Volunteer Spotlight: Amani

Before coming to TYO, my personality was weak. I couldn’t look people in the eyes while speaking and now, I am more courageous when I'm talking socially with friends, and even with strangers.

This Volunteer Spotlight features Amani Abdel Karim. Amani is 30 years old, from Jamma’en, a small town outside of Nablus, and a current volunteer at TYO.

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

I've been at TYO for six sessions with the Core Morning Program.

What do you study?

I got my Associates Degree in Elementary Education.

How did you hear about TYO?

I learned about TYO from my sister’s friend who is a volunteer at TYO. She told me how interesting and beneficial it was working with children.

Why were you motivated to come?

Because they target children, which part of my studies as an Elementary Education major. I wanted to get involved with something that supports my studies and although this is an unpaid position, I was looking for a job that supports me financially.

What was your favorite moment/class at TYO?

My best moment was when a student's mom came to visit TYO to meet me personally and thanked me for making her child comfortable and happy about coming to our program after he had spent the entire week crying. Getting positive feedback from this mother was very rewarding for me.

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

Before coming to TYO, my personality was weak. I couldn’t look people in the eyes while speaking and now, I am more courageous when I'm talking socially with friends, and even with strangers.

What is your hope for tomorrow's youth?

I wish that all youth will live in peace and have jobs so they can start their lives.