Palestinian students' meeting on 18th January

Notes sent by Qasem Tobal from Al Quds University

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” George Bernard Shaw said.

Today Sunday Jan 18^th, was a great sunny day with the Palestinian participants of twinning in action project. My name is Qasem Tobal and I'm a trainer who got invited to volunteer in this session by Mr. Sameh Arekat, since he wanted the best for the group. I started our meeting today with some icebreaking activities for the students in Friendship House Center in Abu Dis. At the beginning of this meeting the students were confused and seemed careless, but as soon as we started the activities, they paid attention to the way of training. Although, they thought that some of these activities are made for kids, but they changed their minds once the discussion had begun. I felt that these students has something to share and to give, but some walls of fear are blocking their abilities, and that’s why I focused on life skills.

We started the ice breaking session with introducing ourselves to each other, then playing some activities to energize ourselves. At first there were too much seriousness and tension, but soon it changed to a laughing and friendly time, many games were played and they became as a one real group. 

After that life skills and leadership session took place, I’ve facilitated a discussion about their skills then we discussed their idle people to reach to the best of their thoughts and beliefs. I gave them many advices about the communication skills, and also what is necessary to know in order to be a good leader and a good participant as well, since they will live in different environment and different culture soon, the fact is most of things won’t be the same! We had a good discussion about the necessity of the communication when they’re abroad, and the ways of keeping conversations and discussions effective, I was so glad that they had fun after those sessions and they didn’t feel bored at all, that means there’s something changed in them and I hope they will do great in London.

Health and Safety was the next session held by Mr. Hazem Abuhilal, he mentioned many things about the safety of them and the way they should behave in a different situations, he started with basics and told them about many aspect they must take into consideration.

Sameh Arekat, made sure that the group will get prepared, he gave them a general introduction to the life in London, and things they might face in their presence abroad, he also talked about the duties of each participant and what is wanted from each of them before, during and after the visit. These advices were important for participant who never been abroad, he also talked about the purposes of the visit and what should be the outcome of their project.

Palestinian participants are so excited after a long day, and they are full of ideas and imaginations, which are ready to explore there in London! I wish the both of sides the best of Luck.