My Story with “Go School”

Our community faces a lack of experiences, resources, abilities, thoughts, and capabilities because of the siege. Thus, the Social Developmental Forum and with the participants with “GIZ” has established the “Go School” idea. At that time, I was trying to adapt to my routine. Moreover, I have thoughts about changing myself and my community, but I didn’t know how to do that and where should I start, especially since I am a young woman in my twenties and finished university this year.

Go School”, is a unique school. It has been applied for the first time in Gaza. I got lucky, and was chosen to become a student at this school, so that from here my journey with change begins and gradually appears.

Yes. It is a school where we have a morning queue, a salute to the flag, a lot of activity and motivation before we move to our classes, but it is far from the routine of exams and stressful study. It is a school that depends on application and movement, and this is the most important thing!

Its goal: How can young people have an active role in their society. Yes, I am a young woman at the age of twenty, but I was not familiar with all the information about the authorities and local government bodies. However, my welling to change attracts me to work hard to be active member in my community not just an only a member.

How can we change our selves, as it is said in the holy Quran:” إن الله لا يغير ما بقوم حتى يغيروا ما بأنفسهم” “Allah does not change what is in a nation unless they change what is in themselves”?

I was often inclined to loneliness and did not like gatherings and mixing, but in “Go School” I was competing with my full awareness and well to get to know, work in a team spirit, help and respond to the call of the other! Despite the shortage of time, it was only 6 days; it left an unforgettable impact on me. Although we were from different ages and places, we never felt that way.

I was often ashamed, and did not like to argue or ask, nor did I talk much. Suddenly, I saw myself in “GO School” sitting with decision-makers, and ahead of local government. I became able to express my opinion. As a person living in my community, I have the right to question and oppose.

It is a safe hold experience. It is the experience of employing your abilities to reach safety. Thus, I will not forget the speech of [Merei Basheir] our trainer in that school, which he quoted it, from the well-known writer [Ghassan Kanafani], he said: “you cannot find the sun in a closed room”.

Indeed, 20 is the age of opportunity. Therefore, do not stay in a closed room, but go ahead and catch up with life and do not forget to live.