UPMRC International Voluntary Work Camp in Palestine
During the current Intifada, the Israeli government’s policies have led to devastation and destruction in all areas of Palestinian life. From September 29, 2000- June 12, 2002, 1,588 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 20,000 injured. In conjunction with its excessive use of force against civilians, the Israeli government has imposed various collective punishment measures that have served to choke the physical, economic, social and political life of Palestinians. These measures include invasions, curfews, strict internal and external closure and the destruction of houses, agriculture and industry. The current crisis emphasizes the need for international support of and solidarity with the Palestinian people. There is much that international volunteers can do to help Palestine. Thus, the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees is sponsoring a weeklong summer work camp for international and local volunteers.
The purpose of the camp is to improve community resources in Palestine and provide an opportunity for internationals to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, while learning about and experiencing life in Palestine under occupation. UPMRC is a grassroots, community-based Palestinian health organization. It is non-profit, voluntary, and one of the largest health NGOs in Palestine. UPMRC’s national health programs emphasize prevention, education, community participation, and empowerment of the Palestinian people.
We are seeking 200 internationals interested in:
a.. Showing solidarity with Palestinians
b.. Participating in voluntary projects that support public institutions in different Palestinian cities, villages and refugee camps
c.. Supporting the Palestinian cause and participating in advocacy for Palestinian rights
The work camp will also have 300 local Palestinian youth volunteers,
as well as 150 Palestinian youth living in Israel.
Through this camp, you will:
a.. Work in solidarity with the Palestinian People
b.. Participate in the restoration of public institutions, schools
and other buildings destroyed during recent Israeli military incursions
c.. Participate in voluntary work in refugee camps such as clearing
rubble and aiding in reconstruction
d.. Help provide access to villages and cities isolated by the
Israeli closure
e.. Meet and work closely with Palestinian youth
f.. At the end of your visit, we hope that you will be able to
educate people in your communities about Palestine and promote international solidarity for the Palestinian people
Location
The camp will primarily be based in El Bireh, which is a suburb of
Ramallah, and volunteers will work both in Ramallah and El Bireh. There will also be options to volunteer for short periods in Nablus and Jenin, as well as in rural areas isolated by Israeli closure.
Duration: August 3-10, 2002
Activities:
Voluntary work
a.. Reconstruction, repair and maintenance in public schools and
public parks, including mural painting, gardening and light construction
b.. Voluntary days in Jenin Refugee camp and Nablus Old City (two
of the areas hit the hardest during the latest Israeli invasion) clearing
rubble and helping to rebuild
Cultural and informative activities
a.. Documentaries
b.. Lectures on political situation
c.. Field visits
d.. Social activities
Entertainment
a.. Musical evenings
b.. Films
c.. Sports
d.. Photo/art exhibit
Transportation:
Participants should fly into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Expenses:
Work camp fees: $50
Approximate Airfare: US: $800-$1,200
Europe: $500-$800
Requirements:
Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Please fill out the Registration form “Summer Work Camp” and submit it by July 20.
If you have any questions, please contact Ghadeer
For more information on Palestine, please visit
International Association of Health Policy 