often struggled in class, but the volunteer worked with her after school and provided extra support. Near the end of the volunteer's program, the student surprised her with a hand-drawn card expressing her gratitude and affection.
The volunteer was moved to tears and felt a deep sense of fulfillment knowing that she had made a positive impact on this young girl's life. This experience inspired her to continue volunteering and pursuing a career in education
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
If I could go on any program that Go Palestine offers, I would choose the Media and Journalism Internship program. As someone who is interested in media and journalism, I believe that this program would provide me with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field while also learning about the challenges facing media in Palestine.
Through this program, I would have the chance to visit local media stations and learn about the constraints to media production and the ways in which the occupation inhibits freedom of speech in media. I would also have the opportunity to meet with Palestinian journalists and dialogue with them about media issues in Palestine.
Additionally, I would be able to learn Arabic and visit a number of historic and cultural sites in the city of Hebron. The program would also give me the chance to produce a short film about Palestine, which would be an incredible opportunity to learn about visual storytelling and documentary production.
I believe that the Media and Journalism Internship program would be an incredibly enriching experience that would allow me to develop my skills as a journalist while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges facing media in Palestine.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
One thing that makes our company unique is our emphasis on cultural immersion and community engagement. We strive to create programs that allow participants to not only learn about the local culture, but also actively participate in it through volunteer work, homestays, and other activities.
I was especially proud of my team when we organized a successful community event that brought together international volunteers, local residents, and representatives from various NGOs in the area. The event included cultural performances, interactive activities, and discussions on issues related to human rights and social justice. Seeing the positive impact our team had on the community and the connections that were formed between people from different backgrounds was truly inspiring.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe that the biggest factor in our success is our commitment to building meaningful relationships with our community partners and the people we serve. By working closely with local organizations, activists, and community members, we are able to better understand their needs and perspectives, and design programs that are responsive to their concerns.
Additionally, we are proud of our team's dedication to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for our international volunteers and interns, while also providing opportunities for them to engage with and learn from Palestinian culture and society. By combining our commitment to community engagement and our focus on providing impactful and enriching experiences for our participants, we have been able to establish Go Palestine as a trusted and respected organization in Palestine.
