Excellence Center Human Rights experience

Hello, my name is Alexia Malaj, I’m 23 years old and I’m form Italy. I have a bachelor’s degree in international Cooperation and Conflict Management and right now I just finished my first year of Master in Human Rights and Multi-Level Governance.
Here at the Excellence Center I participated in the Human Rights Program for 1 month.

The program is very broad and i did a lot of activities. First of all, many stimulating visits to human rights organizations and associations, meetings with activists to talk about the occupation in Palestine and meetings with people and families in refugee camps and occupied territories who have told us their stories. In addition, at the center I also had the opportunity to study Arabic, 3 hours a week, and to teach English to the children in the surrounding villages.

After a month in Palestine I certainly learned some Arabic. I didn't know anything Arabic before arriving here but thanks to the lessons of the excellence center I can have a basic conversation with the Palestinians (introduce myself, explain what i study and what i do, ask directions, studied a lot of verbs to use while communicating).

The staff at the center is very welcoming and kind. They will help you a lot! Also the teachers are amazing. The environment is really nice, it’s a big family where you can have the opportunity to make new Palestinian friends but also international friends who share your same interests!

While staying here I had the opportunity to visit many places! From the old city of Al Khalil to the desert of Masafer Yatta. I also visited Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus and the Dead Sea. Palestine is beautiful and it’s absolutely worthy to come here. The people are so nice and they will welcome you and make you feel part of their families, tell you their stories, invite you to parties and family gatherings. Families here treat you as you were part of them and act like they’ve known you forever! The feeling is amazing.

During my stay in Palestine I felt very safe. The people are lovely and they help you a lot. There is no danger, everyone is nice to you. I personally had no safety problems.

In Palestine I loved everything, from the food to the people to the culture. But one of the things that impressed me more is the hospitality.

I loved Palestine and i’m willing to come again. I really had an amazing experience and I recommend this to anyone.