As the YES 15th anniversary celebration continues, we are proud to highlight Libya! One of the newest YES countries, Libya joined the program starting in 2013. In the short time since then, many YES alumni from Libya have already gone on to do amazing things - like Siraj, who is continuing his education on the Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship through the US State Department's US-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

By Siraj Belgassium (YES 2013 - 2014, Libya, hosted by AYA in Pottsville, PA) 

"On the YES program I studied a number of courses but focused on learning programming and took it to be a hobby soon after. I was one of the first students in Libya to attend YES, along with Rolina Elbijou and Mohamed Ahtash.

"The program has changed me in many ways, not only has it improved me as a person but developed my characteristics as well. Ever since the program, I have been active in my community as much as I can and tried to give back to the community that raised me. Despite the fact that I was the only one from my cohort that was present in the country, that didn’t hinder my actions and work.

"I want to inspire future generations to apply for the YES program and show how much impact it can have on an individual. Having everything that I succeeded in and achieved ever since the program would be a great example for them from the volunteer events I conducted to the conferences I attended. The program is not only an academic program but it develops the individual in a way that will help him in society as well; YES changed me for the better and invested in my future not just for the year on program but for the long term.   

"I have developed a set of skills that not only helped me in my social life and community but helped me gain a job that helped me financially. Before the program, talking or standing in front of a crowd was never something I considered in doing, but after YES I joined two NGOs and gained a job teaching English to students of all ages. All this would have never been possible if it wasn’t for the YES program!"

Siraj has been involved with a number of exciting initiatives that you can read about on the YES website! Including:

• A radio talk show 
• Preparing new students at Pre-Departure Orientations
• Charity events in Tripoli
• The Tomorrow's Leaders Program
• Beyond YES Regional Alumni Workshop