Dina & Samantha

Dina says

I am teacher Dina. I have been working in education for 13 years, and throughout these years, I discovered that my true passion lies in helping my students discover their abilities and develop their skills—especially in the English language. I believe that teaching is not just about delivering information; it’s about building character and empowering students to express themselves with confidence.

Through my participation in the Hands Up Project, I found a wonderful opportunity to support my students in improving their spoken English in an interactive and enjoyable way. This project has given them space to express themselves, to experiment, and to be creative. As a result, their self-confidence and language abilities have grown significantly.

One of the most touching moments I experienced during this project was when one of my students—who used to be extremely shy—stood up and performed a short play in English in front of her classmates. I saw in her eyes a mix of nervousness and pride, and when she finished her performance to the sound of applause, I realized just how powerful this transformation was. The project gave her a voice, and it gave me, as a teacher, a deep sense of fulfillment.

I have noticed significant development in my students’ language skills—not only in pronunciation and vocabulary, but also in their confidence and ability to express ideas clearly. This project has been more than just an educational activity; it has been a life-changing experience for my students and for me as well.

Samantha says

Like many people around the world, I have been feeling distressed and helpless watching the situation unfold in Palestine. I wanted to help in a practical way, so I started searching online for options that could utilise my skills (I am a writer/journalist and teacher based in Australia). I found the Hands Up Project and was paired with teacher Dina in Hebron. Dina teaches large classes of girls who are eager to practice their English skills. I talk to the girls over Zoom as they all take turns showing off their growing English skills. It is easy and enjoyable for me as my role is simply to listen and engage in conversation. It has been a wonderful experience to see the students’ enthusiasm and progress. Dina is also a highly organised and dedicated teacher and I admire her work. I would love to meet them all in person one day.