From Head to Heart: A Journey into Nablus

In her acclaimed Ted Talk on the power of vulnerability, Brene Brown, explains that the human experiences of courage, authenticity, empathy, and connection are deeply interconnected to vulnerability and shame. In short, courage and authenticity are born from the willingness to lay our guards down and step into our vulnerabilities, essentially opening our hearts and expressing how we feel, instead of numbing ourselves from the dark, messy aspects of our lives that make us feel shame. Unfortunately, when we shut ourselves away from the “bad,” we also miss out on the “good” and the best experiences that life has to offer, such as love and joy.

Internship ProgramlindseytyoMay 4, 2017intern abroad, international internship, ReflectionComment

Oh, the Knafeh!

I have lived in this region before, but moved back to America for about two years. In that time, I hadn’t returned, but coming to TYO I felt like I was returning to a second home. Though I have visited Nablus and lived in the region before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Two years is just long enough for everything and nothing to change at the same time.

Internship ProgramlindseytyoApril 26, 2017intern abroad, international internship program, ReflectionComment

Earth Day Everyday

Art is a universal method of communication that does not depend upon language or structure to share a message. At TYO, the importance of art as a form of expression and source of joy can be viewed throughout the building through paintings, photographs, and creative projects. Participants across TYO's programs have the opportunity to create and build their message through various art projects with special emphasis placed on using recycled materials.

A Home Away From Home, But With More Hummus

So, where to start? Nablus, here I am. It’s almost as if I have been dropped here from the sky like the human icon from Google Maps is, straight from Western Europe but naturally without the dragging aspect. At first glance, Nablus is almost like a scene from a movie, a Hollywood blockbuster where white ajnabi (foreigners) visit a distant land in the East, shrouded in mystery which is heightened by a rich culture and unique attire.

Humans of Nablus 38

“The children aren’t looking for someone to improve their lives through donations or monetary contributions but by feeling heard and understood by others.”

“In general, I don’t need money but I work here because I want to help others and help build my community in order to grow a brighter future for its inhabitants.”

Welcoming Our Spring 2017 Interns!

Introducing the Spring 2017 Intern team! 4 international interns from the United States and Ireland have been selected to lead a variety of classes with children, youth, and women. Read all about them!

Our Deepest Condolences

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ken Freeling. A dear member of the TYO family, Ken served as a committed member of Tomorrow's Youth Organization's board of directors for years. As a member of our board, his mentorship and support helped TYO bring education as well as social and economic empowerment to hundreds of families and thousands of children in need.

UncategorizedtomorrowyouthMarch 9, 2017Comment

Traveling Through Palestine

As I finish my time at TYO, I am reminded of the fun times I had with my thoughtful students and the locals I encountered throughout my travels. During my time in Palestine, I had the opportunity to travel throughout the country and meet people from all Palestine. Not only was my time here impacted by the local staff and students, but also by people I met throughout my travels.

Internship ProgramlindseytyoJanuary 24, 2017Fall 2016, goodbye blog, international internship programComment

Knafeh, Mujadarra, and Olives

I traveled to TYO with both interest and an open mind, frankly not knowing what my next three months would entail. Upon my arrival and continuing throughout the fellowship, I was received with warm, welcoming, and compassionate Palestinian hospitality.

Internship ProgramlindseytyoJanuary 17, 2017goodbye blog, intern abroad, international internship programComment

Farewell to Gerizim and Ebal

In his novel, “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” Milan Kundera writes, “The brain appears to possess a special area which we might call poetic memory and which records everything that charms or touches us, that makes our lives beautiful.” As I say farewell to Nablus and to Palestine, I think of the many people I met who charmed and touched me. They are too many to be named. Thus, when I say farewell to Nablus and to Palestine, I think of Gerizim and Ebal, for they represent each of those people and each of those moments.

Internship ProgramlindseytyoJanuary 10, 2017Fall 2016, goodbye blog, international internship programComment

Let’s change lives together.

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