Connecting Displaced Palestinians with Mentorships and Tech Education

Wasla means "to connect" and our approach is threefold:

  1. Mentorship Program: 4 month mentorship that pairs participants with experienced tech professionals for personalized mentorship and guidance.

  2. Soft Skills Training: Live training sessions designed to enhance essential career and job readiness skills.

  3. Live in-person and remote university courses aimed at bridging skill gaps and empowering displaced Palestinians with the knowledge needed to excel in the tech sector.

By bridging the gap between displaced communities and the tech industry, we aim to create opportunities for growth, resilience, and success.

Overview

What We Do

Wasla Connect focuses on empowering displaced Palestinians by providing them with essential technical skills, mentorship, and opportunities to lead and innovate. Our goal is to help them rebuild their lives and thrive in a competitive job market. By offering targeted support, we aim to create pathways for their success and integration into the tech industry.

About Us

Wasla Connect was founded by a group of experienced technology and leadership professionals committed to identifying ways to use tech for good, build bridges and foster connections. Wasla Connect uses adaptive technologies to address conflicts, build resilient communities, and promote innovation and growth, even in challenging circumstances.

Our Success Stories

  • “Wasla Connect gave me more than just career support — it gave me purpose. The mentor I was connected with, along with Thouheed’s belief in me, helped reignite the confidence I had lost. Through Wasla, I gained access to a supportive network, hands-on mentorship, and the motivation I needed to move forward.”

    Baraah Abu Abadi

  • “Thanks to Wasla’s support, participating in the IELTS course at the American University in Cairo has been a valuable experience. With the help of an outstanding instructor, I’ve improved my language skills and learned to manage time more effectively—especially in writing and speaking. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.”

    Mohammed AbuShoqair

  • “Despite my achievements—from top ranks in Palestine to being accepted into the MIT Data Science program—financial challenges as an expatriate student in the UAE made it hard to keep moving forward. Wasla gave me the support I needed to prepare for the IELTS exam, easing one of the biggest barriers to unlocking new academic and career opportunities.”

    Nadaa Saad

  • “As a software engineer with international experience, I’ve always aimed to pursue a Master’s degree and eventually build an institution to empower creative minds in my community. But without an IELTS score, I kept missing out on scholarship opportunities—especially ones dedicated to Palestinians. Wasla helped me overcome this barrier by connecting me with the right course and support system. Now, I’m finally on track to apply for the opportunities I’ve dreamed of.”

    Niveen Alkhozondar

  • “Wasla was a life-changing experience. I started as a mentee and became a team member, gaining real career opportunities and confidence. With my mentor’s support, I organized my skills, applied for scholarships, and now I’m taking an IELTS course to continue my studies. Thank you, Wasla Connect, for the support and guidance.”

    Nour Enaia

  • “Wasla helped me connect with people in my field, opening new horizons and practical opportunities to grow my skills and advance in my career.”

    Omar Hathat

  • “After losing my job at Nvidia and my home in Gaza due to the recent war, I faced unimaginable setbacks. Wasla became a lifeline—supporting me in my journey to rebuild. Through their help, I’m now preparing for the IELTS exam, a step that brings me closer to new academic and professional opportunities.”

    Raed Eleyan

  • “The Digital Ecosystem workshop at the American University was a turning point in my journey with Wasla. It shifted the way I think about software development and sparked new ideas. Since then, I’ve grown not only technically but also in creativity and problem-solving. It truly inspired me to keep evolving.”

    Raghad Abu Shammalah