FAQs for UK student participants.

19^th January 2015

Dear all of you

Thanks for your interest in the Twinning in Action project and specially for your interest in being a participant.  

There is an application form on the website... here  However, time's rushing on and the exchange isn't very far from now so please get in touch fast and we hope to speak to all applicants in the next day or two.

Some FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the purpose of the project?  Please see the INFO SHEET about the project which includes its objectives.

What are the dates and the programme? (also on the info sheet above)

Who is running it and who are they?  CADFA - have a look at our website and FB page -  We're happy of course to tell you more about us if you can't find out enough from there.

Why is CADFA running these exchanges? To try and build links between people and organisations in Britain and Palestine - here, students in particular - in order to build awareness of the human rights situation in Palestine and encourage people to work for human rights and oppose discrimination

Is this the first time CADFA has done this? No, we've run many student exchanges before this (and many other exchanges, for youth, women and others) - See for example last year's student visit blog

Who is funding the project? Erasmus + (European Union) will give us a big chunk of funding, but not enough to keep the whole thing going. We also need to do further fundraising and will ask everyone around us to help - CADFA members do fundraisers, student unions, student groups, collections at events and contributions from participants.

What does being 'a participant' mean? This 'Erasmus +' - funded project will involve 15 Palestinians and in theory 15 from Britain - though many more will be involved in one way or another. However at the middle will be a special 15 whom we can subsidise to take more part in the project.

Do I have to be there for the whole 10 days if I am a participant? You need to be there for enough of the project to be a main part of it; if you are able at this stage to come to the residential but you need time after that for your lectures etc, we understand - let's discuss how much you can realistically do.

I can't come to the residential - Can I still be a participant? There are lots of ways to be involved in this project - At your university, meeting with the students doing London tourism, helping run events etc etc. The best thing is to contact us.

What will I get out of it? 

Definitely a good time and a strong experience with people from Palestine.

You will learn a lot, wherever you are starting from. People on previous projects have included students who know a lot about Palestine (but they always learn more) and people who know almost nothing (who always learn more). 

This is a film project, so you will have the chance to learn some different skills.  

You will get a Youthpass certificate if you are a participant. 

People who have been part of these projects before have even quoted them successfully when they apply for jobs!

Do I need to be good at film work? No – great if you are but that is just a bonus. Don’t worry.

What should I contribute? Energy, ideas, effort and a contribution towards the project fundraising. 

How much do I have to pay? We ask everyone involved in our projects to make a contribution (people from the UK and Palestinians too). We ask UK participants to join CADFA – see here .  We also for a commitment to raise some money for CADFA which helps keep this work going -  this may be through your student union/ student group or your own fundraising efforts.  (One way of doing this is through virginmoneygiving.com )

When will I know if I have a place? Contact us fast now please.

What should I prepare? 

NOW – a very short paragraph about your university.

Ideas about the 'British Day' during the residential; 

To discuss with us a visit for the group of the Palestinians to your university.

FOR THE PROJECT - A short presentation about student life in your university. 

If possible some short film clips, but this is not as important as it is for the Palestinians as you will have the opportunity to make these film clips during the residential. 

What am I expected to do afterwards?

Take part in project evaluation and write a SHORT NON-ACADEMIC project report.

Give us some of your photos/ video

Do a feedback session (tell people at your university how it went)

Keep in touch with your new friends!

Join the students’ link group and help towards on-going student links with Palestine. Help keep the student blog going.

Where is the residential? In the Yorkshire Dales.

How do I get there?We need quickly to find out where our group is coming from and decide if we are going together and if so where to meet - ring me please! If you don't have my number pls email contact@camdenabudis.net

Do I need to pay my fare? No: if you can come/ leave with the group (on our bus or with the same timing as the group) we will take you or reimburse your fare when you have fulfilled your commitment to the project.

What should I bring to the residential?

Warm practical clothes, rainwear, shoes/ boots to walk in the countryside in

A sleeping bag

A small bag for carrying things on country walks

Anything you need for your presentation about your university

A tablet/ laptop could be helpful

A camera - and if it can take film, even better.

CADFA Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association

Linking together for human rights
293-299 Kentish Town Road
London NW5 2TJ

http:/www.camdenabudis.net 

Charity number 1112717