Mohammed Abo Galy: How Wasla impacted his community participation

Mohammed Abo Galy, 20 years old

Mohammed studies physics at the Islamic University and has a partial hearing impairment. He is passionate about reading and science and is very interested in staying up to date with the latest scientific research in his field. As for community participation, Mohammed did not participate in any youth programs or social change activities.

While browsing social media, Mohammed came across the application to join a youth program that brings together young people with and without disabilities to advocate for youth rights and issues. He liked the idea and later applied and accepted into the training program after passing the personal interview stage which meant to test the applicant interest and commitment to the program and his/her communication skills. “I was one of the firsts to sign up for Wasla training since its announcement on social media. It was a link between youth with and without disabilities to integrate them into society and assert their rights and advocate for national and social issues. Although this is the first time that I participated in a youth-focused training program, I successfully passed the interview stage, expressing my goal to further develop my character and become more involved in society.” says Mohammed

Mohammed participated in a training program on digital advocacy for the rights of youth and persons with disabilities with 62 young men and women with and without disabilities from the different governorates of the Gaza Strip. The training focused on leadership skills and community change. Describing his experience, Mohammed states, “My colleagues and I were able to learn new information about lobbying campaigns and how to use social media properly. The training enabled me to meet new friends with and without disabilities. I exchanged knowledge with them and participated in activities becoming more social unlike before, The week went by very quickly during training and the best part was having so many lively training exercise which we couldn’t wait to implement every day which helped break the ice and the routine. The different training topics were also a reason for active participation with the trainers. I also can’t forgot the efforts of my team who were very cooperative. Everyone left a mark with me”. Mohammed also pointed out that this opportunity was a mean to build capacities and the beginning toward real change that seeks to achieve freedom and basic rights. He added that his experience encouraged him to have a more active role in the community.

It is noted that Wasla project is led by the Social Developmental Forum in partnership with Medical Aid for Palestinians- MAP on the basis that access to basic services is not exclusive and rights are indivisible, especially when talking about disadvantaged groups such as youth and people with disabilities.