Volunteer Spotlight: Shireen

TYO was the point where my personality and life changed from being a simple student to becoming  a real adult with responsibilities, patience and leadership skills.

This Volunteer Spotlight features Shireen Issa. Shireen is 26 years old, from Salem, a village 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 - since 2010! I've been volunteering in the Core AM and PM classes.

What do you study?

Two years ago, I graduated from Al-Quds Open University from the Education Department.

How did you hear about TYO?

I joined TYO by accident really. After graduation, I was looking for a job. I heard about TYO and came in to apply, thinking it was a school. When I came, they explained the psychosocial nature of their programs to me. I loved what I saw. Classrooms filled with children, teachers helping them and directing them. I knew then that I need to be a part of it.

Why were you motivated to come?

Soon I found out that TYO's programs target the most underprivileged areas and children. The human services they offers the community really meet the needs of the community. These type of programs help Nabulsi's develop their lives. This mission was so precious to me and therefore, I decided to have a role in it.

What was your favorite moment/class at TYO?

My favorite role was when I had to be responsible of a four-year-old named Ali who has a difficult home situation, can't talk and lacks love and attention in his community. I surround him with love, care and attention. I helped him do the activities at TYO like the rest of the kids. The moment he spelled my name and called me when he was in the bus was invaluable. The way he smiles when he sees me is so very precious.

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

TYO was the point where my personality and life changed from being a simple student to becoming  a real adult with responsibilities, patience and leadership skills. I now understand that people have different personalities and live under different circumstances. I've learned that behind each child we work with comes a sad story and this is why s/he may be exhibiting negative behaviors. I learned to give more than I take. I learned that I have a duty towards my people, country and children.

What is your hope for tomorrow's youth?

I wish all young people could be physically and mentaly healthy and responsible community members.