Yousef, a 16-year-old Palestinian young man, born and raised in Beit Sahour town, east of Bethlehem. He attends the Latin Patriarchate High school in Beit Sahour and the lead ambassador of the Palestinian young student’s tech-clubs for the Ministry of Education.   

Yousef participated in the JAI – YMCA capacity building program for youth aged 14-17 (in cooperation with schools and youth centers in Bethlehem area) on history of Palestine, advocacy, campaigning, public speaking and presentation skills. 

“Being part of the JAI training program and taking the chance to practice presenting in front of audience, have demonstrated my confidence, in addition to raising my awareness about the geopolitical situation in my country under occupation”, Yousef stated. 

Yousef have been chosen to join the exchange program with YMCA schools in Denmark, and to represent the Palestinian youth to express challenges face Palestinian young people under occupation. And share some of the stories of his childhood and life in Palestine. He is open to getting introduced to new cultures and experience new horizons while joining youth from other parts of the world in demonstrating the challenges that face young people, specifically in a conflict-riddled situation. “I am very excited to participate in the exchange program and for taking the chance to meet other people with different cultures and to speak up about the Palestinian history and the Palestinian cause to the international world”, Yousef said.

Growing up in Palestine, Yousef has witnessed events that no child should witness and experienced events that are way beyond a young’s man is willing to experience but he has the strength to endure, learn and grow despite.