In honor of #WorldYouthSkillsDay, UPA recognizes one of the many successful beneficiaries of the Small Business Development Program.

Ahmed Jaber is a 19-year-old Palestinian who grew up in AlNusairat refugee camp south of Gaza City. His previous job at a salon used to earn him only 200 shekels (about $50) per month. Ahmed was very skilled at his job; some customers refused to be served by anyone but him.

He and his nine immediate family members were struggling to survive on his father’s income. His father is a taxi driver who is plagued by back pain. Ahmed had participated in vocational training but did not have the means to establish his own business until UPA intervened.

“I was always dreamt of owning a barber salon. I love this profession…But unfortunately, the poor source of income was the only obstacle preventing me from starting my own business,” said Ahmed.

UPA provided Ahmed with everything he needed to start his own salon. His new salon has flourished and he now earns around $30 per day – enough to support his family. During one of UPA’s recent visits to his shop, he exclaimed, “I’m seeing people I haven’t seen since 2013!”

UPA’s Small Business Development Program provides unemployed Palestinians adults with business training, start-up resources and the confidence they need to start or expand their own business.