Dear Falasteen: digital letter exchange
Write, share and connect with someone in Palestine
Pōneke | Wellington and Ramallah, Falasteen | Palestine, are on the path to becoming Friendly Cities. Ramallah is in the West Bank, 10km from Jerusalem, is famous for its cultural heritage, and is a hub for art, nightlife, music, and cuisine. The two city mayors have indicated a willingness to explore “exchange and cooperation on a number of initiatives, including arts and culture, local government, enterprise and innovation, youth and education" and this is one such initiative.
After our success with the Dear Delaware pen pal programme, we have partnered with the Leila Miqdadi Al-Qattan Library in Ramallah to facilitate the exchange of messages between both cities to further our relationship and enable participants to engage in meaningful conversations exploring one another’s cultures. Unlike Dear Delaware, Dear Falasteen will be all online – we will send and receive all mail digitally, and we can help you scan and print as needed. Unfortunately, we will not be using regular snail mail. We will work with the Leila Miqdadi Al-Qattan library in Ramallah to connect participants with someone who shares similar interests and is a similar age to you, and then, from mid May, we will begin the exchange.
Simply fill out the online sign-up form below to be paired with a similar participant from Ramallah. When we've found you a pen pal you can craft your message (whether it be text, or a work of art). We'll send you the link to our upload portal once your registration is confirmed. All replies will be emailed to you from the Library. For programme enquiries please email: dearfalasteen@wcc.govt.nz
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FAQ
What is the Leila Miqdadi Al-Qattan Library?
What is the Leila Miqdadi Al-Qattan Library?
The A. M. Qattan Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit developmental organisation working in the fields of culture and education, with a particular focus on children, teachers and young artists. It was founded in 1993. The Leila Miqdadi Al-Qattan Library is located at the A. M. Qattan Foundation in Ramallah.
Who will read my letters? Will my email address be shared with anyone?
Who will read my letters? Will my email address be shared with anyone?
Programme coordinators will screen incoming and outgoing mail. A brief bio will be available to our counterparts in Ramallah, but no contact information will be shared.
Why Ramallah? Why not another city?
Why Ramallah? Why not another city?
We reached out to a library in Ramallah because of Wellington’s new relationship, the initial first steps to becoming a Friendly City. This is to enter an informal, long-term partnership based on diverse links between two cities which could include cultural, education and business connections.
Is it only digital? Why can’t I send a real letter, like with Dear Delaware?
Is it only digital? Why can’t I send a real letter, like with Dear Delaware?
There is no reliable postal service in the West Bank. Mail is slow to this region.
I would like to send something handmade – how can I do this?
I would like to send something handmade – how can I do this?
Currently we can only send digital mail. You can scan any handmade artworks/letters at a Library. You will be able to upload files to our website.
Do I need to know Arabic?
Do I need to know Arabic?
No – translation will be provided where necessary.
How will I be matched with someone?
How will I be matched with someone?
We match children 8-15 by age (+/- 2 year age gap), then by interests. For adult participants we endeavour to find someone with similar interests (where possible).