At the Beit Jala Vocational Training Center, where dreams meet skills, the story of Areen Da’na begins. A student in the Electronic Marketing Department, she never expected to become the voice of her peers and the first female president of a student parliament in vocational centers across Palestine. This new and vibrant experience was led by the Student Forum Institute in partnership with the center, providing youth with a space to express themselves and make an impact within an educational environment that blends theory with practice.

Areen didn’t settle for just being a student; she confidently stepped into a leadership role representing the aspirations of her peers. She led a parliament born from a genuine need to empower youth and develop their personalities in a practical vocational environment. Under her leadership, the parliament began implementing tangible activities: rehabilitating activity rooms, creating a green space for relaxation, and improving the overall appearance of the center to make it more vibrant and welcoming.

“It was a unique experience,” Areen says. “It was like simulating university elections but inside a vocational center. We were trying to prove that vocational students are also capable of influence and leadership.”

Omar Awad, the Public Relations Coordinator at the Student Forum Institute, sees this experience as a pioneering model for change. The parliament provided a real space for students to express their opinions and carry out their initiatives. From dialogue sessions discussing their daily issues to training workshops that developed their life skills, the parliament formed a bridge between education and the community.

As for the impact, it wasn’t limited to inside the center only. Awad says, “The initiatives carried out by the parliament left a clear mark on the center’s environment and helped strengthen the students’ sense of belonging and initiative.”

This is how Areen’s story transformed from that of a student in a vocational class to an inspiring leader driving change with a collective spirit, opening doors for other students to follow the same path.

This story was produced as part of the “Youth in Decision-Making” project, implemented by the Student Forum Institute in partnership with Norwegian People's Aid.