Back to Knighton

The first time I went to Knighton was in August 2013 during CADFA's Common Ground visit. 18 young boys and girls from Palestine and England came on a tour of different cities in the UK with a focus on music. Our first destination was in fact Knighton, and we spent there 4 wonderful days, under the sun and rain, with lots of helpful local people and doing many different activities, from music workshops and performances to walks in the green hills of Wales.

After less than a year, I went back to Knighton as an EVS volunteer for CADFA and I had a super busy timetable for the two weeks I spent there. It was great to be welcomed by old friends in Knighton, who prepared an amazing meal on the second night of my stay.

The next day I joined local volunteers in the woods, to clean the area from branches that had been cut from the trees and to help building a small hut where they dry firewood. 

Twice during the week I spoke at 2 local schools about the Palestinian situation. I was amazed to see the amount of students who came to the talk and heard about Palestine for the first time. They seemed very interested and asked many questions. 

Apart from the schools, I also gave a talk in a neighbouring town about the Nakba, the Palestinian catastrophe of 1948. Once again, I was met by local activists but also people who didn't know much about Palestine. 

One day we organised a stall in Knighton Community Centre where there was a farmers' market  of local products. We sold Palestinian handicrafts, Zaytoun products (oil, almonds, dates, etc.). I also  cooked Manakish Zaatar and Cheese and Meat Krass to encourage people to try the Palestinian food and buy our products. 

Finally we organised a fundraising meal for CADFA, which was very successful and people could try my maqlubeh. Zaky! 

I had a wonderful time in Kighton and I hope to go back there soon.