Mohmmad Shaafati : Voice of Palestinian Youth in Lebanon International Youth Gathering in Solidarity with Palestine in Tanzania
Voluntarism is a way for Youth Rights Advocacy and Serving Community
7th Nov,2019
Tanzania-Arusha
Mohammad Shaafati is a Palestinian refugee young man(28 years old) who lives in Sidon in Lebanon. Mohammad was excited for being selected to participate in the second international Youth Gathering (IYG) in solidarity with Palestine in Tanzania organized by ActionAid Palestine. Mohammad works as project coordinator for some community projects and youth activist and volunteer who is dedicated to improve the conditions of his community and youth by advocating for the rights of both Palestinian and Lebanese youth.
Mohammad was selected for this participation as he is an inspiring example motivating and mobilizing his Palestinian, African and European colleagues to work for youth rights, justice and equality. He is a social activist facilitating and conducting sessions that aim to raise awareness of youth about their current issues and youth engagement. Mohammad ‘s community work aims to raise the voice of Palestinian youth in Lebanon who cannot work in different kinds of jobs in their areas of specialization with good terms of work contract. His social and community activism also seeks to raise demands of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon of enjoying their human and civil rights guaranteed in the international human rights conventions.
Mohammad’s voluntary work in more than four community organizations in the fields of youth, environment and public spaces based in Lebanon aims not only to serve Palestinian youth but also Lebanese youth because he believes that this kind of work makes him a productive community members. “ those community organizations serve community and my voluntary work helps them in delivering its services to community we live in”, Mohammad said.
Mohammad says: “ the impact of participation in IYG will be sustainable as it will enhance our skills that we need to continue our work for advocating for Palestinian rights ”.
Mohammad continued saying: “ IYG is a great opportunity allowing us to know other Palestinian youth coming from Palestinian cities and it firsthand introduces us to details of Palestinian life as we are not allowed to enter Palestine . Meeting with and talking to Palestinian, African and European youth is important deepening our understanding of Palestinian issue from youth perspective. I am really grateful to ActionAid Palestine for offering me this opportunity to participate in one of the most international youth gathering,”.
Background Information
ActionAid
ActionAid is ActionAid is a global federation working for a world free from poverty and injustice. It is a leading international charity working in over 45 countries. We work with the poorest women and children in the world, changing their lives for good. Our local staff provide immediate, hands-on support to women and children living on the margins of survival. Together we demand action at local, national and international level. We don’t walk away until we’ve achieved lasting change.
For more information, please contact:
Riham Jafari Coordinator of Advocacy&Communication in ActionAid Palestine
Mobile Number: +972 (0) 595242890
Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org