Publications
Halima
<p>In the heart of Bil’in, a small village located in the Ramallah Governorate, Halima, 38, has always been passionate about cooking, particularly when it comes to chocolate and desserts. With a Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science, she dreamed of creating something unique that would not only bring joy to her community but also provide for her family. Motivated by a desire to launch her own project, Halima sought a way to turn her culinary passion into a sustainable source of income.</p> <p>Halima's journey took a significant turn when she discovered a chocolate-making vocational training course offered at the Ain Arik Youth Center as part of the Raedat Project. However, her excitement quickly turned to disappointment when she was informed that she was not accepted because she was not from Ain Arik. This was a moment of despair for Halima, as she had pinned all her hopes on this opportunity to realize her dreams. Determined not to give up, she reached out to the course coordinator multiple times, expressing her desire to join. Her persistence paid off when she finally received confirmation that she could enroll, filling her with joy and renewed hope for her future.</p> <p>During the course, Halima learned essential skills in chocolate-making, including melting techniques, creating various fillings, and tempering chocolate to achieve the perfect texture. Beyond the technical skills, she discovered the importance of collaboration and competition, realizing that with determination, nothing is impossible. However, the challenges did not end with her acceptance into the course. The training took place in a location far from her home, requiring her to wake up early each day to prepare her children for school and travel to the venue. Yet, Halima's commitment never wavered; she became the first to arrive at the classroom, ready to learn and grow.</p> <p>After completing the course, Halima took her first step toward launching her chocolate business by creating a social media page. She designed an introductory video showcasing her project and began to share her creations online. To build trust with her potential customers, she started producing and posting videos of her chocolate-making process. Halima embraced popular trends, introducing unique items like Dubai-style chocolate and cookies, while also innovating with fillings that included pistachios and cardamom. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers returning for more, eager to experience the delightful flavors she offered.</p> <p>Despite her progress, Halima faced significant financial challenges. With her husband unable to work due to the ongoing war, she had to be resourceful. She managed to gather a small amount of money to buy essential supplies, which she supplemented by promoting her work on Instagram. Slowly but surely, her hard work paid off as orders began to pour in, allowing her to reinvest in her business and expand her offerings.</p> <p>Halima's project has had a profound positive impact on her life and her family. Not only has it boosted her morale and self-confidence, but it has also provided a much-needed income. Although modest, this income has helped cover essential family needs, and Halima hopes to grow her business further to improve her family's financial stability. Looking ahead, Halima dreams of expanding her project beyond her village and making it known throughout Palestine. She aspires to open a physical store, creating job opportunities for women in her community who are seeking work. Her ultimate goal is to establish her brand and eventually become an exporter of chocolate, turning her passion into a thriving business that can overcome the barriers posed by the current economic conditions in Palestine.</p> <p>Halima encourages other women with dreams of starting their own projects to take that first step. "Every achievement begins with a decision to try," she says. "If you don't try, you'll never reach your goals. Start your project, pursue your dreams, and don’t let fear hold you back." Her journey is an example of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passions, proving that with hard work, dreams can indeed become a reality.</p> <p>In the heart of Bil’in, a small village located in the Ramallah Governorate, Halima Abu Rahma, 38, has always been passionate about cooking, particularly when it comes to chocolate and desserts. With a Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science, she dreamed of creating something unique that would not only bring joy to her community but also provide for her family. Motivated by a desire to launch her own project, Halima sought a way to turn her culinary passion into a sustainable source of income.</p> <p>Halima's journey took a significant turn when she discovered a chocolate-making vocational training course offered at the Ain Arik Youth Center as part of the Raedat Project. However, her excitement quickly turned to disappointment when she was informed that she was not accepted because she was not from Ain Arik. This was a moment of despair for Halima, as she had pinned all her hopes on this opportunity to realize her dreams. Determined not to give up, she reached out to the course coordinator multiple times, expressing her desire to join. Her persistence paid off when she finally received confirmation that she could enroll, filling her with joy and renewed hope for her future.</p> <p>During the course, Halima learned essential skills in chocolate-making, including melting techniques, creating various fillings, and tempering chocolate to achieve the perfect texture. Beyond the technical skills, she discovered the importance of collaboration and competition, realizing that with determination, nothing is impossible. However, the challenges did not end with her acceptance into the course. The training took place in a location far from her home, requiring her to wake up early each day to prepare her children for school and travel to the venue. Yet, Halima's commitment never wavered; she became the first to arrive at the classroom, ready to learn and grow.</p> <p>After completing the course, Halima took her first step toward launching her chocolate business by creating a social media page. She designed an introductory video showcasing her project and began to share her creations online. To build trust with her potential customers, she started producing and posting videos of her chocolate-making process. Halima embraced popular trends, introducing unique items like Dubai-style chocolate and cookies, while also innovating with fillings that included pistachios and cardamom. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with customers returning for more, eager to experience the delightful flavors she offered.</p> <p>Despite her progress, Halima faced significant financial challenges. With her husband unable to work due to the ongoing war, she had to be resourceful. She managed to gather a small amount of money to buy essential supplies, which she supplemented by promoting her work on Instagram. Slowly but surely, her hard work paid off as orders began to pour in, allowing her to reinvest in her business and expand her offerings.