Ilham, Fundraising Team

Ilham and Majedah prepared and sold delicious ‘Paradise Apples’ to raise funds for Palestinians in need! Watch the video below.

“My experience working for a charity like Interpal has provided a large investment in my personal and professional development. Most of us are in the position to give generously, whether it’s time and effort, compassion or money. The next time you think you have no money to give, think a little harder about all that you have, and you’ll find plenty that you can give.” – Ilham, 22

My name is Ilham El Ouariachi, I am 22 years old and from Germany. Being in the second year of my degree in English Studies and Islamic Science at the University of Cologne I was looking forward for a challenging traineeship in London.

My choice fell on Interpal, a British charity providing humanitarian aid and assistance to Palestinians in need. Apart from the charity’s vision that delighted me from the very beginning, I also felt confident that the placement would improve and strengthen the acquisition of my English language skills.

I have always been very passionate about charity work and spent a lot of time in fundraising for charity performances in our local Masjid al Fath,   such as events in support of refugees from Syria and Palestine. So, my work experience in the charity sector has always been invaluable and I knew that this time again, it was going to be amazing.

My time here at Interpal proved that every human being can give a gift to someone. Sometimes the smallest thing can achieve the biggest difference. Being part of Interpal is rewarding, you are surrounded by an ambitious and warm-hearted community, which you find at any time helpful and very obliging. At Interpal, people are affiliated with each other due to the dream they share: The dream of changing the world into a better, more peaceful and solidly united one. In particular they are connected through their common goal, which is to  alleviate the suffering and disadvantage faced by the Palestinian people. Interpal is a community that gives much and receives more, namely the laughter and happiness of thousands of oppressed Palestinians, which is in my opinion the biggest blessing and gift. The reason behind my determination to intern at Interpal was quite simply the diversity of activities and people and the fact that you can let you imagination run wild.

It is the warm glow of doing good that motivates your work and commitment at Interpal. The knowledge that you’ve helped someone or something or having the chance of making a difference in the world is highly rewarding.  I had the opportunity to plan my own activities and by doing so I could implement my own ideas. I was in charge of planning and conducting small projects for charity’s sake and thereby creating hope for Palestinians.

Projects  have been like the ‘balloon campaign’, which involved gathering people together in Hyde Park to attach messages to balloons with warm wishes and prayers, all devoted to Palestinians  in need .Further projects have been  the ‘Crepes and Paradise apples  sale’, the sale was fantastic and raised over £130 for Palestinians in need.

Moreover, Interpal brings people together and promotes personal growth and self-esteem. As a volunteer at Interpal you discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self-worth and last of all to have the chance of doing a good deed. However, volunteering at Interpal is not just about fundraising money, it is a beneficence for your own heart. The reality is that even if you don’t have money to give, there’s always something that you can offer to others, even time and effort is a great way to make a contribution in our society.  You make a difference. Every person counts.

My experience working for a charity like Interpal has provided a large investment in my personal and professional development. Most of us are in the position to give generously, whether it’s time and effort, compassion or money. The next time you think you have no money to give, think a little harder about ALL that you have, and you’ll find plenty that you can give.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmTQaZTQyMs