📍 Location: Virtual (West Bank & Gaza)
📅 Date: September 2023
✍️ By: Qaf Team – Social Leaders under Sawaed19
When we started drafting our third initiative under the Qaf Program in collaboration with Shiam Organization, we knew exactly where to focus: nonprofit empowerment. We’ve seen firsthand how many local organizations are fueled by passion, but held back by lack of access to strategic tools, digital communication, or volunteer engagement techniques.
So we launched “Empowerment Pathways” (مبادرة مسارات نحو التمكين), a virtual learning journey aimed at supporting nonprofits from the West Bank and Gaza to enhance their influence and sustainability.
And as always, we leaned on zero-budget solutions, powered by knowledge-sharing and trust.
💻 From Offline to Online: Accessibility First
Originally, we envisioned this training to be in-person. But as we reflected on our goals and the reality of limited mobility across Palestine, we pivoted. Thanks to our collaboration with the Palestine NGO Network, we were able to host all sessions virtually, breaking barriers of access and cost.
Our objectives were clear:
- Teach nonprofits how to design attractive and strategic volunteer programs
- Equip them with digital advocacy tools
- Share hands-on insights into social innovation and entrepreneurship
Each session was led by professionals from our wider Sawaed19 network, and co-designed with the participants to reflect real-world NGO challenges.
📈 The Numbers & The Narrative
- 30–50 nonprofit professionals participated
- Representing organizations across Palestine, from Jerusalem to Rafah
- The sessions were structured yet fluid, allowing for interactive feedback loops
- We still have one final session scheduled—to give space for real absorption, not just information dumping
One participant said:
“I’ve attended many trainings, but this was the first time I felt like the content actually ‘spoke’ to what I do daily at my organization.”
🔁 Why It Matters
In a country where civil society carries more weight than most, empowering NGOs means empowering entire communities. This initiative was about more than skills—it was about confidence, connection, and collective advancement.
We didn’t just teach tools—we sparked new thinking.
We didn’t just share tips—we co-created new paths forward.
🙏 Thanks & Takeaways
A big shoutout to the Palestine NGO Network for helping us reach the right people at the right time.
This initiative reminded us that sometimes, all you need is a screen, a story, and a shared purpose, and suddenly, the distance between Gaza and Ramallah disappears.
Stay tuned for more insights as we wrap up the final session and keep building these pathways, one empowered nonprofit at a time.
