According to the United Nations, there are 1.2 billion young aged 15 to 24 years in the world today. Young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. This is true, especially in Gaza, where the unemployment rate is 66% for adults under 29 years of age.

Ahead of World Youth Skills Day on July 15^th, we are highlighting some of the young Palestinian business owners who are thriving under occupation and siege. The crumbling and unstable Gaza economy impacts everyone in the region, who are trying to stay afloat. Business owners like Ayat, remind us that all hope is not lost and that organizations like UPA, with your support, can do more to help small businesses thrive.

Read Ayat’s story below:

A young business owner, Ayat is a prime example of the Palestinian will to succeed in spite of their circumstances. Ayat has had many artistic talents from a very young age. Though she suffers from hearing loss due to an accident as a child, she was determined to make a better life for herself and her children living in Gaza. After struggling for years to make ends meet, Ayat opened a bakery that gave her the means to exercise her creativity and supporting her family.

Like so many other young business owners, getting started, especially in Gaza, which currently has an unemployment rate of 42 percent, can be difficult. However, because of Ayat’s determination and savviness to succeed, she sought help from UPA’s Small Business Development program.

Armed with an impressive social media following, Ayat needed UPA’s assistance to help grow her home-based business. Her work kitchen was a small room attached to her home. After assessing her needs,  UPA provided her with a refrigerator, freezer, a gas stove, and a light box kit to take better photos of her creations to post online. Since many of Ayat’s customers come from social media—having the right setup was essential in how she presented her baked masterpieces. Since receiving UPA’s assistance, Ayat’s profits increased from $50 a month to $250 a month.

“I cannot describe my gratitude to UPA for their help with my business,” said Ayat. “Now I’m able to take orders without any delays, which has increased the trust between the customers and me.  I’m able to receive and make orders on the same day, because of my new oven, freezer, and refrigerator.”