Meeting People Where They Are: The Success Story of Sujood Bani Odeh

Sujood Bani Odeh is from Tamoun, a village near Jenin. Sujood graduated from Hisham Hijjawi College in 2015 with a degree in Office Administration and enjoys writing poetry and short stories in her free time. Before becoming a volunteer, Sujood would accompany her sister while she volunteered. Having enjoyed the experience and the work TYO was doing, so Sujood decided to become a volunteer herself. She has been a volunteer with the After-school Academic Support for Kids program for one session.

Youth Development, Youth Service LearninglindseytyoNovember 28, 2016success story, volunteer, youth developmentComment

It’s Kanafah not Knefeh, bas tfaDal [But Help Yourself]

When my students ask, “What Palestinian foods have you eaten?” they always laugh at my response. “No,” they tell me emphatically, “It’s kanafah, not knefeh.” I pronounce the famous Nabulsi dessert in the Lebanese way, not the Palestinian. And though there are obvious, clear differences between the cultures of the two countries, and even the culture of Palestinians living in Lebanon and Palestine, I cannot ignore the similarities of teaching in both.

The Olive Harvest in Palestine: Teaching New Perspectives

In densely populated areas, it can be challenging for children and youth to find safe and open spaces to play freely. Many of TYO’s beneficiaries come from the Old City in Nablus and nearby refugee camps, which are heavily congested and offer limited prospects for healthy child development. In this week’s interview with Sabah from the Old City, she shares how her daughter Aya, who is in the academic support program, has had the opportunity to connect with nature and learn through play at TYO.

Youth Development, TYO ImpactlindseytyoNovember 23, 2016academic achievement, at-risk youth, multi-generational impactComment

Humans of Nablus 33

I majored in IT for my degree at An-Najah University and have since struggled to find a job. Last session I decided to volunteer at TYO and it was so much fun. I learned I love working with children because they are silly and make me smile. When I am here I am filled with so much happiness. Now I know that I enjoy my time working with children more than IT, so I hope to find a job where children are the focus.

Humans of Nablus, Youth Service LearninglindseytyoNovember 22, 2016humans of nablus, volunteer, youth developmentComment

Being Uniquely Me and the Curiosity of New Friends

I arrived in Nablus having lived in an Arabic-speaking country and having lived in a more conservative environment before. Whenever I am placed in the aforementioned environments, there is a tendency to want to conform. However, the most the liberating of options is to just be me and welcome all questions about my differences and individuality as a opportunity for an unique kind of cultural exchange.

Sharing is Caring: Transforming Attitudes at TYO

The academic support program provides students between the ages of 9-13 with instruction in Arabic, Math, and English. Academic work is combined with interactive games to get children out of their chairs and learning on their feet. Some of the students who join the program face behavioral challenges and lack the necessary skills to resolve conflict. In this week’s interview with two brothers, Mohamed and Abdil, we learned how TYO’s programming teaches students that there are consequences to their actions and the value of sharing. These life lessons foster qualities that allow our students to become leaders in their own families and communities.

Youth Development, TYO ImpactlindseytyoNovember 16, 2016academic achievement, at-risk youthComment

Humans of Nablus 32

Boys often ask me, “Why are you teaching us sports?” As a Sports major at An-Najah University, a second degree black belt in taekwondo on the Palestinian national team, and a sports fan, I do not take these comments seriously. However, they show that a girl does not usually teach sports to boys. I aspire to change this belief by overcoming stereotypes and teaching that boys and girls can have equal opportunities and talents.

Humans of Nablus, Youth DevelopmentlindseytyoNovember 15, 2016humans of nablus, volunteer, youth developmentComment

From China to Palestine: An Unexpected Journey

Life called me to TYO as I finished up my experience working with Peace Corps in China. I was drawn to the fellowship position as it combined both of my passions: education and experiencing the cultures of the world. As the taxi brought me into Nablus for my first time the wind was blowing into the car and the call to prayer began as it was 5:00 in the morning. All I can remember is an overwhelming feeling that once again life had brought me to the exact place I needed to be.

Growing Up at TYO: Fostering Critical Thinking and Improving Communication

TYO has been a staple in the Nablus community since its onset in 2008 and many children have grown up as beneficiaries of our multilevel programming. In order to learn about the long-term impact(s) of TYO programming on development, we must take the time so speak with our most senior program recipients. This week we had the opportunity to meet with Jenan and her son Salim, who have both been involved with TYO since the beginning, to hear about their experiences.

Youth Development, TYO ImpactlindseytyoNovember 9, 2016academic support, at-risk youth, multi-generational impactComment

Humans of Nablus 31

In my English classes, I am using the language to talk about my family and my community, and also to learn about important musicians from the United States and Europe. As a singer and guitar player, it is great to be able to understand what they are saying. I’m sure that my time at TYO improving my English and meeting new people will be important for me in order to achieve my goal.

Let’s change lives together.

Stay Connected with Tomorrow’s Youth: