Volunteer Spotlight: Salah

Instead of hanging around and drinking tea and coffee, I decided to invest my time in something useful for myself and my community.

This Volunteer Spotlight features Salah Khatib. Saleh is 21 years old, originally from Kfar Saba but now, living in Balata refugee camp in Nablus, and a current volunteer at TYO.

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

I have been a volunteer for three sessions now in the Core Program and sports classes.

What do you study?

I study business administration and I'm currently in my second year at Al-Quds Open University in Nablus.

How did you hear about TYO?

Through others at my university, I learned about TYO. Many of the students at my school were and still are volunteers there. They told me a lot about the programs and all of the experience they're getting on different levels.

Why were you motivated to come?

I had plenty of free time in my day and between lectures and after classes. So instead of hanging around and drinking tea and coffee, I decided to invest my time in something useful for myself and my community.

What was your favorite moment/class at TYO?

I enjoy the time I spent with the other volunteers. After every class, we typically gather together to discuss our days - including behavioral issues and highlights of our time in the classroom. We all appreciate feedback from each other, too.

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

I am more self-confident, more knowledgable. I feel like I've grown up in a place that develops confidence by encouraging young people to take responsibility and be leaders. And working with the children helped me learn patience and understanding.

What is your hope for tomorrow's youth?

I wish all young people would find the volunteer spirit within themselves. When they volunteer in useful ways, they can develop their personalities and become better individuals in their community.