See more photos of the visit
On October 22nd, four JAI-trained Palestinian students, accompanied by the JAI' Olive Tree Campaign officer, Muhannad, visited two Efterskoles in Denmark, Dronninglund Efterskole (DE) and Midtsjællands Efterskole (MSE). The 8-day visit was a part of a students' exchange program the JAI has with these schools, through DanChurch Aid. The trip aimed at further educating the Danish students about the Palestinian cause and daily life under occupation of the Palestinian students. This is besides providing an opportunity for students of both countries to get to meet, know each other, and become friends.
Sally Hannounah and George Qumsieh visited MSE, where they gave several presentations and briefings, with personal stories and experiences, about life under occupation in Palestine. They also reflected to the Danish students how the restrictions imposed on Palestinians limit hopes and dreams of the Palestinian youth. The program also included several other activities, including joint sport games and cultural visits.
To DE, north of Denmark, George Kheir and Mariana Bannoura went, where the visit also included several joint sport games and cultural exchange activities. Together with Muhannad, George and Mariana gave a lecture for all students and teachers of the school about life under occupation in Palestine and the JAI' Olive tree Campaign. The lecture further encouraged the Danish students in their fund-raising for the Olive Tree Campaign, to get olive trees sponsored and planted in the name of the school and its students.
The Palestinian students spend an overnight during weekend with some Danish students' families, where they also shared their stories and life in Palestine with them. In February, the Global Teenagers / World Studies Danish students from DE and MSE will have a program in Palestine, organized by the JAI, to meet the four and other JAI-trained students, have guided tours and plant olive trees in Palestine.
Both the Danish and Palestinian students evaluated the visit to be very educational and valuable experience. Some of the Palestinian students' reflections after the visit were:
George Qumsieh said: "they got to see the occupation from our own perspective, and I think the information I have told them were very clear so that is why I think this may change something, maybe in the future!"
Sally said: "I have always thought that the Palestinian case was ignored, but now that I have visited Denmark and interacted with its people, I have realized that some people do care ... I have taught them more about Palestine, its traditions, and how we live ... I hope that I affected the Danish students in a good way and that they got to hear about our cause from a different point of view."
George Khair said: "During my time in Denmark I have learnt many things: they are all generous, nice, amazing people/students. I have also learned about the new culture, new country, and new way of thinking ... I got the chance to learn how Danish students spend their free time, and they also have a daily life system which is cool."
Mariana said: "I cannot forget how my feeling was when I go there; I was free with no occupation for few days ... I was really happy talking about the Palestinian issue because I really want other countries to know about it."