SOS Children’s Villages Palestine held the closing ceremony of its “Rise and Help” program in Bethlehem, celebrating the graduation of 20 young women and men who completed twelve months of volunteering with 20 partner community organizations. The ceremony was attended by representatives of partner organizations and staff of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine.

The ceremony was opened by Mrs. Ghada Hirzallah, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Palestine, welcoming the graduates and partners and expressing her pride in the graduates. “What these young people gave over a full year was more than volunteer hours. It was real giving that touched the lives of children and families in our communities. We are proud of them, and we believe this experience will stay with them in every step ahead.”

During the ceremony, participants received their graduation certificates, and a short film shared the experiences of several graduates and their journey through the program.

“Rise and Help” is part of the Global Scholarship Program, supported by SOS Children’s Villages Worldwide . It offers young people aged 18 to 30 a grant covering their living expenses for a full year, so they can dedicate themselves to volunteering, full-time or part-time, with organizations of their own choosing. These organizations work in poverty reduction, child and youth care, education and health, the rights of children and girls, and climate change. The program pays particular attention to young women, who often face additional social and cultural barriers.

Throughout the year, participants worked alongside teams at schools, community centers, and partner organizations, gaining a close understanding of social work and its daily demands. Several of them also rethought their study and career choices after discovering fields they had never known before.

Through its youth empowerment programs, SOS Children’s Villages Palestine continues to support young people as they move into university life and the job market, giving them the space and support to discover their abilities and create change in their communities.