Palestine NPO wants volunteers

Pal NPO wants volunteers

The Palestine Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), a non-profit sports organisation in Palestine, is set to launch their official sport initiative in September this year and are calling for volunteers from around the world to assist them in Ramallah. The organisation's technical director Michael Dahdal in Ramallah told VOC News that with all the challenges taking place in the country, they are stepping in to make a change in the lives of the Palestinian youth.
There are so many challenges taking place here in Palestine including occupation and health. We want to try and get the youth off the streets and work with them, to build them up to become independent,” he explained. Dahdal said that with most of the funding coming into the country from worldwide funding organisations, Palestinians are depending on these funds. His aim was to make them self-reliant.
According to Dahdal, the sport sector in the Middle East has traditionally not been taken seriously. He said they are trying to develop an educational environment through their programmes. “These programmes are comprehensively engaging and provides unique opportunities for these youth, regardless of race, religion, and political affiliations. Youth who are currently at the center are learning the basics of Martial Arts which include various other Olympic sports with the aims of contributing towards the social development of sports in the country,” he said.
Dahdal said that they are committed to supporting the future Palestinian generations as well as the athletes to get them to an international level. “Some of the sports which we also currently training these youth in are wrestling and boxing. It's amazing to see how passionate these kids are..." He added that the organisation is also looking at building up a culture of excellence to align with Olympic values that can support the Palestinian's Olympic ambitions. “We are looking at creating opportunities for life long participation and want to support these talented Palestinians. Here is great talent amongst the youth and we want you to see it,” he said.

Financial independence

Dahdal said that one of their biggest strategic objectives is to be financially independent within three years time but it is going to need support to get started. “This means we won’t be reliant on any external sources of funding, helping us move people away from a general culture of dependency created by the conditions we are in. To start however, we understand that we do require some support, so we are seeking volunteers to assist with fundraising activities, whilst actively seeking sponsorships, partnerships and grants,” he explained.
They are seeking willing volunteers to come and assist them at their gym and offices in Ramallah as well as assisting on the organisation's events. “If we could just invite you to come and support us and make this a reality, it will be of great help. Come and spend a day with these Palestinian youth and get to know them. See the talent in them and what they are capable of,” Dahdal said, adding that they are working on trying to secure the funding to launch the initiative in the upcoming summer time to get the children a step further and skilled.
Dahdal said that once they are steady and running they will however  adopt a social enterprise model and create their own revenue streams, providing work opportunities, economic empowerment and autonomy.  “It’s a big challenge, but we have a great team who are committed to making it work and aiming at making it a huge success."
The organisation is currently doing various fundraising projects around the world including Abu Dhabi and United states and are calling on people to come and assist them in any way possible. If you would like to know more about the Palestine MMA or how you can contribute, you may contact them on +972 59 552 6593(PAL), +971 50 6923591 (UAE) or+61 423 795469 (AUS). You may also email Micheal Dahdal at mdahdal@palestinemma.org or for more information visit their website on www.Palestinemma.org. VOC (Aishah Cassiem)