Gaza’s enterprising youth

Written by Mohammed Ismail

Facing a bleak future in Gaza, enterprising young people feel let down and ignored, says Islamic Relief child welfare worker Mohammad Abdel Majeed Ismaeel. Some are losing their lives. Others are risking perilous journeys to seek opportunities elsewhere. Their stories must be heard this International Youth Day and beyond.

Today’s youth face many challenges. Globally around 126 million, or 30% of employed youth remain in extreme or moderate poverty despite having a job. More than 115 million are unable to read and write and close to 497 million are unemployed. In Gaza, young people are struggling more than usual, as they experience the world’s highest youth unemployment rate and limited spaces in which they can express themselves.

Many feel they face a bleak future.

Through my work with Islamic Relief in Gaza, I work directly with our targeted families and young people. Everywhere I go, I hear young people expressing their despair and exhaustion. Gaza’s youth feel there are no places where they can use their skills and knowledge.

They tell me they feel let down by everyone. Many believe their life has no purpose and have lost all hope for a better future. Tragically, some have even taken their own lives.

Seeking a better life elsewhere

Sharif* is a business administration graduate who has been trying to provide for himself and his family – he is their sole breadwinner. He volunteered with many organisations hoping to gain the skills and experience to secure a decent job. But after a year applying for every available job, all in vain, he made the hard decision to leave everything behind to seek asylum in Europe in pursuit of a better life.

“You can’t say we are living normal life in Gaza. Once a young man cannot buy himself an item of clothing, a good meal, or even live a secure peaceful life, life becomes worthless. I am leaving Gaza holding a huge dream that things will get better for me. But I am uncertain how it will turn out,” Sharif told me in frustration.

Unlike Sharif, Rawand is not leaving Gaza, but she is feeling frustrated. An outstanding translator, she has worked in many organisations but has suffered as businesses downsize and jobs become increasingly scarce. When we were in college she graduated top of her class, yet she lost many chances for postgraduate studies abroad due to movement restrictions.

“Youth in Gaza are losing hope more and more without any way of salvation. I am one of the unemployed youth who graduated and volunteered for several years. Suddenly, with this chaotic situation, lack of funding, and the high unemployment rate, I have been jobless for more than two years now, even though I have extensive experience in translation. Furthermore our dreams of postgraduate studies, are suspended by the movement restrictions, social norms, and being financially incapacitated,” Rawand said.

Mahmoud tried to invest in his artistic talent to make a living for himself and his family, however it is very hard to convince families to spend money on artwork when they cannot meet their food and basic needs. Mahmoud traveled to Europe for higher education, and decided not to return.