Out of the Rubble: Islam Al-Barbari’s Path to Change in Yalla Change 6

In a city exhausted by genocide and destruction, hope sometimes emerges from the most difficult moments. This is where the journey of Islam Al-Barbari, an English language and translation graduate, began. The war has become a profound turning point in his life, and his determination later led him to join the sixth season of the “Yalla Change” programme.

Social Development Forum launched the new season in September 2025 with 60 young men and women across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as part of its longstanding contributions to empower youth to  drive positive community change. The programme is implemented in partnership with the Norwegian People’s Aid Association (NPA).

When nothing ever stays the same again

Islam’s memory is occupied with scenes from the genocidal war that turned his life upside down. The destruction was not just an image on a screen, it has become the reality of his existence, through which he endured losing  his home, loved ones, and the safety he once felt. Reflecting on those moments, he says: “I felt I am not alive, but barely surviving.”

Amid the struggle with his own thoughts, Islam, an ambitious young man always eager to grow and embrace new experiences, realized a  perspective: “We built our first life, and we can rebuild again, even better than before the genocide.”

While many young people consider travelling abroad, Islam has decided to stay in Gaza. He rejects the idea of migration, believing that real change begins from within, not from escape.

Rising Again

Islam embarked on a new journey in his life, one filled with learning, hard work, and perseverance. He enrolled himself in several training courses -both paid and free- across various fields to explore new horizons. He even reconnected with his core profession, translation, and began working online again.

He initially endured financial and well-being challenges but overcame them through determination and a willingness to seize opportunities. He considered each new experience as a small step toward rebuilding his life.

Believing knowledge is the gateway to empowerment, Islam closely followed youth development programs in Gaza. While browsing the SDF’s social media pages, he came across a call for applicants for the “Yalla Change” program. He instantly submitted his application and attached a short video expressing his deep interest in joining this outstanding program.

Islam describes his acceptance as “a glimpse of hope after  times of despair”. From the very first component of the program -the capacity building training, he knew this experience would be unlike anything he had experienced before.

Yalla Change: A New Chapter

On the first day, trainer Ahmed Murtaja led a session on well-being and resilience and connectign tooneself after trauma. The discussion resonated deeply with Islam, addressing his own pain. He recalls: “The trainer reminded us we weren’t chosen from 900 applicants by chance, but because we carry geniuine potential to lead change. That moment made me believe I’m not just a survivor, but someone capable of contributing to the community.”

The training went beyond theory, it was a human-centered space full of interaction. Islam found himself among young peers who shared the passion to overcome pain and create impact.

“It felt like we were a group that emerged from the rubble, united by one goal: to create change and give new meaning to life in Gaza,” Islam says.

Over six days of training, he immersed himself in social change concepts, youth initiative design, and humanitarian work, learning from trainers who didn’t just share knowledge, but represented inspiration and encouragement.

I learned from them that change doesn’t just come from ideas, but from believing we are the change itself.

From Pain to Gain

During the capcity building program, Islam was introduced to new perspectives. The genocide was no longer just a personal tragedy, it became a human experience that could deepen his empathy and understanding of others’ suffering.

The Gazan youth explains: “The program provided me with the tools to understand humanitarian work professionally and design initiatives that create real impact in people’s lives.” What impressed him most was the space for open dialogue and exchange of experience among participants, creating an environment of mutual support, collaboration, and trust.

As  the training concluded, Islam feels it wasn’t just a chapter, but a driving force toward the future. He’s more motivated than ever to apply his learning through  youth initiatives supporting the recovery of the displaced community.

I believe learning never ends, and what I started with Yalla Change is only the first step. I have many ideas I want to bring to life projects to support people while helping me to grow too.