“Before joining the Skills4Life program, I was very shy, I was terrified of presenting in front of my classmates, and my basic English skills were weak. If I was to give myself a rank out of 10 I would give myself a 3. The Life Skills program taught me a great deal in a very short time. I learned to be aware of my surroundings, including my classmates. I learned how to debate, to participate in anything, to present and speak with confidence, I gained the confidence to raise my hand and speak in front of a crowd. It also improved my basic English skills, and I can confidently give myself a 5 out of 10 now.

I completed 50 hours of training at the WA offices in Beirut. In that short time I learned how to be an employee, and how to be a member of an office. It didn’t matter how many responsibilities I was assigned, I tried to benefit from the experience as much as possible. By watching my colleagues I learned how to speak on the phone properly, how to deal with the public, to speak with confidence, to use my hands, and to use a printer! My favorite part was the field visits to the ECHO project. It was a great chance to see employees working in the field. I learned how to communicate with beneficiaries, how to inspire hope, how to be cheerful with children, to be patient with the elderly and to always show interest. I also learned how to prioritize, and not blow things out of proportion.

Where do I see myself in the future? I still haven’t decided what I want to study at University, but at least I now know that I want to go to university, maybe study Business Administration? For now, I want to continue volunteering with NGOs and companies. I see myself using all my new skills and having the confidence to present myself in front of others. I want to be active and effective in support of causes that I believe in.”