WISE Profile: Amneh Hijaze
Originally from Balata Refugee Camp, Amneh Hijaze joined the WISE program hoping to gain as much experience as possible in order to successfully open and run her tutoring center. With a love for science, Amneh, 29, graduated from An-Najah University in 2006 with a degree in chemistry. Unable to obtain a job, she decided to work for herself and find a way to employ other recent graduates. Starting in 2007, she began tutoring from her house with the dream of opening up a tutoring center for students, which she would name Markaz Besan. From the 5th grade through university, her center would offer tutoring in English, math, chemistry, physics as well as IT. In addition, she wants to incorporate an electronic aspect where students can sign in online and have a tutor via Internet.
Due to her lack of training, she joined the WISE program after hearing about it through a friend, hoping to learn about entrepreneurship, business and also to improve her English. Though her family has been supportive of her running a center since the start, once she began coming to TYO they became more reserved. With two young daughters, her family questioned the use of trainings and encouraged her to stay at home with her kids. However, she refused, stating that she has only benefited from the WISE program. In addition, she also faces difficulties in finding students to tutor because many parents feel uncomfortable sending their kids to someone’s house, fueling her drive to open her tutoring center.
With her training in WISE and passion to learn and succeed, she stated the following as the top three areas of growth she would like to see in herself in the coming years:
- Confidence
- Patience
- English
She also stated that the best advice she has received which has resonated with her and encouraged her to pursue her project came from a mentor.
Make a plan and have that be your foundation. Don’t wait for anyone to help you, just start.
Juggling family life as well as trainings and tutoring, Amneh refuses to slow down and will continue until she makes her center a success. Stay tuned and follow her progress with the help of the WISE program.
-Lila Lila is a Fall 2012 intern.