In early March, two Gazan YES alumni, Omar Alrabi and Yahya Ashour, joined the Gateway to Health project as guest speakers. Gateway to Health was a three-day project that two Gazan English Access Microscholarship alumnae, Niveen Lubbad and Dana Al Kahlout, initiated to educate 20 high school students and college freshmen about the importance of physical and mental health.  

On March 3, Omar Alrabi spoke about his experience in creating a healthy lifestyle for himself. He gave several tips on how to integrate healthy nutrition into daily life with several food recipes and suggestions for exercise. He then explained how these elements have an overall positive impact on carrying out basic responsibilities at school and at work.  

On March 5, Yahya Ashour led a session about mental health, where he spoke about the importance of eating a healthy diet to maintain and improve mental health. He also emphasized the value of physical exercise for mental health. Later on March 6, both Omar and Yahya held a session about athletics and how participating in sports leads to a positive impact on physical and mental health. Together, Omar and Yahya prepared a healthy breakfast with the participants and played sports like basketball and football.

The participants benefited greatly from both Yahya’s and Omar’s practical tips and the two YES alumni valued the opportunity to share their experiences in pursuing a healthy lifestyle. 

Omar Alrabi (YES 2012–2013, Gaza, placed by PAX in Morro Bay, CA)

Yahya Ashour (YES 2014–2015, Gaza, placed by YFU in Fostoria, OH)