العربية
Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, recently engaged in an inspiring panel discussion with a group of Gaza youth from the UNRWA IT Service Centre (ITSC).
Held on July 23, the panel discussion was moderated by Hala Shaheen, IMTD Communications Consultant, and highlighted the significance of technology in shaping a brighter future for Gaza youth and bringing hope to youth for generations to come.
The panelists included Etaf Abu Hadda, DevSecOps Engineer; Rawia Yaghi, Software Developer; Mohammed Al Omari, BI Engineer Intern; Nesma Abu Shammala, Software Development Trainee; and Ibrahim Al Talaa, Software Development Trainee.
Additionally, Tom White, Director of UNRWA affairs; Amal Khatib, Deputy Director of UNRWA affairs; and Tamara Alrifai, Director of External Relations and Communications, were present to offer support and engage with the participants.
During the open panel, our panelists passionately addressed the stigma around Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, stressing that some youth feel compelled to pursue traditional university degrees. Rawia Yaghi and Ibrahim Al Talaa shared their personal experiences and explained what led them to opt for TVET programs. Mohammed Al Omari emphasized the importance of fostering a more informed approach to career choices even before entering universities.
Another topic discussed is the gap between the education they received and current labor market demands. Nesma Abu Shamala added that the curricula of Gaza’s universities are not up to date and that the teaching and evaluation methods are still traditional. The panelists highlighted how the IT Service Centre played a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing them with practical, hands-on experience in their fields of interest.
Etaf Abu Hadda, DevSecOps Engineer working with UNICC, commented saying:
Challenges in Gaza, such as limited access to electricity and internet, were also raised during the discussion. The young participants expressed a desire for more accessible workspaces and opportunities to continue their careers in the tech industry despite these infrastructural barriers.
The discussion took a thought-provoking turn when the panelists discussed the influx of graduates in the IT sector and the potential risk of unemployment. Panelists also discussed whether the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents opportunities or threats to the job market. The lively discussion highlighted the need for continuous adaptation and upskilling in the fast-evolving technological landscape.
Commissioner-General Lazzarini praised the remarkable insights and forward-thinking exhibited by the young Gaza participants. He encouraged them to envision a prosperous future beyond ITSC and to aim high by applying to both local and international tech companies or even starting their own businesses. Mr. Lazzarini also emphasized the importance of overcoming existing obstacles to transform Gaza into a regional technology hub, creating new opportunities for the youth and fostering economic growth.
“To become the Bangalore of the region, there are quite a number of obstacles, and these obstacles need to be addressed in order to achieve this,” said Mr. Lazzarini.
It is worth mentioning that Bangalore in India is considered a significant tech region. It is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India” due to its prominent position in the technology industry. Bangalore has emerged as a major hub for information technology (IT), software development, and other tech-related services in India and globally.
The panel discussion served as a testament to the resilience and potential of the young generation in Gaza, and UNRWA’s commitment to empowering them through digital education and technological advancement. As the youth of Gaza continue to embrace technology, the world can look forward to witnessing their contributions in shaping a brighter and more promising future for the region.
