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Dalia

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am one of the teachers at TYO. I am part of the ECE program where I teach children aged 4 to 6, guiding them through their pre-operational stage by fulfilling their cognitive and motor skills needs. In the afternoon, I teach grades 5 and 6 where my lesson plans are determined by the students’ level.

I love this job since it gives me the opportunity to teach children through structured play and move away from the traditional teaching system which I grew up with. I always feel so comfortable and confident when I teach my classes.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am obsessed with sports. I need to work out at least 5 times a week or I start losing my mind. I also love listening to music, especially Spanish music, which I can dance and sing along to. I always sing in my car and put the volume to the highest I can go.

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Noor

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am one of the three teachers interning at TYO. I have worked as an intern for almost two years and before that, I volunteered at the center. I teach both the really young kids in the ECE program and grade 3. My life made a 360 degree turn when I started working in TYO and that is why I decided to continue my experience at the center as an intern. I absolutely love working with kids and I feel like it’s incredibly rewarding since I am helping my community.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a Real Madrid fan who loves football but I would also never leave my house without applying my red lipstick! I also love cats, I have 5! I enjoy cooking and when I bring food into TYO it pretty much disappears within minutes but you know what they say, sharing is caring!

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Fawz

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am one of the teachers at TYO. I mainly teach younger children and I absolutely love it. I have established a connection with every single one of my kids and I love them all so much.

Recently, I decided to establish a new initiative that consists of asking kids, before they come into my classroom if they want a hug, a handshake or a hi-five. The kids love it and I get so many hugs which are always great!

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

In my free time, I usually paint or sing. If teaching wasn’t my passion, I would probably dedicate my life to singing. In fact, if I dedicated more time to singing, I would probably become a famous singer!

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Ruba

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am the accountant at TYO. I studied Accounting in Al-Quds Open University in Tulkarm. I used to live in Ramallah and worked for different projects funded by USAID and DFID for 11 years. I moved to Nablus two years ago which is when I started working at TYO. I am delighted to be part of this amazing team which provides better chances for children, youth and women. I believe that to obtain a better world we need to start by raising our children in a healthy and fun environment and this is what TYO does every single day.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love cooking! I only realised how amazing I was at cooking about two years ago! Before that I had no idea how to cook. Now I am constantly making the yummiest cakes, delicious pastries and homemade pizza! I believe I got my cooking abilities from my beloved mum who was the best cook in the world!

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Tamara

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am one of the teachers in the academic program at TYO. I actually started as a volunteer at the center and after a successful intern session, I got offered a full-time job. This definitely increased both my self-confidence and communication skills. I now also lead the women’s empowerment program which has given me the opportunity to listen to women’s stories and help them overcome obstacles to become powerful independent women. I can see it in their eyes when they look at me- they are just so grateful to have a safe space in which they are able to express their feelings without feeling judged by anyone.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a pro at `Dabkah´, a traditional Palestinian dance which combines circle and line dancing and is performed at weddings but also at any type of celebration. I would say I’m a part-time professional Dabkah dancer and a part-time make artist too since I love applying make-up on myself but also on anyone else that asks me!

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Haitham

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am responsible for the academic intervention program where I assist students in grades 11 and 12 in their studies, helping them achieve the necessary grades to be able to go to university. I would say that the opportunities at TYO are limitless since prior to working at the center full-time, I was a volunteer and now I am responsible for a whole program!

I had a difficult childhood but there were always people that lifted me up and gave me the support I needed to apply to university and continue my education. I would now like to return this favor by helping teenagers obtain a scholarship so they can go to university without having to pay tuition fees. After 12 years at TYO, I have realized that there is always room for improvement and the center is constantly striving to do better. Providing students with the opportunity to learn, play and have fun without fear is essential in Palestine.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I enjoy reading, writing and listening to poetry. I basically just love poetry so much! My favorite poet is Tamim Al Barghouti. I also enjoy listening to Kadim Al Shair, a famous singer that sings poems by Nizar Qabaani. My twin sons are my life, along with my wife obviously! I always make time to play football with my children and spend time with my wife.

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Mahmoud

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I graduated from An-Najah National University, with a degree in Arabic Teaching Methods. I am currently an Educator at TYO, I teach 3 to 5-year-olds in the Core Program. I also teach grades 1 to 6 in the Academic Support Program.

I acknowledge that some of the children come from difficult backgrounds so it’s essential to provide them with a safe space where they can learn, play, laugh, and grow together

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

In my free time, I sing. When I’m upset, I sing and when I’m happy, I also sing. When I want to express my emotions, I do it through singing. I also love drama. I love to act and enact puppet shows. I enjoy watching the reaction of the audience, seeing them laugh makes me so happy. I also have two daughters who are my life and I work hard to ensure they can have a successful future. When I spend time with my daughters, time flies and suddenly hours have passed and I have not even realized.

