For over two years now, Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders have served as volunteers in the Palestinian Christian village of Zababdeh. While they have had varied tasks, their most important one has been that of volunteer teachers in the Latin Patriarchate School here. This will be their last academic year with us, and we are hoping to find a couple to join us in the Fall. Though they will remain with us until the end of the calendar year, they will not be teaching. However, they will be able to assist, particularly with adjustments, anyone who would be willing to come in the meantime.
For over two years now, Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders have served as volunteers in the Palestinian Christian village of Zababdeh. While they have had varied tasks, their most important one has been that of volunteer teachers in the Latin Patriarchate School here. This will be their last academic year with us, and we are hoping to find a couple to join us in the Fall. Though they will remain with us until the end of the calendar year, they will not be teaching. However, they will be able to assist, particularly with adjustments, anyone who would be willing to come in the meantime.
The Latin Patriarchate School of Zababdeh is home to some seven hundred students, half of whom are Christian, half of whom are Muslim. The standard of education here is well-regarded throughout the northern region – thus the interfaith nature of both our student body and our faculty. The new school building was completed three years ago with a grant from the Spanish Consulate. We are hoping to update the computer lab soon, as well as adding a language laboratory. Three languages are taught here: Arabic, the native language of the students; French, as an elective for students from grades 5 to 8; and English, a required subject beginning in first grade. For the last two years, the Christian students in high school have also had the opportunity to learn religion in English from Marthame – a gift that has strengthened both subjects as a result. While we have many qualified English teachers here, the role of native speaking English teachers cannot be underestimated.
Teachers here have a classload of around five lessons each day. We would expect the same of our native-speaking volunteers. Depending upon their level of experience and preference, as well as that of our current staff, we will make decisions as to which grades they will be teaching. Part of their work will be regular classroom lessons. There are also opportunities for the students’ English Club and after-school language-related activities (for children and adults) as time and talents allow. Volunteers can also help facilitate relations with the Arab-American University and its significant expatriate community of native English speakers. We also expect our volunteers to act as a resource for the English department, providing the expertise that only a native speaker can. Other activities, such as those of the parish and the village institutions, always welcome newcomers.
Terms of service are preferably three years, though shorter stays are negotiable. Couples are also preferable, but single people are welcome to apply. Unfortunately, given the financial situation in our schools (and the need of volunteers), we would not be able to provide a full stipend. We will, however, provide for housing and utilities (water and electricity) with one of the parish’s families. We can assist with budgeting and fundraising advice.
Please send cvs and cover letters to Fr. Aktham Hijazin (hijazin2000@yahoo.com), parish priest and school principal. Please include references with email addresses. Any inquiries about the position should be sent to Fr. Hijazin as well.
If you have any questions about the village, the situation, the school, or anything other concerns that might confront an ex-pat living in Zababdeh, you can contact Marthame and Elizabeth Sanders (sanders@palnet.com or elizabethandmarthame@hotmail.com).
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