Public Service Program
CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON 2012 PROGRAM AND FOR APPLICATIONS, WHICH ARE DUE FEBRUARY 29TH
Additionally, you can read shorts posts from last year's volunteers John, Tasneem, Dana, and Mark by clicking on their names. The posts touch on life in refugee camps, teaching experiences, friendships built, and the Youth Leadership Academy.
In the past two years, Inspire Dreams has sent 12 American and international volunteers to live and work in Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank. The interns come from a variety of racial and religious backgrounds as well as undergraduate institutions including Boston College, Georgetown, MIT, Arizona State, and Brown. The interns were placed in in cultural centers in Ramallah, Bethlehem and Nablus, where they taught English to refugee youth, lead workshops in their individual fields (i.e. engineering, photojournalism, exercise), and assist the cultural centers with capacity building. They also spent time organizing Camp “I Have a Dream” and “Lead Palestine.”
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to combine the talents of Americans and local leaders in a collaborative partnership. They work together to organize English classes, workshops, and community development projects. It also offers the opportunity for an American student to live and work in a refugee camp, and receive exposure to the every day conditions of life in the camp.
Structure
Now in it's 3rd year, the internship will run from the beginning of June to the end of July. Interns travel to the West Bank via Israel, Egypt, and/or Jordan. Upon arrival are placed in volunteer housing within refugee camps in Nablus and Bethlehem. The safety and security of each location is scoped by our board of advisors, on the ground team, and analysts. During the last few weeks of the summer they assist with running Youth Leadership Academy.
The 2012 Summer Public Service Program will run for two months between June 3 and August 3. Volunteers will be placed in cultural centers within refugee camps in Ramallah, Bethlehem, or Nablus in the West Bank.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND EXPECTATIONS:
While each camp and individual will have different tasks, you will be expected to, at a minimum:
- Teach English in a course that meets three times per week.
- Lead a college mentoring group that may include TOEFL prep.
- Design and facilitate an independent workshop for youth in the camp.
- Assist in organizing and running the Youth Leadership Academy, which may involve travel and working in several refugee camps in Palestinian cities.
- Assist the local cultural centers with tasks such as other summer programs and camps, grant applications, website maintenance, etc.
Inspire Dreams will:
- Help organize and set up the aforementioned programs.
- Provide housing (at no cost to volunteer) in the refugee camps.
- Provide a $500 stipend to help offset the costs of food and transportation.
- Organize an orientation program and organized outings throughout the summer, and ensure you have the resources to enjoy and understand Palestinian culture.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
Applicants must be based out of, or be recent graduates of, a four-year college or university (non-American citizens studying are eligible to apply). Applicants with previous knowledge of the Arabic language will be given a preference in the selection process. Applicants must be able to complete the entire program. Applicants must not seek other internships or work during the program, and must live in the housing provided.
If selected, you are expected to be an active and engaging teacher, leader, and counselor. While language and knowledge of culture are fantastic to have, they are not the determining factors of one's success. The essential ingredient is enthusiasm and patience. The camp participants respond first and foremost to your energy. In addition, we look for individuals who demonstrate leadership, flexibility, and an ability to work with others in challenging circumstances.