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Rawan

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am the social media coordinator at the center. I call myself the face behind the screen. What I love most about my job is giving people voices, giving women, children, and youth the opportunity to share their stories with the world. When I take pictures of the children, I can tell from their faces how incredibly happy they are. So many amazing things happen at TYO and I am so lucky to be part of it.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love reading Dr. Seuss books so much, my favorite book is: ‘Oh, the Places You'll Go!’ I got that book as a gift from my fourth-grade teacher and have read it multiple times. I also really enjoy playing cards. I have a big family and playing cards is just an excuse for all of us to get together and bond. I have 5 nieces and 5 nephews and although they don’t live in Palestine, we always stay in touch. Talking to them automatically makes me happier. Oh and I almost forgot: I really really really like food.

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Katherine

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

Prior to joining TYO, I served as a consultant with UNICEF Iraq and USAID, developed education programs for Syrian, Iraqi, and Afghan refugees in Greece, taught at a girls’ school in Jordan, and worked at a domestic violence shelter in Morocco. I am now the Program Development and M&E Specialist at TYO. My work gives me the opportunity to interact with people of all ages from all different backgrounds. I love the collaborative, capacity-building nature of my work. I enjoy using data and research to help strengthen the programs and the organization as a whole.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

In my free time, I enjoy playing my ukulele, reading, writing, traveling and drawing.

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Mouaiad

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

This is my seventh year here at TYO. I am the TYO guard; I keep the center and everyone in it safe. I also take care of our outside garden and plant flowers to make the outside area beautiful. What I love most about my job is that we are a family. All members of the staff are so friendly! I feel like could trust every single one of them! I am so happy to be a part of this team.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love gardening and planting flowers. Nature gives me hope and joy that’s why I really like to grow plants around me and take care of them. You should see my house, it’s full of plants and flowers.

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Khitam

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I have been working at TYO for 10 years now. My role here is to prepare food for the children attending TYO. I also assist in making sure the center is clean before the students arrive. During the volunteers’ breaks, I prepare coffee and tea for them. I love the atmosphere at TYO too! Everyone is super supportive and after having worked at the center for 10 years, I consider the majority of the staff my children.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love spending time with my family. I have 10 children and I love weekends since this is when I get to spend time with them. I always cook delicious meals for them and my grandchildren. Seeing my house filled with all of my loved ones makes me so happy.

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Mohammed

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I have been working as a guard at TYO since 2008. I keep the center and everyone in it safe. I am in charge of cleaning TYO’s buses and the outside fields, making sure they are clean and ready to be used by the students. I feel like the people at TYO are my family! I am extremely happy to be working with this team and being part of this big family.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love Kunafeh: a traditional Nablusi dessert! This is my favorite dessert. I do not only enjoy eating it but I also make delicious Kunafeh. I grew up baking it and eating it with my family, it takes me back to my childhood.

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Amal

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am one of the social workers at TYO who assists families in the old city, in Nablus. I provide families with stress coping mechanisms and tools to adequately communicate with each other. Mental health should be given more importance in Palestine and I strive to assist people to obtain positive emotional well-being.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I have a passion for photography. Before joining TYO I worked as a professional photographer for ten years. Besides my full-time job at the center, I also volunteer in other organizations that focus on mental health and youth development, such as YMCA. I am really interested in women’s rights and consider myself a strong, independent woman that strives to achieve equality between men and women.

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Razan

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am one of the social workers at TYO. I make sure that families receive all the necessary financial and psychological support they need to lead healthy happy lives. It can be hard sometimes to listen to painful stories and then disconnect when you get home. However, it’s such a rewarding job to feel like you are making a difference in people’s lives. Families always show so much appreciation! They don’t even have to say thank you, I can see it in their faces that they are extremely grateful.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I really enjoy gardening. Whenever I have free time, I spend it planting flowers! I’m also really good at cooking, especially cakes. I cook very yummy cakes!

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Shireen

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am an Educator at TYO, I work with children between the ages of 4 and 5 in the Core morning program and 6 to12 in the afternoon program. I love working with children and I feel responsible for them and their wellbeing. It makes me happy to provide children with the love and support they need and deserve. This job has allowed me to develop my personality and has allowed me to become a productive person in society. Through my work with children, I strive to create a generation that is able to be independent and successful. This is my dream!

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

The things I love the most are writing, reading and listening to music. I mostly write poetry, my favorite authors are Agatha Christie, Paulo Coelho, and Ahmad Shawqi. The singers I enjoy listening to are Kadim Al Sahir, Fairuz, and Beyoncé. So, when I need to relax I either listen to music or read a book by one of my favorite poets!

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Yusra

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am the Case Manager for the Mental Health Program at TYO. I have been working at the center for almost a year now and I absolutely love it! I work with families who are in need of education, economic and health support. In addition, I also assist families with home rehabilitation since many families live in apartments with leaky roofs, insecure doors, mold and lack of private areas.

I also coordinate with other organizations to facilitate my intervention with the families. My favorite thing about my job is seeing a family’s reaction when my work is complete. The happiness I see in their eyes is priceless. Being able to help them with something they never thought would happen is by far my biggest accomplishment.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I really love horse riding, and I love horses! They are my favorite animals. Horseback riding definitely makes me feel free. I also enjoy art, drawing, and calligraphy. These are the ways I choose to express myself.

