Shahd Abduljawad
Shahd Abduljawad, a young woman from Gaza Camp, saw her dreams of higher education cut short by financial pressures. The future felt uncertain—until she discovered the Vocational Training Center’s Sues Chef diploma, offered through the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund.
At the VTC, Shahd thrived in hands-on culinary training, mastering food safety, knife skills, and traditional Palestinian dishes. Her dedication and creativity quickly stood out, and upon graduation, she secured a position at a local restaurant, putting her skills into practice and gaining professional experience.
“The opportunity with Al Ghurair didn’t just teach me how to cook; it gave me back my confidence. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Now, I have a skill no one can take from me. Every day I am learning more and saving for my dream of opening my own restaurant.” — Shahd
Shahd’s story demonstrates how practical training, mentorship, and targeted support can transform challenges into opportunities, helping young women like her build careers, achieve independence, and plan for a brighter future.
