This is for Palestine, Ramallah, West Bank, Gaza.

In my first month of European Voluntary Service, I spent time considering which projects in the youth centre and in the local community needed additional support and where I would spend my working week.  During this time I also thought about combining my greatest passion, humanitarian issues, with in my opinion, the best vehicle to inspire people, cinema.   My plan is to screen a wealth of films, focusing on a variety of topics which will encourage responsible citizenship and compassionate young adults.  I hope to develop this by working with other clubs in the youth centre to have a programme of events for each topic. 
The first topic is one that is personally very close to my heart, and a subject which receives very little media attention despite continual violations of international law and human rights abuses.  Palestine.

On the 30th March every year people from all over the world remember Palestine.  'Land Day' commemorates the events of 1976, when many people will injured and even killed during marches against plans for the explanation of illegal settlements.  In Darchabeb, Kalaa Kebira, the young people created a mural in their football grounds to mark this day.  Listening to the music of British political rapper Lowkey, it was such a happy moment for me to share with such inspiring young people.

We then screened the movie 'Miral', based on a true story about the life of Rula Jebreal growing up in Palestine, followed by a discussion about peoples feelings about the film.  The screening of the film picked up a lot of local press attention thanks to my mentor Jalel Babay.

The next film we screened was 'The Lemon Tree' directed by Israeli Eran Riklis.  Another emotional highly film about a widow who fights to keep her grove of lemon trees when it is threatened by the Israeli Security Forces.  Both films offer insight into the daily struggles of Palestinians at the hands of their occupiers, and everyone was extremely touched by the stories and powerful imagery.

In my experience in Scotland, it's near impossible to mention the issue of Palestine in any governmental body without fear of being labelled as anti-Semitic or extremist.  I've found that in the youth centre, we are fortunate that we can discuss this issue, with peace in our hearts and not aggression, only hoping for a better future for Palestinians.

I hope to learn from the local youth about issues which they are passionate about, I'm sure we will continue to find similarities between us.

Existence is resistance.  Long Live Palestine.

Marhaba Tunisia

I arrived in Tunisia 29 days ago, it's flown by and despite having 336 days remaining, I'm all too aware of quickly this experience will pass. As well as my own personal journal, I'm keeping this blog to reflect on my time here in Sousse, and to give others an idea about European Voluntary Service (EVS).

On arrival I was collected by Mounir from my host organisation and two other volunteers. After an emotional departure, it was great to see friendly faces and to be so warmly welcomed. I can't remember very much about the journey from the airport in Tunis to Sousse, my new home for one year. In the first few days I found the enormity of being away from home for such a long time difficult to deal with. I didn't expect to feel homesick at all, but the first week was definitely the most difficult. One month has passed now, and although I miss my family and friends, I know I'm exactly where I need to be.

My host organisation is called Ajmec, a voluntary organisation which promotes intercultural exchange through a variety of activities, working with Tunisian youth aged 15-30.  My activities are mainly based in Kalaa Kebira, a small town outside of Sousse.  'Dar Chebeb' (meaning House of People) is the youth centre where I work.  After attending a variety of activities to get a sense of what projects I can get involved with here,  I've now finalised my weekly schedule with Mounir (Director of Ajmec) and my mentor here, Jalel.  From mural painting, to calligraphy and language lessons, working in the centre for disabled children and the school in the hospital, I can be sure that no two days will be the same!

I'm living with two other volunteers in an apartment, one is from Lithuania and the other is from Bulgaria.  We all speak English which in some aspects is great, we've been able to build strong friendships very quickly and learn a lot about each other.  However it's not so good for working on my Tunisian Arabic.....  Our neighbours are also volunteers from France and Italy.  Having other volunteers here to support you and share experiences with is so important and builds your confidence quickly.  We also get to learn about each others countries, cultures and customs.  For example I organised an Afternoon Tea Party, this short video highlights the depth and beauty of cultural exchange......

Okay maybe not.  But, it does show how close we all are after a very short time together, and how lucky I am to be surrounded by such sweet people!

And what about Tunisia?  It's home.  I could never have imagined how comfortable I would feel here so quickly.  The sound of the Adhan (call to prayer), the busy medina, the shisha cafes (many men only), the tea, the family home and spirit of family life, cous cous, the politics after the revolution and the Tunisian flag, always in sight.  This is my 'habibi'(beloved) Tunisia.