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Claire

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am currently the Education Advisor, overseeing the day-to-day education programs for children ages 2 to 10. However, previously I managed the mental health program, working with an amazing team of social workers, psychologists, case managers, and nurses. I have had the best of both worlds, being able to work with both programs and understand how they overlap. Social workers sometimes have families with children who need assistance in their education, and teachers have some students who could benefit from psychosocial support. My favorite part of my job is witnessing the effects of our programs on staff and beneficiaries alike - a wide grin from a social worker after an inspiring session, a fist pump from a case manager after completing construction on a family's home, or beaming faces of children who sit in awe of talented teachers throughout TYO.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I will try any exercise regimen at least once. Usually an avid runner, biker, and swimmer, I've gotten creative with different in-home workout programs since arriving in Palestine. Luckily, I now have access to a functioning treadmill, and I've decided to use it to train for my first marathon (which I may soon regret). I've never run on a treadmill for more than an hour, so I'll be curious to see whether or not I can withstand four. Time to cue up some good movies or TV shows!

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Ahmad

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am the volunteer coordinator at TYO. I actually started volunteering at the center in 2009, assisting children in sport, computer and drama classes. I love my job since I give young people the opportunity to work at TYO and possibly get a full-time job after their studies.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I have many hobbies, including cooking, hiking, and photography. However, my favorite hobby is definitely traveling. Whenever I have free time, I plan trips to different locations all over the world. My future plans definitely include traveling and exploring exotic locations.

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Lama’a

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am one of the social workers at TYO. I visit 4 different families per day, 16 per week! I am always extremely busy but I love it. Every family is unique in their own way and they’re all willing to take my advice on certain issues that affect them. The main thing I strive to solve is communication issues between family members. If I see that their living conditions are affecting their health or wellbeing, I immediately contact Yusra, the case manager at the center and she then comes into the picture. It’s a holistic approach!

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I would never leave the house without painting my nails. I have so many different colors of nail polish! I also believe I’m a very positive person and I spread my positive energy to everyone in the workplace!

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Zain

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I have been working with TYO for over a year. I am a Psychologist here; I work with people from all the programs. I provide individual sessions for TYO’s beneficiaries and arrange and implement group therapies. My role is to support the participants in our different programs and create a safe space where they can express themselves, giving them the necessary time to heal.

I absolutely love working with women as well! I believe the women I work with just need someone to listen to them and support them since they might not get that support anywhere else. I strongly believe in the importance of empowering women, helping them become independent and encouraging them to stand up for themselves and their rights.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My favorite thing in the world is spending time with my son. He means the world to me. We usually make pancakes together, read books and watch movies. He even helps me tidying up the house and comes with me to do grocery shopping. I would also like to say that I love Fridays since Fridays are family days and that means I can spend the whole day with my lovely family, enjoying our movie night ritual.

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Suhad

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I have been the Director of Tomorrow’s Youth Organization (TYO) since 2017. Prior to that, I worked as the Psychosocial Program Manager at TYO. I have also been a personal counselor in Palestine for more than seven years. Before joining the TYO team in 2008, I was a psychologist and family hherapist for Médecins du Monde (France) in Nablus. I specialize in therapy for women who suffer from domestic abuse and group therapy for children and families that have suffered losses due to violence. I am a strong supporter of women’s rights and I believe that by empowering women I can empower the whole world.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a very energetic person who loves working and talking with people from different backgrounds. I love traveling and discovering different cultures, and of course empowering women!

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Hend

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I am the manager of the entrepreneurship program. I search for people in Palestine that have the potential to become entrepreneurs and bring them to TYO. I then make sure they meet professionals to train them and empower them to open their own business. This way they do not only become financially independent but they will also be able to offer other individuals a job and a salary which will positively affect their confidence and self-esteem. I love two main things about TYO. Firstly, I love the comprehensive approach of the center where absolutely everything is taken into account. I have worked in many places but this one is definitely the best. Secondly, I consider TYO my second family.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I used to be called the shopping queen. I would buy every bag in the store. However, after giving birth to two beautiful girls, I now only shop for them. I am definitely family orientated. I love Fridays since I get to meet my whole family and enjoy my mom’s cooking!

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Nahawat

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I have worked in TYO for 6 years. I am in charge of making the place ready for all the different programs. I make sure every classroom is safe and clean working spaces for children. I love the dynamic in TYO and the staff!

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love hosting people in my house, cooking and olive picking!

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Muna

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT TYO?

I joined the TYO team in 2012, I’ve been here for the past 8 years! I am in charge of making the center ready to be used by all our beneficiaries, making the rooms clean and more comfortable to be used. I also take care of the little ones in our nursery. I love spending time with them, they make me feel at ease and it’s so much fun and rewarding for me.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I love my family and I love spending time with them. I have 8 children and 10 grandchildren. I feel great when they visit me and we get to spend time together. We appreciate each others company and share meaningful conversations while enjoying a delicious, fresh cup of Turkish coffee.