Aya Ashour: It wasn’t easy! But I decided not to give up!
It is not easy to maintain hope amidst such catastrophic conditions. Isn’t it? At least, I try. As young leaders, we are mobilizing ourselves to move ahead Together for Hope.
I am Aya Ashour, a 23-year-old displaced from the northern Gaza Strip to the south. For instance, to Khan Younis. I am writing this piece after 11 months of genocidal aggression against my home.
Having to wake up at 07:00 AM and get ready to move from Al-Mawasi in Khan Younis to Deir Al-Balah doesn’t look like a plan I would opt for! Yet, I have been doing so for five precious days, walking towards hope alongside 19 other young persons.
We have been selected after a competitive process to join an intensive training course as members of “Together For Hope (T4H)” network, a youth group within the project of “Enhancing Education and Well-being Opportunities for Children and Adolescents” implemented by the Social Developmental Forum (SDF) in partnership with the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), sponsored by UNICEF. The training aims to enhance our skill set, delving into diverse topics like launching community initiatives during emergencies, principles of relief humanitarian work, peer education, and field coordination.
This training introduced me to a wide range of fundamentals of relief work during emergencies. We used to lead interventions without having sufficient knowledge about best practices to manage field challenges, smart planning, inputs-based decision-making, and optimal standards, tools, and strategies to address societal issues. It brings more responsibility and commitment, especially as the project aims to sustain the impact of the course through peer-led education panels. The concept of “Peer education” is a big responsibility on its own. Yet, the most important part is navigating this experience within the complicated situation on the ground. This experience taught me the power of knowledge and inspired me to learn more and read more to be able to apply efficient strategies for peer education in emergencies to achieve meaningful outcomes that make a real difference.
Despite being tied with other commitments, I was determined to join this network because it provides young people with a safe space of trust, respect, and empowerment to get the maximum out of our power, time, and capacity. I believe we need more of such mandated networks to enhance youth leadership and stewardship during emergencies, striving for a tangible change for children and adolescents, to engage them effectively in the educational process coupled with ongoing initial psychological support. This will create safe spaces for children to reclaim their stolen childhood and pursue their right to quality education.
“Why do you want to join ‘Together For Hope (T4P)’ network?
This question was asked to me during the selection interview. I responded, “Because I want to work in a youth-led environment that provides me the space to plan and implement insightful interventions. I am confident that T4H is a sufficient answer, through which I will contribute to enhancing the education and well-being of children and adolescents. Despite the current chaos and uncertainties, youth can lead and create change with genuine guidance from knowledgeable coaches. I extend my thanks to the Social Developmental Forum team, trainers who equipped us with valuable information and insights smartly and interactively, and to all committed stakeholders.
