Youth in focus: An interview with Niveen D.

Niveen D. is from Talooza. She graduated from Al-Quds Open University with a degree in Community Development.

What made you apply for STEP?!

I was interested in applying for STEP! to gain experience in voluntary work and to learn more about how organizations work. I was also interested in learning how to work with kids to support and help them.

What new skills have your learned through the program?

The most important skill I learned is time management because I now know how to better manage and divide my time. I also improved my leadership skills by leading activities and groups of children in the classroom. Working with the Core Child Program Teachers was especially rewarding because they helped me discover my ability to understand the needs of children ages four and five.

What are your career goals and do you feel that STEP! helped you get closer to those goals?

I’m panning to work in my field of study, Community Development, because I like working with children and youth. TYO helped me broaden my experience in understanding children and also in teaching them both soft and hard skills through play. It was helpful to understand their needs and in order to better support them.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for youth like you in the current labor market?

I think that the biggest challenge is the lack of job opportunities and the restrictions employers place on age. I’m a recent graduate but I'm 32 years old, which has negatively impacted my chance of securing a job.

-Interview conducted by Volunteer Coordinator, Ruba Hafayda

This program is funded by the Abdel Hameed Shoman Foundation (AHSF)