Volunteer Spotlight: Basma

Youth need to gain more experiences and fill their empty time with something important, which can all be done here at TYO.

This Volunteer Spotlight features Basma Khaled. Basma is 50 years old, from Balata refugee camp in Nablus and a current volunteer in the Core Program.

How long have you been a volunteer at TYO and which classes have you participated in?

I've been volunteering with TYO since they first opened their doors in 2008 so I consider myself a dedicated member of the Volunteer Program - sometimes as a bus monitor, other sessions as a hall-monitor.

What do you study?

I never completed my higher education but I did finish high school and have an array of skills including cooking, secretary work, sewing and most importantly, over seven years experience working in kindergartens.

How did you hear about TYO?

My neighbor began attending classes for The Women's Group and she asked me to register with her. I took IT and fitness classes but seeing children in the center made me interested in volunteering instead. The classes for women were great but I knew my passion was the children.

Why were you motivated to come?

I love working with children. TYO was the best chance for me to work with children again. And it may sound strange, but the layout of the TYO Center is very much like my former house and so TYO very much feels like and reminds me of my home. Plus, working in my community is so much better than being lazy at home.

What have you learned as a result of your time spent here?

I have learned to be more effective in the workplace.

What is your hope for tomorrow's youth?

I wish that every single young man or woman would find at least two hours in their week to volunteer in their community and offer services to Palestinian children. Youth need to gain more experiences and fill their empty time with something important, which can all be done here at TYO.