</p> <p>Halima's project has had a profound positive impact on her life and her family. Not only has it boosted her morale and self-confidence, but it has also provided a much-needed income. Although modest, this income has helped cover essential family needs, and Halima hopes to grow her business further to improve her family's financial stability. Looking ahead, Halima dreams of expanding her project beyond her village and making it known throughout Palestine. She aspires to open a physical store, creating job opportunities for women in her community who are seeking work. Her ultimate goal is to establish her brand and eventually become an exporter of chocolate, turning her passion into a thriving business that can overcome the barriers posed by the current economic conditions in Palestine.</p> <p>Halima encourages other women with dreams of starting their own projects to take that first step. "Every achievement begins with a decision to try," she says. "If you don't try, you'll never reach your goals. Start your project, pursue your dreams, and don’t let fear hold you back." Her journey is an example of resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passions, proving that with hard work, dreams can indeed become a reality.</p>
Ahmad
<p>Ahmad, a 20-year-old from Jenin City, chose to pave his own path to success by seeking work that aligns with his skills and passions. With a sociable and cheerful personality, he has the ability to make his presence known wherever he goes. Although he did not complete his university studies, he pursued a profession that truly suited him—mobile phone maintenance. His love for the field led him to enroll in a vocational training course provided by the Amal Project.</p> <p>Ahmad eagerly participated in the intensive three-day training, after which he completed a one-month apprenticeship at Al Sabee Mobile. His prior experience in the field made him stand out, allowing him to support and guide his peers throughout the training. His noticeable presence and pleasant attitude earned him the trust and admiration of both his fellow trainees and instructors.</p> <p>Recognizing Ahmad’s high competence in managing tasks and dealing with customers, the employer at Al Sabee Mobile offered him a job following his apprenticeship. This opportunity marks a significant step in his journey toward professional growth, proving that dedication and passion can open doors to success.</p>
Shurooq
<p>Shurooq, a 23-year-old from Kufr Ne’meh, has always had a deep passion for the arts, even while pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Al Quds Open University. Her love for Arabic calligraphy and Palestinian crafts is more than just a hobby; it’s a way for her to connect with her cultural heritage. Shurooq transforms hard paper into intricate designs and incorporates traditional Palestinian embroidery into her pieces, which she shares on social media. The positive response from her online audience has led to personal commissions, reinforcing her commitment to her craft.</p> <p>For years, Shurooq dreamed of exploring resin hand-craft art but struggled with financial limitations. This changed when she was able to attend a three-day resin-making training. This opportunity allowed her to gain valuable skills and experience, culminating in an exhibition of her work alongside other young women. Shurooq now aims to blend her expertise in Arabic calligraphy with resin art, creating pieces that are truly her own. Her journey exemplifies resilience and the power of pursuing one’s dreams, despite challenges, and serves as an inspiration to young women who seek to follow their creative passions.</p>
Ahmad
<p>Success is not just about achieving your goals, but about the value you create after achieving them. Ahmad, a 23-year-old young man, received barbering training by participating in the Amal Project. This project gave young people hope in developing their skills and professional abilities and the possibility of starting their own business to become economically independent amid difficult economic conditions. Ahmad has sufficient experience and skill in the art of hairdressing and aspires to develop himself and start his own business, which will enable him to build his future and support his family.</p> <p>He received barbering training for three days and then went to Abu Jad Barber Shop in Jenin City to complete his training period, with a one-month apprenticeship. During this time, he proved his competence and professionalism in hairdressing and his wonderful and cheerful manner in attracting customers. After completing the training period, Ahmad renovated and opened a modest salon in his village, Zububa, hoping it would be the beginning of lighting the candle of his future and paving his way to success.</p>
Rawaa
Rawaa, a 20-year-old from Silat al-Harithiya Village, Jenin, was a beneficiary of the AMAL Project (Hope). She received manicure and pedicure training, which was conducted in Jenin City for three days, and then continued her training at Suhier Erqawi Salon in a one-month apprenticeship. The AMAL Project was not just a project; it became a long-awaited path and future. Rawaa could not continue her education because her academic performance did not allow her to enter university and secure a profession that would ensure her future and provide income for her family, as she is the eldest daughter and their family income is low. Rawaa has skill in nail care and holds a certificate that qualifies her for this profession. The AMAL Project became a light that illuminates Rawaa’s path, enabling her to carve her way to success and support her family. The salon owner welcomed Rawaa as a full-time employee at Suhier Erqawi Salon after she proved her great professionalism, mastery of her work, and commitment, and praised her excellent manner in dealing with customers.
Hamza
<p>Hamza, 21 years old, from Tulkarem City, joined the barbering training as part of the AMAL Project, driven by a deep sense of responsibility. "Being the sole provider for my mother and sister after my father’s death is the main reason I decided to join the barbering training, so I can support them properly without relying on others. This is an opportunity from God," Hamza explained when asked about his motivation.</p> <p>Hamza has always been passionate about barbering styles and follows the profession closely. Before joining the training, he had some basic experience, practicing on children in his neighborhood. His dedication to learning led him to complete 3 days of theoretical training at Abu Julia Academy, followed by 22 days of hands-on experience.</p> <p>Despite his aspirations, Hamza doesn’t plan to wait until he owns a fully equipped barbershop. Instead, he intends to start with the barbering kit provided by the AMAL Project, which he considers a generous and essential step in his journey. Hamza is determined to start working from a room in his house, providing a steady income for himself and his family while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional barber.</p>