Dalal 33, from Jericho, who despite her physical disability, pursued her higher education and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from AL Quds Open University. 

In addition to her disability, Dalal comes from a low income family that consists of 8 members. The family was severely impacted by the spread of Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns.  Her father’s job, who is a taxi driver and the sole source of income for the family, was cut-off for a long time during the pandemic, which led to increased financial challenges and difficult living conditions for the family. 

The hash living condition of the family, and after 4 years of unsuccessful attempts and search for a job in education, Dalal decided to learn a profession that would help her find a job and support her family, so in 2020 she joined the EJ-YMCA Vocational Training Center in Jericho, and and lived in its dormitory.  

During her 1st year at the VTC, she studied Graphic Design and was trained on many subjects, such as office secretary, e-marketing, photography and English language. On her second year, she was referred for practical training at the Academy of Security Sciences (Al-Istiklal University), within three months, she was offered a full time job at the Academy’s Administrative Affairs Department.  Dalal is very grateful for this opportunity she said: “Although I did not get a job with my university degree, yet I’m glad I made the decision to join the vocational training program at the YMCA VTC, this has helped me access the labour market and support my family”.