Yassin, a young man with Down Syndrome from Al Jalazon camp in the West Bank, used to feel that his opportunities were limited because of his condition. He was hesitant to interact with others, avoidant of using public transportation, and even shied away from everyday tasks like running errands.
 
However, his life took a significant turn when he enrolled in a housekeeping course at the Episcopal Technological and Vocational Training Centre (ETVTC) in Ramallah. This course, developed through a partnership between CLWR’s GRIT project and Jabal Al Nijmeh, a Palestinian organization for disabled persons, became the catalyst for Yassin’s transformation.
 
Through the GRIT project, Yassin received essential support, including funding for his training and transportation assistance, making it easier for him to attend classes. He also participated in an apprenticeship at a local hotel, where he gained hands-on experience in a real-world work setting.
 
As Yassin progressed, his confidence grew—not only in his professional skills but also in his social abilities. He learned practical skills like money management and began setting goals for his future. His family, too, noticed the change. His mother proudly remarked on his renewed sense of purpose and ambition.

Beyond technical expertise, Yassin’s experience helped him develop stronger interpersonal skills, opening him up to new relationships and fostering a greater appreciation for diversity. He became more comfortable around others, embracing differences and building connections with people from all walks of life.

In regions like the West Bank, where unemployment is already high, people with disabilities face even greater challenges in accessing employment opportunities. The GRIT project is tackling this issue by making training centers and workplaces more accessible and providing specialized tools to support people with disabilities in fully participating in education and the workforce. Although initially focused on women, GRIT expanded its support to all people with disabilities, recognizing the heightened discrimination and vulnerability they face.

Yassin’s story is a testament to the power of GRIT’s inclusive, tailored approach. It highlights the project's success in providing life-changing opportunities, and underscores why GRIT was recognized by the Disability Reference Group as a model for best practices in disability-inclusive humanitarian action and featured in their case study series: Disability Inclusion Case Study.
 
The GRIT project is funded by the Government of Canada and is implemented by Lutheran World Federation Jerusalem, in partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief. Additional funding is provided by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation.