Said Issa is a Palestinian young man (22 years old) living in Rafah Governorate in the south of besieged Gaza Strip. Said is a university student studying law and international law. Said supports his academic background with his humanitarian and community activism by joining many organizations in implementing right and community activities. Those activities offer youth the opportunity to serve their community and sharpen their knowledge with practical experience.
Said had the opportunity to participate in strategic thinking program that is implemented by the Palestinian Centre for Policy Research and Strategic Studies (MASARAT) in partnership with ActionAid Palestine (AAP) through its program of “Civil and Democratic Participation of Palestinian Youth”. The educational and training activities of that program aim to build youth capacities, enhance their skills, and strengthen their connectedness to their community. Said expresses his happiness towards participation in this program saying: “those activities have provided me with knowledge about national issues of concerns to all Palestinians. They also allowed me to meet my pioneers from West Bank, Gaza Strip and Green Line”.
Said is an active volunteer joining many community initiatives and organizations believing in the importance of voluntary work in building community and improving skills of youth. Said says: “voluntary work has strengthened my leadership and entrepreneurship skills, my giving and community affiliation. It also increased community confidence in young people and their capacities to serve it. Volunteering promoted principles of social responsibility which motivate me to continue my community activism for developing my society and making change for better society”.