From grassroots to global impact: A Palestinian voice on building a startup for social good
Ireland– July 8, 2024 – As part of the Ideas Collective 2024 hosted by STAND Ireland, Sawaed19 co-founder Hiba Awaysa was invited to deliver a session on how a simple idea rooted in community need grew into a tech-driven platform for volunteering and civic innovation in Palestine.
🔗 Program details: stand.ie/what-we-do/ideas-collective
📸 Social Media Recap: Instagram post by STAND
Speaking to an engaged audience of young changemakers and social entrepreneurs in Dublin, Hiba shared the journey of Sawaed19—from its roots during a time of crisis to its emergence as a powerful platform that connects volunteers, trains organizations, and fuels youth leadership across Palestine.
Hiba Awaysa, co-founder of Sawaed19, Palestine, gave a thoroughly comprehensive insight into how she took an idea for positive social impact and made it into a soaring success story. We loved collaborating with Hiba and Sawaed19 and look forward to continuing our partnership. Think globally, act globally!
– STAND Ireland, via Instagram
The workshop focused on turning passion into action, building resilience as a social leader under occupation, and using innovation to overcome limitations in funding, freedom of movement, and civil society infrastructure. Hiba also emphasized the importance of regional and international solidarity in keeping hope alive through grassroots efforts.
“Ideas can grow in the harshest soil. Sawaed19 is proof that when you start with people and purpose, the world will hear you,” Hiba shared with the participants.
This collaboration reflects the essence of both organizations: building bridges between global citizens, amplifying unheard voices, and supporting bold ideas for a better world.
Sawaed19 thanks STAND Ireland for the invitation and looks forward to more joint initiatives in education, civic engagement, and international solidarity.
