Volunteer Spotlight: Saleh
My proudest moments are when I study with my students and they come back the next day, proudly showing me their better grades!
This Volunteer Spotlight features Saleh Abu Leil. Saleh is 20 years old, 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 volunteering at TYO since the summer of 2011. I spent four sessions working with a computers class in the Core Program, one session in an Intern Program sports class and now, I'm doing Homework Help with children from Khallet al Amood.
What do you study?
I study mathematics and I'm currently in my second year at Al-Quds Open University in Nablus.
How did you hear about TYO?
My sisters began volunteering at TYO. Every night they spoke about the organization and the experiences they had here and it made me interested to come and see what TYO was all about.
Why were you motivated to come?
I came to TYO to develop my skills as a teacher. Once I graduate, I plan on becoming a teacher so being at TYO has helped me learn how to interact with children and better understand how children learn. I love being in Homework Help especially because I'm training myself for the workplace - learning new techniques and teaching styles.
What was your favorite moment/class at TYO?
I feel that at TYO, I have responsibility. I'm gaining leadership skills because I alone am responsible for my class without direct supervision of a TYO teacher. My proudest moments are when I study with my students and they come back the next day, proudly showing me their better grades!
What have you learned as a result of your time spent here?
I am more patient with children. But I also learned that children should be respected, not neglected. Kids are so smart and quick - sometimes, adults can learn things from them.
What is your hope for tomorrow's youth?
Youth are the future of our country so we need to build and invest in them in the right way. I hope the father and mothers of the future are responsible adults and strive towards a healthy family and community.