The day to say goodbye came far too quickly and there was no way to prepare myself. I said goodbye to so many friends and colleagues and people who have treated me as a member of their family. Soon I'll say goodbye to my home and my wonderful flatmates ( a word which sadly doesn't do them justice!). I don't want to imagine the moment when my feet will leave Tunisian land, the very country that grounded me, that shaped me.
My leaving presentation was full of surprises and I was so incredibly touched and overwhelmed by all the videos, messages, poems, dance shows, gifts and guests. Firstly, we planted a lemon in the 'Palestine corner' of the youth centre I helped to create. Then it was time for me to make a final speech and show a short video about my experiences here. It's so frustrating that there are no words to describe the year, no words to show how much you all mean to me. I hope that one day, somehow, I can repay you all for every kind and humble gesture.
We're guilty in the U.K of believing that 'our way is best', that living any other version of life than our own equates to inequality, oppression, narrow-mindedness and a variety of other self-indulgent arrogances. The best thing I, and any other volunteer can gain from this experience, is to appreciate that your logic, your morals and values and beliefs do not necessarily translate across the world - and to date, no country is nearing perfect. I've learned so much in Tunisia, from Tunisians, from their culture and Islam. They are far richer in many ways than we are at home. So take the best.
As well as traditional carpets and clothes and ceramics, I'm taking back some priceless gifts which will stay with me for a lifetime. The importance of family, modesty, the strength and character of women, hospitality and the presence of children in your life makes everything worthwhile!
Last March I predicted in my journal how quickly my year volunteering in Tunisia would pass. However I could never have predicted the people I would meet and how every single one of them would become a part of the person I am.
Thank you to each and every person I have met in this year. To AJMEC Association, Xchange Scotland and the British Council for making it possible.
My leaving presentation was full of surprises and I was so incredibly touched and overwhelmed by all the videos, messages, poems, dance shows, gifts and guests. Firstly, we planted a lemon in the 'Palestine corner' of the youth centre I helped to create. Then it was time for me to make a final speech and show a short video about my experiences here. It's so frustrating that there are no words to describe the year, no words to show how much you all mean to me. I hope that one day, somehow, I can repay you all for every kind and humble gesture.
This is my goodbye -
We're guilty in the U.K of believing that 'our way is best', that living any other version of life than our own equates to inequality, oppression, narrow-mindedness and a variety of other self-indulgent arrogances. The best thing I, and any other volunteer can gain from this experience, is to appreciate that your logic, your morals and values and beliefs do not necessarily translate across the world - and to date, no country is nearing perfect. I've learned so much in Tunisia, from Tunisians, from their culture and Islam. They are far richer in many ways than we are at home. So take the best.
As well as traditional carpets and clothes and ceramics, I'm taking back some priceless gifts which will stay with me for a lifetime. The importance of family, modesty, the strength and character of women, hospitality and the presence of children in your life makes everything worthwhile!
Last March I predicted in my journal how quickly my year volunteering in Tunisia would pass. However I could never have predicted the people I would meet and how every single one of them would become a part of the person I am.
Thank you to each and every person I have met in this year. To AJMEC Association, Xchange Scotland and the British Council for making it possible.
