Action Now for a Better Tomorrow

Yara Ramahi is one of the newest team members to join TYO as supervisor for the Academic Intervention and School Drop-Out Prevention program, a new TYO program made possible with the support of the Qatar Fund for Development. She is from Nablus and studied business administration at Al-Quds Open University.

What is the new program with which you are working?

With the generous support of the Qatar Fund for Development, TYO is implementing a new program called Academic Intervention and School Drop-Out Prevention. It is a program to help academically support students in refugee camps located within Nablus. Students are challenged throughout their high school years. In Palestine, 11th and 12th grade students must choose an academic course of study that prepares them for a single major in University. The Academic Intervention and School Drop-Out Prevention program’s goal is to ease the academic struggle and decrease the drop-out rate by providing focused academic assistance and support for individual student needs.

The program will take place in UNRWA schools inside Old and New Askar, Balata, and Ein refugee camps in Nablus during the evenings and on Saturdays. A highly qualified team of 15 teachers and 45 volunteers will tutor 11th and 12th grade students in the subjects in which the need the most support. Every teacher will work with 5 volunteers with the same specialty to provide the best assistance for students. Students will also be eligible for an academic scholarship, which will allow them to attend a local university. When students are provided support and given tools they need to succeed, they will be empowered to improve their academic scores and have more opportunities available to them as they attend university.

How is this program unique within the Nablus community?

This At-Risk Youth and School Drop-Out Prevention program is unique because it offers assistance to students free of charge. The cost of tutoring can be a challenge for families, especially given the high unemployment rate within Palestine. By providing academic assistance and support inside the refugee camps without a fee, the financial barrier to additional educational services is no longer an issue for refugee families.

What would you say to students to encourage them to join the program?

I know high school can be a difficult time as you transition from childhood into adulthood. The actions and decisions you make now will impact the rest of your life. So for students who are struggling with school and want extra support and assistance, we are here for you. Participating in the Academic Intervention and School Drop-Out Prevention program is a great opportunity to develop the skills needed to finish high school and have choices of study at university. We want to help you grow and develop in a supportive and safe environment, and encourage you to reach your full potential. We believe in you, and want you to believe in yourself.

The Academic Intervention and Drop-Our Prevention Program is supported by Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

- Interview conducted by Tallin, Fall 2017 International Intern.