Teaching English

My name is Sharon Cottrell, from North Carolina, USA and my experience in Palestine and at the Excellence Center has been one of an informational, educational and enjoyable experience.
In Palestine, the people have been helpful, loving, kind to all of us. Everywhere I have visited the people have helped me find what I have needed and where I needed to go. I traveled all around Hebron, and not once did anyone cause any problems for me or made me feel unsafe, this included visiting a refugee camp and the Old City of Hebron.
I visited the refugee camp and met a wonderful 90 something gentleman. He had a beautiful house and land near the sea, around 1947-48. Then Egypt and Sudan had a conflict with Israel. The Israeli soldiers surrounded this elderly man’s city and for six months, no food or supplies was able to get in or out. He stated that they were trying to force all the residence to leave their homes and land and go someplace else. They tried to stick it out, but in the end they were forced to leave to not starve. All the residence packed up what they could in cars and left toward Bethlehem. This would be a short stay as conflict would come there too and they move again to Hebron.
This elderly gentleman told us he live in tents for eight years, before they decided to built homes of stone. He stated that they had dreamed of going back to the homes and properties they once lived in, but gave those dreams up when Israel tore all the homes down. When asked what dreams he had for his children and descendants now, he replied, “just a home land that they can live in peace with everyone.” I am so happy the Excellence Center has given me the opportunity to see things first hand.
It is so easy to listen to the news and those around you, of how things they think are, but without the chance to really experiencing life here, you really cannot know. The Palestinians have had a hard life, but they do not allow themselves to be discouraged in education, life and one day having a place to truly call home. A place where they won’t have to worry about if the roads will be closed to their homes and have to drive miles to get around.
They put a lot of effect and love into making sure all their children have a chance at education. This is where Excellence Center comes into play. They allow volunteers to come and help teach English, both in the classroom and at the center. The schools allow me to come into a boy’s school and two girl schools to teach and play games of English. These children were so eager and willing to learn and show everyone just how good they could speak English. The school administration opened their doors and were eager for others to come and teach in their schools. Every school that I was invited into, made me feel like family. They brought coffee, tea and snacks in for my enjoyment, while I was visiting. It was a beautiful experience, just like the homes of my host family.
The host family that I stayed with made sure I had warm blankets on the bed, tea and coffee to drink and snacks in the refrigerator. My host had to leave for Germany, but she made sure her family came by at night to give me dinner and some company. They showed me how the Palestinians families are close knit and loving, not only to each other, but to strangers too.
Every morning I would leave the host home and catch a taxi to the Excellence Center. The taxi drivers were always helpful and kind, making sure I got to where I needed to be, without any worries. I had no fear while traveling or walking around Hebron. Upon arrival at the Excellence Center every morning, I would start off every morning with breakfast with other volunteers and staff, at the Center.
My schedule would include breakfast, then going to teach English, usually at different schools and then back to my host home. It was not all work all day though. The Excellence Center made sure I got to see some sights in Hebron, like the Glass Factory, where I found beautiful jars, bowls and trays, that had blown, fired and painted. They also took me a Loom Factory where I saw them make all kinds of materials for scarves, dresses and purses. I went to the University and was able to meet some of the professors and saw all the wonderful things, the students, were doing. The Excellence Center knows how to mix the volunteer work with going out and meeting the people and take away any of our misconceptions.
One of my misconception was that everyone would be upset with me, if I did not cover my head, since I was a woman. I was told by several women at different schools that no one would be offend. The staff made me feel relaxed and enjoy the experiences I was having. They not only work hard to make sure those want to learn English, had a chance to learn, but also made the opportunity for volunteers to learn Arabic. I truly leave with this experience deep rooted in my soul and would love to come back and reach out to those within Palestine. I will leave behind part of my heart when I leave this place. I challenge all who read this, to come see for yourself what truly is happening here and how you might help.