Meet Tomorrow's Youth: Amani
Amani Mosleh, 22, from Sarta, a village outside of Salfeet, is studying English Language and Literature at An-Najah Univeristy and is a current volunteer in The Women's Group at TYO. This is Amani's second session at TYO and previously, she translated for interns in their classes for 9-12 year olds.
What has been your favorite memory at TYO?
My favorite moment at TYO that will live forever in my mind and heart is the moment when a little girl Asma’ picked me as her favorite volunteer from the previous session. She started describing me and thanked me for my commitment in the classroom and it made me very proud of myself and I felt that my efforts were worthwhile and the hours spent in the classroom were purposeful. I helped those children to have better personalities, discover themselves and appreciate what TYO is offering them.
Why is volunteering important and why did you decide to volunteer?
On a personal level, I wanted to develop my skills - mainly my English language needed more practice than anything else. Also, I wanted to be part of an organization that offers children what they need. Immediately, I began feeling compassion towards the children and I felt their needs and wanted to give them a childhood that myself and other children in my village are deprived from - playing and discovering the world around them. So I came to TYO wanting to be part of this change in these kids’ lives.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Palestinian youth?
The biggest challenge for the youth in Palestine is education. A large number of the young people in schools or universities can't continue their education and cannot get good jobs because they can’t afford school. So youth lose their rights to an education and obtaining good jobs to build their future.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
At the present I want to finish my degree and wish I can stay working at TYO. Otherwise, I will be looking for a job in Ramallah so that I can afford my Masters degree fees at the University. I have always dreamed about getting a job in the public sector, international relations sector, or with an NGO.
How do you think what you’ve learned at TYO will benefit you in the long run?
TYO has played a big role in my life because now I have a stronger personality, I can stand in front of an audience and talk and I can communicate in a better and stronger way. Also, I am not shy from males any more and I can talk to them and have discussion on issues with them. Also, I have acquired skills like class planning that will help me in my studies now and in the future.