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Israel
Sari Shbita ‘05 (on right) with Red Star campers |
Sari Shabita '06 recently worked as a head
councilor at the 24th Red Star Camp, an annual event in
his home town of Tira. Sari has a long tradition with the
camp – he began attending the camp when he was four,
and has worked as a counselor since he was 14. As head counselor,
he supervised the 11 to 14 year-olds campers, as well as
four co-counselors. The camp schedule consisted of recreational
and educational activities. Sari organized activities such
as trivia competitions, and team sports, which allowed the
kids to learn to cooperate, use leadership skills and have
fun. According to Sari, "Working in the camp wasn't
easy. In the three weeks I volunteered, I was exhausted
and didn't get enough sleep, but it was worth it. Seeing
the kids learning, meeting new people and having fun was
my greatest achievement." Sari has decided to continue
his association with the Youth Club that organizes the camp
– he plans to teach science and English 2 to 3 hours
a week for the remainder of the summer.
Alumni recount their experience at pre-departure orientation |
Several Alumni participated in the pre-departure
orientation for the new YES cohort recently. The Alumni
shared their own experiences with the group, and suggested
tips for coping with their new environment, in addition
to answering questions and concerns.
Mona Milhim '06 volunteered at two kindergartens
in her hometown of Makker in Galilee: the Al-Nojom and Al-Zohoor
kindergartens. She assisted the teachers by cleaning, organizing
and decorating the classrooms, reading to the kids and assisting
with activities such as making puzzles, playing music and
sports. She also helped to set the tables for lunch. "At
first I felt that I was not really qualified for working
with little kids," Mona said, "but later on I
realized that working with them was a nice experience. I
had to work hard to challenge myself to find a way to relate
to the kids, and to do what they expected of me, and I believe
I did a really good job! I gained self-confidence from this
experience by doing things that I thought I couldn't. Above
all, it felt wonderful to contribute and to see others happy
with my contribution."
Mona Milhim ‘06 demonstrates the fine art of face
painting |
Mirna Ashkar '07 decided to spend
her free time volunteering at the French Hospital in Nazareth.
She began by offering 40 hours of service a week, but is
now up to 45. She said, "My way of helping is very
simple. I feed the patients breakfast and lunch, and assist
in the kitchen. Sometimes I turn on the radio and start
singing with a very bad voice just to make them smile!"
Although Mirna finds it challenging to deal with some of
the patients, especially those whose family members do not
visit them often, she rises to the occasion. "I believe
that I make a change in their lives by loving them and making
them smile all the time, and that makes me happy."
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