Volunteer

# Expand your heart. Enrich your life.

Expand your heart. Enrich your life.

Come to El Azariyah and change the life of a young Palestinian child. International volunteers and interns, and the energy and optimism that they bring are a critical part of House of Hope’s life-giving work.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways that volunteers can participate

  • lead music, dance or art therapy sessions
  • create activities around themes like non-violence, healthy communication, and self-esteem
  • deliver speech or occupational therapy
  • teach English
  • lead computer skills or other vocational skills workshops with local women
  • capture House of Hope in action with filmmaking or photography
  • (stateside or in Palestine) strengthen organizational visibility and capacity with grant writing, graphic design, administrative work, and other computer-based support
  • another special skill or volunteer idea not listed above

Eligibility

Youth volunteer and internship opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality. What matters is a passion for making a difference in the lives of Palestinian children and women.

The right candidates have the following attributes:

  • Self Motivated and Proactive– A team worker who needs light to moderate daily direction; can self-motivate and identify opportunities to support the school.
  • Culturally Sensitive- A socially aware traveler who has a desire to understand conservative Muslim Palestinian culture that values modest dress.
  • Playful and Engaged- A fun-loving person who loves to play and talk with children; empathetic to children experiencing trauma and eager to give children loving support and encouragement.
  • Team Oriented and Open- An capable communicator who works well in a collaborative team environment; takes advice when needed on navigating the West Bank and observing cultural sensitivity.
  • Committed and Accountable- A responsible person who will follow through on commitments made to House of Hope students.

Duration

International volunteers and interns are invited to join House of Hope throughout the year for various lengths of stay ranging from several days to six weeks. 

House of Hope is open year-round. The elementary school is open during two school semesters: fall, beginning in September, which is followed by the spring semester that concludes in May. House of Hope also operates a summer school from June – August.

Fees & Accommodation

The House of Hope volunteer fee covers room and partial board, and is $300/week for a shared room or $400/week for a private room. Volunteers stay at the Lazarus Guest House in Al Eizariya, where private and shared bedrooms are available, daily Palestinian breakfasts, shared bathroom, and wifi. The volunteer and internship application fee is $30 which helps cover administrative program costs. To apply, please email: info@supportinghouseofhope.org

Testimonials

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"My name is Laila Shadid. I am an undergraduate college student from Boston, Massachusetts. I began volunteering for House of Hope virtually, but in the summer of 2022, I was able to volunteer for two months in-person. I lived and worked in the Jerusalem suburb of Al-Eizariya, an experience that changed my life. I made lasting connections with the children and families of House of Hope, and especially their dedicated leaders—Manar and Milad. I learned the importance of trauma-informed education for children who grow up under occupation. The impact House of Hope has on their community is unparalleled, and I was lucky to learn from and join such a dedicated team of educators and activists. I encourage anyone who is interested to volunteer at House of Hope."

Laila Shadid // Boston, Massachusetts //
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"I volunteered at House of Hope in the summer of 2019 to teach a summer dance program. As a dance teacher, I strongly believe in the therapeutic powers of dance and movement, especially in communities that have been affected by trauma. The students at House of Hope were excited to learn dance and even got to perform at the end of the summer for their families and community. My time at House of Hope was transformational. I learned a tremendous amount about Palestine and the occupation that Palestinians unjustly live in daily. Witnessing how Milad and Manar use their gifts to teach these students to live non-violently despite their conditions was inspirational. Being at House of Hope truly does remind one that Palestinians are a people of resilience, strength and most of all: hope."

Kimberly Gower // Dance Teacher //

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