“I’m so happy to get my first job opportunity, and excited to start practicing what I have learnt during my academic education”, says Yasmin Aljadba, expressing how she feels after getting her first job.

 

Twenty-three-year old Yasmin is deaf. She lives with her family in the Tuffah area in Gaza, in difficult economic conditions. She studied graphics and design at the Islamic University of Gaza, and now works at the Sawaed Society for Relief and Development, giving all her efforts to proving herself and her capabilities.

 

As she says: “I did, and still do love this field. I look forward to work. My time in college was full of patience and hard work. Now I can think about my future and what work I will do and where. Today, I have been given this opportunity to gain practical experience and to demonstrate my abilities.”

 

Helen Muhanna, Yasmin’s supervisor, says: “Yasmin is very committed and active. She always initiates new ideas and completes her tasks. She also participates in society activities, and despite her deafness is able to communicate very well with a beautiful smile. We have begun to learn sign language with her assistance. We really hope she stays with us.”

 

Yasmin is one of tens of youth who have benefited from the economic empowerment project for disabled youth in the Gaza Strip funded through Taawon with support from the Palestine Islamic Bank.

 

The project aims to give disabled youth paid internships and temporary jobs to help them to enter the labor market and provide them with some income. The project also raises awareness in the community toward preserving the rights of those with disabilities.